Tea in a meadow

Coworth Park Ascot white georgian mansion with meadow flowers

Nothing says summer like Coworth Park‘s magical wild flower meadow. Throw in an award-winning afternoon tea and it’s a match made in gastronomic heaven. The Garden Afternoon Tea arrives with the usual array of seasonal sarnies, cakes and precision pastries but inspired by the beautiful Berkshire countryside. In fact they try and source as many ingredients as possible from the estate’s natural larder. Traditional afternoon tea, £55pp, Champagne afternoon tea, £75pp. Child’s tea (ages 5-11), £28pp. Under 5s, complimentary.

Tea in a secret garden

A quintessential English setting to pop out your pinkies, sip tea and champers on a terrace overlooking the Thames. Oakley Court in Windsor is a Gothic beauty set in 25 acres, that had starring roles in St Trinian’s, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and most recently the Oscar-winning Theory of Everything. always had a superb local rep for a Served outside on our stunning Terrace during the Summer, many of the ingredients are home-grown in Oakley’s Kitchen Gardens. Afternoon Tea £34.50. With Champagne
or sparkling wine flight £48. Kids Afternoon Tea £15.

Tea on the river

Cliveden House’s history is drenched in drama, so for the ultimate afternoon tea experience, book a Cliveden boat trip and take your Laurent Perrier Afternoon Tea to go. Your warm scones, soldier sarnies and chilled Champers will be carefully packed into a picnic hamper and taken down to river where you can indulge in views, food and a luxurious boat trip like no other. Grab your boater, hop aboard one of Cliveden’s vintage flotilla and live your best life. Great Royal Afternoon Tea for two £160.

Tea in a courtyard

Ooh, a sun trap courtyard sheltered from the outside world, The Stables at Cantley House is a gorgeous 17th century converted serving a fabulous afternoon tea prepared by head pastry Chef Viorel. The finger sandwiches, scones and cakes are freshly created and delicious – and the kids can join n the fun too. Available daily from 12pm – 5pm, there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus. To book your table call 01189

Tea on a barge

Whittington's Tea Barge scones and river view

Now, this is a truly unique experience – eating scones al fresco on a narrowboat on the north bank of the River Thames alongside Christchurch Meadows in Reading. Afternoon teas don’t come quirkier than the one your get on Whittington’s Tea Barge. Be warned though – it’s only open Friday to Sunday. But, don’t just rock up unannounced, as it can be booked up for private parties. Expect mismatched vintage china, homemade cakes, sarnies and scones. Go for the Special Occasion Vintage Tea, £20pp.

Tea at the castle

Si Christopher Wren AFTERNOON TEA BY THE RIVER

So close to Windsor Castle, you can practically declare you’re having tea with the King and Queen. Sir Christopher Wren, has a cracking spot in Windsor – enter from the Eton Walkway and drift towards the river terrace. They offer a traditional English afternoon tea, with gluten free and vegan teas available too. Enjoy scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam; tea cakes and finger sandwiches with tea or coffee for £34.50 and there will be tiers before bedtime for the kids, £19.95pp.

Tea by the canal

Teashop by the Canal in Newbury At this exceedingly English tea room in the middle of Chipping Norton your scones come served on gorgeous mismatched vintage china and cake stands. Choose from a Teashop Afternoon Tea (£23) or the Sparkling Afternoon Tea (29) with chef’s sandwiches and cake, meringue kisses, macarons, brownies, shortbread and more – all baked fresh daily. You’ll be lucky to bag one of a handful of outside tables, but they’re perfectly sized for an intimate tea for two.

Tea at Downton

The biggest star of Downton Abbey? No, Carson it’s not you or the Earl of Grantham’s labradors (they come a close second though) – Highclere Castle takes the crown. Set in the Capability Brown gardens, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea in the tearoom. Alternatively you can purchase a picnic afternoon tea box to eat in the grounds (£65 for two + £29pp admission) Booking is essential and you’ll need to pay the admission in addition to the cost of the afternoon tea. No children’s menu available.

Tea in the garden

Hurley House Hotel has become a foodie destination in its own right – with a stylish garden for some al fresco action. The afternoon tea is like a culinary food tour of Great Britain (useful in a post-Brexit world). Take a pew and tuck into sarnies filled with cheddar cheese and cucumber, Cumbrian air-dried ham and grain mustard, Scottish smoked salmon blinis and sausage rolls, served alongside Vanilla Cream choux buns, lemon polenta cake… and not forgetting the scones. Foodie heaven. £45pp with Champagne, £35 without. Available Thu-Sat, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Minimum two guests, two days notice required.

Tea in the greenhouse

Heckfield Place Hook Hants The Glass House

Worship at the eco luxe altar that is Heckfield Place, just a smidge over the border in Hants. It attracts a celebrity crowd who want to polish their sustainability halo (shh, without compromising on luxury). Take a pew in the Glass House surrounded by lavender, wisteria and peonies and sample the diddy sarnies and pretty cakes made from produce grown on the hotel’s farm. It’s under the culinary stewardship of Skye Gyngall (ex Petersham Nurseries) so expect something really special.

Tea in the park

Promising a quintessentially English afternoon tea in the picturesque setting of Easthampstead Park, The Lady Evelyn tea is £35 pp and there’s vegan (£35pp) and children’s (£20pp) options too. Just make sure you leave room for the selection of homemade sweet pastries and cakes at the end. Increase your step count with a stroll through the formal gardens afterwards.

Tea among the flowers

With the award-winning Savill Garden in glorious view, tuck into a delicious afternoon tea featuring all the classics (with a twist) including coronation chicken and mango chutney sarnies. The sweet selection features a dark chocolate espresso mousse, macaroons and the Savill Garden honey Victoria sponge with strawberry jam and elderflower cream. Available Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm and 3.45pm for £27.50 per person (with parking included). Booking is essential. Then take a stroll through the gardens and woodlands commissioned by George V and created by Eric Savill in 1932.

Nuts about scones? Devour our entire Muddy section dedicated to afternoon tea

Have we missed off your favourite al fresco afternoon tea spot? Let us know below!

12 al fresco afternoon teas in Berkshire

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