The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in the North East
Fruit scones, dainty cakes and enough tea to sink a ship - what's not to love?
Matfen Hall
Served in the hall’s elegant Drawing Room, savour delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted sweet and savoury pastries, all accompanied by tea or coffee. Or why not upgrade your experience with a perfectly chilled glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne? For something really special, Matfen Hall’s chauffeur can collect you and three guests for a luxurious Afternoon Tea experience, with Champagne, and once finished your driver will return you home.
Matfen Village, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
Jesmond Dene House
Traditional afternoon tea here means freshly brewed, refillable tea or coffee served in fine bone china, three-tiered stands overflowing with cakes, dainty finger sandwiches and freshly baked, still-warm scones, whilst children will love their own special version which includes a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, with refillable fresh juices.
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY
0191 212 3000
jesmondenehouse.co.uk
Blackwell Grange
Historic Blackwell Grange serves a traditional afternoon tea daily. Enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones and delicious cakes, all served on three tiers alongside a pot of tea or coffee. Children have their own special version, and a gluten-free/vegan option is also available.
Grange Road, Darlington DL3 8QH
01325 509955
blackwellgrangehotel.com
Bradley Gardens
Surround yourself with nature in Bradley Garden’s stunning Glasshouse, or outside on the terrace, as you enjoy traditional afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with Bradley’s own jam, and delicious pastries, all accompanied by a choice of teas, sparkling Prosecco or a chilled Bellini.
Sled Lane, Wylam NE41 8JH
01661 852176
bradley-gardens.co.uk
Tanfield Railway
Everyone will love this afternoon tea with a unique twist. Step back in time and savour a delicious selection of treats on board Tanfield’s beautifully restored Directors’ Class carriage, all while enjoying the picturesque scenery along the world’s oldest railway as it passes through the countryside. The train’s afternoon tea features a tempting assortment of sandwiches, classic scones, delicate pastries and cakes, accompanied by freshly-brewed tea and coffee.
Gateshead NE16 5ET
tanfield-railway.co.uk
The Lavender Tearooms
This traditional tea room is also part village shop and post office serving the postcard-pretty village of Etal. Afternoon tea includes a sandwich from the main menu, a scone served with clotted cream and jam, homemade cake and a pot of tea, or keep things simple with a Singing’ Hinnie ’T’: a pot of tea served alongside a large griddle scone, a local delicacy, with clotted cream and jam.
Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland TD12 4TN
01890 820761
lavendertearooms.org.uk
The Sweet Petite
Enjoy a Great British Summer afternoon tea at this cute vintage tea room in Sunderland, promising sunshine, strawberries and a pot of perfectly brewed tea or coffee. Served every Friday and Saturday, the special menu includes delicacies such as coronation chicken mini brioche, cheddar and chive scone, raspberry trifle grand eclair and a strawberry and cream tart. Even better, you can bring your own bottle of bubbly to help celebrate the occasion.
103 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1TX
0191 565 6553
thesweetpetite.co.uk
The Running Fox
With five popular cafés around Northumberland, the signature afternoon tea here is definitely one for the list. Pick from a menu of Foxy afternoon tea sandwiches, a slice of Foxy pie, and add a warm fruit or cheese scone and a slice of homemade cake or a traybake from the daily-changing menu. Afternoon tea is served with unlimited Bari tea or filter coffee, and you can switch it up with a bottle of Prosecco if the mood takes you.
Felton, Kirkharle Courtyard, Longframlington, Longhoughton & Powburn
runningfoxbakery.co.uk
Gran Caffé Lollo
This stylish Italian café in the pretty market town of Morpeth is where to enjoy afternoon tea with an Italian twist, which includes a selection of freshly-made sandwiches, homemade fruit scones and delicate cakes made daily by their in-house team. Pair with a choice of teas, coffee or upgrade with a glass of Prosecco.
38 Bridge Street, Morpeth NE61 1NL
01670 331480
grancaffelollo.co.uk
Raby Castle
Take afternoon tea in The Vinery, the beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse within the Raby Castle Estate. New for summer is the In Bloom afternoon tea which includes Vinery Garden produce including geraniums, lemon verbena, chives and beautiful edible flowers, and even an edible flower pot, and fruit from the Walled Garden. The freshly prepared sandwiches, scones and miniature cakes and sweet treats are served alongside your choice of fine tea or freshly brewed coffee, and you can add a glass of fizz to make the experience even more special.
Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham DL2 3NF
01833 660888
raby.co.uk
Broom House Farm
Afternoon tea in the coffee shop here is a substantial affair and includes a delicious scotch egg, sausage roll and finger sandwiches. Sweet treats include a fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, a traybake slice, jam jar dessert and a slice of Victoria sponge cake, all served with your choice of tea, coffee, or add Prosecco for extra sparkle.
Witton Gilbert, Durham DH7 6TR
07727 351657
broomhousedurham.co.uk
Langley Castle
Relax in the magnificent drawing room of this historic castle and settle down to a traditional afternoon tea served with freshly prepared sandwiches, sweet treats and scones. For those who prefer something a little less dainty and a bit more hearty, the gentlemen’s afternoon tea should certainly satisfy anyone with a big appetite with its selection of sandwiches, savoury treats and scones.
Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU
01434 688888
langleycastle.co.uk
Victors
Promising a show-stopping experience to be enjoyed under the Instagrammable wisteria, choose either the classic or vegetarian afternoon tea and enjoy a delicious selection of handmade finger sandwiches, brioche buns and sweet treats. It also comes inclusive of your choice of unlimited tea, but why not mark the occasion with a glass or two Prosecco or Champagne?
106 Quayside, Newcastle NE1 3DX
0191 359 2906
victors.co.uk
Spanish City
Taking visitors back to the era of ultimate sophistication and the start of Spanish City’s journey in 1910, relax under the iconic dome in the Gallery or in restaurant 1910 and enjoy endless tea or coffee, or add a glass of Prosecco or Champagne to accompany the freshly made finger sandwiches, quiches, delicate pastries, homemade scones and cakes. Children’s, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are all available.
Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 261 7090
spanishcity.co.uk
Tea on the Train @ Bellingham
For something a little different, why not enjoy afternoon tea in an old Mark 3 HST railway carriage? With homemade sandwiches, a choice of cakes and scones, a traybake and a pot of tea or coffee to wash it all down, it’s certainly a uniquely enjoyable experience.
Woodburn Road, Bellingham NE48 2DG
01434 221151
teaonthetrain.com
