10 Great Places to Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Nothing can be more British than afternoon tea. Normally taken between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm, afternoon tea can be anything from a simple cup of tea and a delicious slice of homemade cake, to the full experience with cucumber sandwiches (crusts removed), scones, jam and cream, cakes and a pot of Darjeeling, Earl Grey or other exotic brew all served on fine china.

Here are our Top 10 suggestions (in no particular order!) of where to go for tea in the Garden of England.

The Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, Ashdown Forest
Enjoy the full experience here in the Drawing Room or on the Terrace with stunning views over the grounds and of Ashdown Forest, beautifully served and presented on white linen and china. Add to the occasion with a glass of bubbly too.

Pashley Manor Gardens, near Ticehurst
Combine a visit to these charming gardens with tea and a slice of wonderful homemade cake or scones and cream from the restaurant whilst sitting on the terrace overlooking the gardens.

Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone
The Victorian Tea Room at Chiddingstone Castle is charming and informal. Decorated in a retro style, a range of cakes and light snacks are served. The perfect finale to a visit to the Castle.

Fir Tree House, Penshurst
Located in a picturesque, wisteria covered cottage in the centre of the pretty village of Penshurst, Fir Trees is a traditional tea room serving cream teas and light snacks on wooden, country style tables.

Duddleswell Tea Rooms, Ashdown Forest
Duddeswell Tea Rooms are located right in the centre of Ashdown Forest making it an ideal finishing point to a long walk on the Forest for a well earned cup of tea!

Juliet's, Royal Tunbridge Wells
If the sight of the cakes in the window of this small coffee shop located in the stylish High Street in Royal Tunbridge Wells doesn’t lure you in, then the bustling and buzzing atmosphere certainly will. Great light lunches served too!

Miss Mollett's High Clas Tea Room, Appledore
A traditional tea room in the centre of the picturesque village of Appledore - the ideal stopping off point between Tenterden and Rye.

The Secret Garden, near Ashford
Listed as one of the Guardian newspaper’s Top 10 Places for Tea, the award winning Secret Garden Restaurant and Cookery School prides itself on serving only locally produced ingredients. Enjoy traditional afternoon tea with views over the Walled Garden.

The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Elegant afternoon tea is served in the Hotel’s Orangery & Lounge with lovely views over the Hotel grounds, located on the fringes of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Chilston Park Hotel
Enjoy tea in style in this grand, country manor hotel located near to Leeds Castle.