You don’t have to have a reason to go for afternoon tea, but next week is Afternoon Tea Week (August 10 to August 16) so we might as well celebrate the occasion, right?

 

Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, created and introduced afternoon tea sessions in England in the 1840s as a way to cure hunger pangs experienced at midday.

Queen Mary outlined the perfect etiquette and menu for afternoon tea and the tradition of finger foods, sweet and savoury sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and the tea (more recently a glass of fizz option) are all the components of this celebrated English tradition.

English Heritage has some top cafes and tearooms which are serving up goodies from things grown in the kitchen gardens, cakes baked to historical recipes and as much locally-sourced produce as possible.

Here are some of the favourites around the country.

Take in stunning views of Rievaulx Abbey as you tuck into a treat in the café, which serves hot and cold drinks and a selection of high-quality food made with locally sourced ingredients. From sandwiches, soup, cakes, tray bakes and scones, children's lunchboxes are also available. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace where you can soak up the atmosphere of the abbey while enjoying your meal or afternoon tea. Find out more here.

 

Tasty treats at Tintagel Castle (Image: English Heritage)

With its bright and airy decor, the Beach Cafe at Tintagel Castle is the perfect place for a tasty snack. Light lunches, delicious cakes and freshly-baked scones are on offer, as well as traditional Cornish pasties, delicious sweet treats and local beers. On summer days, Cornish ice cream is available to cool you down. You can also treat your four-legged friends to some dog ice cream at Tintagel Castle. Check it out here.

 

Unwind with a visit to the Stables Tearoom at Kenilworth Castle. There’s plenty of seating inside and out and the tearoom is within the magnificent Tudor timber-framed stables building. It offers a delicious selection of cakes and light lunches, made from seasonal ingredients and sourced from local suppliers. Children's meals are also available. Take a break here.

 

Enjoy indoor or al fresco dining at the Orchid House Café at Eltham Palace, located next to the play area, and relax with a tasty lunch or quick afternoon treat. The café offers hot and cold lunches, children's sandwiches, afternoon cakes and hot and cold drinks. And don’t forget to pick up your next page-turner at the second-hand bookshop in the Oak Room. Find out more via this link to the website.

 

Glasshouse Cafe at Walmer Castle (Image: English Heritage)

At Walmer Castle there are two places to enjoy a tasty treat. The Lord Warden’s Tearoom offers a seasonal menu of snacks, lunches and homemade cakes along with a range of hot and cold drinks. You’ll find the tearoom tucked into the castle’s old fortifications. Over at the Glasshouse Café, enjoy views of the beautiful kitchen garden and sample a selection of sandwiches, snacks and afternoon teas either inside the cafe itself, or on the plentiful outside seating overlooking the garden. Be inspired right here.

There are plenty more tea rooms and cafes waiting to be discovered at English Heritage sites and you can save on your visit to its historic sites as we’ve teamed up with English Heritage to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships.

English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.

Want to find out more? Check out the link to the English Heritage website here.

Use code AFFNW25 at the checkout.

Offer ends: December 31, 2026.

T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.