Afternoon Tea Month
April is National Afternoon Tea Month, and where better place to indulge in a sweet treat other than in the Peak District, with its many beautiful tea rooms and charming cafes.
Typical traditional afternoon tea includes a variety of loose-leaf tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries. Often served on a three-tiered cake stand. Naturally the tea is a blend of black teas, such as Darjeeling, Earl Grey, or English Breakfast, or for a more special occasion in most places you can add a glass of champagne or prosecco for a real celebratory affair.
Traditional afternoon tea can be an extravagant, sophisticated occasion where you can dress up and really overindulge with a 5-star service, or you can enjoy a more casual afternoon tea in a quaint little café just as much (at half the cost) but don’t worry, we can recommend some great places in the Peak District whatever style of afternoon tea you're after.
Now it would seem many people fret about whether the cream goes on the scones first, or the jam and worry whether to raise their little finger when taking a sip of their tea, having the right etiquette and no licking of fingers! But quite frankly who cares, we certainly don't! As long as it's delicious, eat your afternoon tea how you like!
We've detailed below some of the best Afternoon Tea places to visit in the Peak District:
We’ll start off with two fantastic Peak District staples, Lavender Tea Rooms, Bakewell. Set in a charming courtyard setting in the popular Peak District market town of Bakewell where Afternoon teas are their speciality and are best enjoyed in the upstairs dining area looking out over the bustling courtyard. With a choice of Traditional, Deluxe, Vegetarian and Vegan afternoon teas all served on traditional tiered stands, there’s something for everyone!
For the ultimate traditional afternoon tea and a touch of elegance, pop on your best dress and indulge in an afternoon tea at The Crescent Hotel in Buxton, amongst the charming atmosphere of the magnificent heritage building you can enjoy 5-star service and be truly spoilt by their homemade treats. Served from 13.00 pm – 17.00 pm.
In the heart of the Chatsworth Estate lies the Edensor Tea Cottage, the very essence of tradition and heritage. With regular afternoon tea specials and choices of savoury and sweet options and that all important glass of fizz too you can create your perfect tailored afternoon tea. Offering a cosy, quaint dining area with a roaring fire for those colder days and a beautiful outdoor seating area to enjoy the sunnier days. From here explore the magnificent Chatsworth Estate too and make it a full day out.
Enjoy a more formal afternoon tea at The Maynard, Grindleford, with their locally sourced savoury snacks and treats. With a classic Afternoon Tea and a Gentlemans Tea menu to choose from in their luxury dining area you will truly feel spoilt!
Aisseford Tea Room in the picturesque Ashford - In - The - Water is a quaint, country tearoom serving fabulous Teas and coffees with fresh local produce. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the charming character dining area or enjoy the pleasant garden space they have.
Experience the ultimate indulgence and get your glad rags on with an afternoon tea at The Cavendish, Baslow in their elegant Gallery Restaurant, admire the fabulous artwork on display, and if the weather is on your side you can enjoy your afternoon tea out on the terrace.
Served Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 6.00 pm. Full Afternoon Tea – £35.00 per person | Champagne Afternoon Tea – £51.00 per person
A visit to the Peak District is not complete without a visit to Real Bakewell Pudding Shop for a traditional Bakewell pudding! But they also have a fantastic afternoon teas available, with a few to choose from including an ‘All things Bakewell’ afternoon tea and ‘The Works’ if you're feeling extra peckish!
The George, Hathersage offers afternoon tea which is available Monday to Saturday from 12-5pm. You can either have a ‘Classic’ or ‘The Gentlemans’ afternoon tea and enjoy these sweet treats in the beautiful traditional dining area.
Something a bit different
For something a little different and quirky you could even hop on board an old classic steam train with Peak Rail and indulge in a scrumptious afternoon tea while enjoying a ride on the Palatine restaurant train. Running on Saturdays from Rowsley South Station at 2pm and steam hauled on a full round trip to Matlock and back.
Treat a special someone to this experience while admiring some of the most spectacular views of the Derwent Valley.
See more places to eat and drink in the Peak District and check out some great picnic spots to enjoy a takeaway afternoon tea, and why not read our Budget Getaway in the Peak District blog for more places to eat out and places to visit in the Peak District.
Published on March 29, 2023 in