Afternoon tea in Surrey is one of life's great treats - and, fortunately, Surrey boasts some amazing hotels, tea shops and even vineyards that have a top quality afternoon tea offering.
The quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea is credited to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late, however. The Duchess, who would become hungry at around 4pm, would ask for a tray of tea, bread and cake to quench her appetite until the evening.
As this became a regular habit, the Duchess would invite her friends to join her, and this afternoon pause for tea became a fashionable social event usually served between four and five o’clock.
Decades on, the tradition of afternoon tea is a quintessential English custom that is honoured around the world.
If a selection of scones, cake and finger sandwiches sounds tempting, take a look at our top tips to experience a delicious afternoon tea in Surrey.
- Barnett Hill - near Guildford
- Brooklands Hotel - Weybridge
- Bush Hotel - Farnham
- Denbies Wine Estate - Dorking
- Foxhills Club & Resort - Ottershaw
- Great Fosters - Egham
- Guildford Harbour Hotel - Guildford
- The Horton arts centre - Epsom
- Langshott Manor - Horley
- Lythe Hill Hotel - Haslemere
- Oatlands Park - Weybridge
- Pennyhill Park - Bagshot
- Woodlands Park - Cobham
Barnett Hill - near Guildford
Back to Top of ListFor an indulgent treat, Barnett Hill’s afternoon tea experience is not to be missed. Served in the elegant lounges or on the garden terrace when the weather allows, guests can enjoy an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pastries, accompanied by a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne.
Brooklands Hotel - Weybridge
Back to Top of ListFrom the honed granite bar to the glittering honeycomb pendants hanging in our lobby, the interior and ambience of our 1907 bar is inspired by the glamour and elegance of the 1920s and 30s. With stylish, comfortable seating and mesmerising views of the Mercedes-Benz World track, the bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a delectable afternoon tea. Enjoy a pot of tea with a selection of handmade sandwiches, sweet treats and scones or upgrade to a glass of fizz for the ultimate treat.
Bush Hotel - Farnham
Back to Top of ListIndulge in a timeless British ritual, served with elegance in the heart of Farnham. The Bush Hotel's Afternoon Tea includes a seasonal selection of finger sandwiches — coronation chicken, brie and cranberry, prawn brioche — alongside warm sausage rolls and delicate patisserie cakes. Freshly baked scones arrive with clotted cream and jam, all served with your choice of tea, infusions or coffee. For an extra sparkle, add a glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne.
Denbies Wine Estate - Dorking
Back to Top of ListDenbies Wine Estate is the perfect venue to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Surrey. Enjoy a leisurely sparkling afternoon tea in the peace and tranquillity of the Wine Library Brasserie & Bar, including Denbies' award-winning sparkling wine accompanied with a delicious afternoon tea, selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones, jam and cream. Beautiful all year round, overlooking avenues of vines, this is the perfect way to wile away an afternoon in the Surrey Hills.
Foxhills Club & Resort - Ottershaw
Back to Top of ListLocated within the stunning grounds of our 19th-century Manor House, nestled amidst the idyllic Surrey countryside, indulge in the Foxhills afternoon tea experience. Cherish precious moments with your loved ones as you partake in this time-honoured quintessentially British tradition. From impeccably crafted sandwiches and a carefully curated selection of teas to freshly baked scones and delightful cakes, an afternoon filled with delectable delights and delightful company awaits you. Choose from various options, including traditional afternoon tea, cream tea, and a special children's afternoon tea, or add a touch of luxury or celebration with a glass of Champagne, ensuring there's something to please everyone's palate.
Great Fosters - Egham
Back to Top of ListServed in the historic Drawing Room, Cocktail Bar and the delightful Garden Room and in the summer months in the garden overlooking the Saxon moat, afternoon tea at the Great Fosters estate is a wonderful tradition. From delicate bavarois to moreish eclairs, the changing array of fancies are always delicious, and are served alongside warm, freshly baked scones and an exquisite sandwich selection. It really does make a beautiful gift to a loved one, or an indulgent treat for yourself.
Guildford Harbour Hotel - Guildford
Back to Top of ListEnjoy a delicious selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, pastries, buttery shortbread, strawberries dipped in chocolate and "Queen of Hearts jam tarts". All served alongside traditional scones with Devonshire clotted cream, jam and washed down with a fine selection of teas and coffees. For the children, there's even a 'Madhatter Milkshake'. Perfect for a shopping break in Guildford
The Horton arts centre - Epsom
Back to Top of ListEnjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the atmospheric surroundings of The Horton Café in Epsom. Enjoy made to order tasty sandwiches, delicious homemade cakes and freshly-made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. Served Wednesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Langshott Manor - Horley
Back to Top of ListFor a quintessentially British treat, indulge in Langshott Manor’s Afternoon Tea, served daily from 12pm to 5pm. Whether you choose to enjoy it in the elegance of The Mulberry restaurant, the cosy lounges or on the sun-kissed terraces overlooking manicured gardens, this experience is not to be missed. Expect a beautifully presented selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of tempting desserts. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available with advance notice, ensuring all guests are well catered for.
Lythe Hill Hotel - Haslemere
Back to Top of ListWelcome to the afternoon tea of your dreams, served at the historic Tudor Restaurant at voco Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa. As part of a 150-year-old tradition, you will be presented with tasty finger sandwiches, scones served warm with jam and clotted cream, and freshly-baked sweet treats, accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee.
Oatlands Park - Weybridge
Back to Top of ListAfternoon tea at Oatlands Park Hotel is served in the stunning Mulberry restaurant from 3pm every Monday to Saturday. With impressive high ceilings and views across the gardens, it is a beautiful setting to sit and enjoy handmade sandwiches, warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and delicate cakes and pastries.
Pennyhill Park - Bagshot
Back to Top of ListAfternoon Tea at Pennyhill Park is a modern take on tradition. Overseen by award-winning Pastry Chef, now Executive Chef, Sarah Frankland, Pennyhill Park's expert pastry team work round the clock to ensure that every morsel on every tier of their classic cake stands are filled with the freshest ingredients. Pennyhill Park's afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons to guarantee that each bite is at its best. Served in the stylish Hillfield Bar, it’s the ideal treat for a special occasion – but also makes a great midweek pick-me-up.
Woodlands Park - Cobham
Back to Top of ListSettle back for speciality teas, dainty sandwiches, handmade cakes, pastries and scones. The Woodlands Park afternoon tea in Surrey offers the perfect opportunity for friends and family to get together and celebrate a special occasion – whether it is a birthday, anniversary, hen party or to prepare for motherhood. Whatever the occasion, you can chose to enjoy your freshly prepared afternoon tea in either the Grand Hall – a special feature of any stay at Woodlands Park with its stained glass windows in the ceiling, beautiful woodwork and a feature fireplace, or the majestic yet intimate dining room, which is ornately panelled with dark oak. The tea is served the traditional way, using the finest loose leaf teas strained to your personal taste.
Get on the map in Surrey
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