Everyone loves a little treat now and then, and no treat is more delightful than an afternoon tea.
So if you’re coming up to the Lakes and celebrating something a bit special there are certainly lots of choices! Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, a Mother’s Day treat or a girlie weekend away, there is something rather special about afternoon tea. The only issue will be being spoilt for choice…
Continue reading to take a look at our guide to the best afternoon tea in the Lake District…..
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Best Afternoon Tea in the Lake District
First on the list of our best afternoon tea spots in the Lake District is afternoon tea at the Gilpin Lake House in Windermere.
Located within the stunning landscape of the Lake District, Gilpin Lake House promises the perfect ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea experience like no other.
Afternoon tea options include selections of freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade savouries, and scones, alongside a selection of indulgent sweet treats, accompanied by a selection of tea or coffee, from classic blends to more exotic flavours.
Why not treat yourself again with options including prosecco and even Champagne while taking in the stunning views over Knipe Tarn and of the surrounding landscape or for cosying up by the fire?
Afternoon tea is served daily at Gilpin Lake House between 12:30pm – 3:30pm, with prices starting from £30, upgrade to £39.50 for afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco and £46 for afternoon tea and a glass of champagne.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a luxurious experience, Gilpin Lake House offers all you could need for the perfect afternoon tea.
Now for an interesting take on the afternoon tea, with an Afternoon G&Tea with a Tour at Shed One Distillery.
As featured in The Sunday Times “Seven Best Affordable Afternoon Teas” and a winner of Visit England’s Excellence Award winner for Best Experience, Silver, 2023 and The Gin Guide’s Environmental Sustainability Winner for the last 4 years.
Come and enjoy this botanical-inspired Afternoon G&Tea!
A welcome tipple awaits you, followed by a distillery tour by the owners and distillers, Andy & Zoe. Then, head to the stylish bar and enjoy the specially created Afternoon Tea incorporating botanicals used in our gins and vodkas, all while enjoying the views of Ulverston’s iconic Pepperpot.
From items such as Pink Peppercorn and Rose sponge cake to Ginger shortbread with Elderflower and Ginger icing. All savoury bites, sweet treats and scones are vegetarian & gluten-free, other dietary requirements can be accommodated with notice.
Afternoon G&Tea is served at 2pm on most Fridays & Saturdays, so make sure you book in advance for this. The experience is expected to be around 2 hours and is £29 each, this includes the tour and afternoon tea and you must be over 18 to experience this afternoon tea. You also get 10% of bottle sales during your visit.
Menu subject to change due to season and ginspiration! Don’t worry if you are the designated driver, as you can take home your G&T to enjoy.
Certainly, a different option for afternoon tea is enjoying it with a moving view. At Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway you get to enjoy the 14-mile journey while taking in the stunning surroundings.
There are a number of different choices to choose from, such as the Cream Tea and Steam Experience, which sees you enjoy your afternoon tea at Dalegarth Café. Your cream tea includes a selection of sandwiches, and home-baked fruit scones with butter, jam and clotted cream, served with tea or coffee. Prices for this experience start at £70 for two people.
For an extra treat, why not try the ‘Cream Tea, Steam & Sparkle’ option, to add a mini bottle of Prosecco for two persons for just an extra £20.00 (£10 per person).
The cream tea on the move experience sees you ride on board the ‘Ruth’ Directors Saloon. Arriving at Ravenglass station, board the train for the return steam railway journey up the line. Enjoying a scrumptious cream tea, sandwiches and sausage roll pieces. You even get to take away the souvenir cup as a memento of your day out. This experience starts off at £175 for two people
The Cream Tea and Steam Experiences are available from mid-March to 31st October, so plenty of time throughout the year to enjoy this experience.
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is one of England’s oldest, longest and most scenic narrow gauge railways and is a perfect choice as an afternoon tea option.
Next on the list for the best afternoon teas in the Lake District is the Borrowdale Hotel.
Located in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the hotel is the perfect place to indulge in an afternoon tea experience.
Changing throughout the year to boast the best flavours of the season, the menu seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. You can enjoy your experience in multiple lounges, a bright and uplifting conservatory or their beautiful and vibrant gardens, the choice is yours.
With a fantastic selection of mouthwatering sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and intricately designed cakes, you will not be disappointed heading to the Borrowdale Hotel.
Afternoon tea here is available 7 days a week 12pm-5pm and is £32 per person or £39 to go for a 125ml glass of prosecco.
Whether you seek a refined escape or a luxury space to catch up with friends, the Borrowdale Hotel afternoon tea is an invitation like no other.
This is afternoon tea but with a twist.
The Wild Boar Estate says out with the ‘delicate finger sandwiches’ and in with delicious pigs in blankets, mini Fish & Chips and beef sliders. But don’t worry the traditional classic fruit scone with jam and cream is still present.
The Wild Boar Estate offers the warm atmosphere of a traditional Inn and possesses character in abundance.
Another alternative is an Afternoon Picnic, which is basically the alternative afternoon tea but as a picnic. Your picnic will be prepared and packed into a wicker basket with all the same produce. Head outside with a blanket provided during the experience and enjoy the lawned grass or why not explore their 72-acre private woodland and really make it a truly alternative afternoon tea experience?
Prices start from £35 per person, with the experience available from 12pm – 4pm daily.
Another unique option on our best afternoon teas in the Lake District is from Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa with their Wood-Fired Afternoon Tea, 4 tiers of delicious, mouth-watering goodness.
With sweet options such as white chocolate cheesecake and homemade blueberry scone with wood-fired strawberry jam and savoury options on the main menu including crispy coconut king prawn, with a wood-fired red pepper and coriander salsa. As well as the Longhorn burger slider, which includes a wood-fired Longhorn beef patty, baby gem, tomato, toasted brioche bun and Blue Smoke burger sauce. There are also sides which include blue smoke-loaded nachos and blue smoke-seasoned chips.
They do options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free, so please check the website for more details and menus.
The price for afternoon tea at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is £32 per person, you can also add an extra 50ml flute of prosecco for £9 per person.
Afternoon tea is available daily from 12pm to 4.30pm. Pre-booking your time is essential to avoid disappointment.
Best Afternoon Tea in the Lake District Map
Looking for inspiration on where to stay during your Lakes getaway? Check out these 17 must-visit places in the Lake District as well as this collection of luxury lodges in the Lakes to make your stay extra special.
Feeling adventurous? View our guide to the 11 best walks in the Lake District.
Image Credits – The Gilpin Lake House | Shed One Distillery | Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway: Ben Barden | English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues
