afternoon tea the park room

This weekend, why not spend a few hours indulging in the very British tradition of afternoon tea? We’ve selected the most unique, luxurious, elegant and accommodating to intrigue and delight this season. So, whether you’re looking for a weekday treat or a full weekend of cake, culture and cuppas, these are the places to have on your radar and the events to mark in your diary…

The V&A, Knightsbridge

Serving Newby Teas in the lush Garden Cafe all year round, there’s now a chance to step back into a historical wonderland and surround yourself with the pomp and lustre of the Victorian era for an afternoon tea like no other. The V&A has partnered with Benugo and food historian Natasha Marks to recreate Queen Victoria’s favorite tea for those who dream of an era gone by. Expect authentic treats, traditional crockery and all manner of delicious loose leaf teas every Sunday afternoon.

The Park Room at Grosvenor House, Mayfair

Relax in the lap of luxury at Grosvenor House, a five-star London institution serving classic afternoon tea in the famed Park Room. Be sure to dress to impress and check the Park Room website for tips on etiquette. Anna’s Tea, named after the custom’s royal inventor, is a delightful selection of sandwiches, pastries and scones that come highly recommended by afternoon tea connoisseurs. There’s also a children’s tea, should you want to treat your little ones to a special day out.

Blenheim Palace, Oxford

Take a leaf out of Churchill’s book and enjoy your tea in the lavish surroundings of Blenheim Palace. Nibble on scones and enjoy luxury teas and tisanes all year round, or book a unique festive tea this December and learn all about the etiquette of the tradition among real-life royalty instead. After cake and conversation, enjoy an unforgettable tour of the exquisite palace and gardens and make a few memories you’re sure to cherish for years to come.

The Goring, Belgravia

What’s a trip to the city without an award-winning cream tea at a five-star venue? Sup on loose leaf blends and scones at The Goring Tea Room or book a unique festive tea complete with Christmas cakes and gingerbread snowflakes for a seasonal treat. Enjoy smooth teas or fruity tisanes, then pop a bottle of champagne and finish your afternoon in style. Be sure to take a picture or two of the decadent surroundings, ideal if you have an Instagram feed to fill.

Old Swan and Minster Mill, The Cotswolds

What’s more relaxing and romantic than a picnic in the Cotswolds? At the Old Swan and Minster Mill, you can enjoy locally-sourced sandwiches, scones, cake and fine teas in stunning surroundings, all from a luxury picnic hamper. Wrap up for a fresh look at the English countryside in winter, or book ahead for a lazy summer day in paradise. After tea, it’s worth hitting the spa at this luxury inn for the perfect and relaxing end to a day of pure indulgence.