It’s the height of summer and there’s no better time to relax and spend hours over an indulgent afternoon tea – here are some of our favourite places…
Bradley Gardens
Bradley Gardens’ afternoon tea is a classic affair, served in the elegant surroundings of the beautiful conservatory with views over the gardens. You must go just for the scones – which are served with Bradley’s own jam.
Bradley Gardens, Sled Lane Wylam, NE41 8JH, tel 01661 852 176, www.bradley-gardens.co.uk
The Bowes Museum
Café Bowes at the stunning Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is the perfect place to relax with a delectable afternoon tea while you chat through the exhibitions of European fine and decorative art or unwind after a stroll in the gardens.
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 8NP, tel 01833 694 605, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Café MyPlace
A neighborhood café in the heart of Killingworth, Café MyPlace is a little piece of vintage heaven
where you can spend hours enjoying tea, sandwiches and homemade scones in cosy surroundings.
Café MyPlace, White Swan Centre, Killingworth, NE12 6SS, tel 07733 895 579, www.facebook.com/pg/cafemyplace
The Caledonian Hotel
Built in 1870, the Caledonian Hotel is home to classic Georgian architecture with a stylish, contemporary interior – and a top-notch afternoon tea. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily alongside a Rustic Afternoon Tea including sandwiches, pork pie, bagels, pickles, fruit cake, mini trifle and a glass of red or white wine.
The Caledonian Hotel, Osborne Road, Jesmond, NE2 2AT, tel 0191 281 7881, www.peelhotels.co.uk/hotels/caledonian-hotel-newcastle-upon-tyne-tyne-and-wear-england
Carriages Tea Room
The Carriages offers the warmest welcome and a unique dining experience aboard the beautifully restored 1957 Mark 1 carriages at Bellingham Train Station. Passengers can enjoy sumptuous afternoon tea in a beautiful setting complete with cakes and tray bakes, a round of four different sandwiches, cream scones and plenty of tea.
Carriages Tea Room, Woodburn Road, Bellingham NE48 2DG tel 01434 221 151, www.carriages-tearoom.co.uk
Close House
With some of the finest views of the Tyne Valley from the modern No.19, afternoon tea at Close House is guaranteed to impress. Executive chef Craig Harvey is a master of pastry and crafts seasonal teas around local produce to create a truly one-off experience.
Close House Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle NE15 0HT, tel 01661 852 255, www.closehouse.co.uk
The County Hotel
In the pretty Northumberland town of Hexham, The County Hotel serves up classic afternoon teas ideal for long sunny afternoons. You can add to the experience too with Fizzy and Cocktail afternoon teas – hic!
The County Hotel, Priestpopple Hexham, NE46 1PS, tel 01434 608 444, www.countyhotelhexham.co.uk
Crescent Café
Folk travel from miles around to sample the traditional delights of Seaton Delaval’s Crescent Café. From the secret recipe ice cream (which some say is the best around) and the walls lined with jars of sweets to the beautifully crafted afternoon teas – plan to spend a while here should you visit!
Crescent, Café, Avenue Crescent, Seaton Delaval NE25 0DN, tel 0191 237 1461, www.facebook.com/Arrighis-491836704164481
Daniel Farm
In the heart of the Tyne Valley, Daniel Farm offers a taste of the good life in its tearoom surrounded by the farm, which you can explore and meet some of the rare breeds which call it home. Back inside, the cosy country setting is complemented with produce from the farm used in the homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches and accompanied by your choice of tea.
Daniel Farm, Sled Lane, Wylam, NE41 8JH, tel 01661 853 849, www.facebook.com/danielfarmwylam
Elisa Rose
A traditional tearoom with arts, crafts and a healthy sprinkling of Alice in Wonderland charm, Elisa Rose in Mickley has to be seen to be believed. The ultimate afternoon tea venue for families, tea is served daily and in spectacular style. There’s a new garden room coming soon too so you can enjoy the sunshine.
Elisa Rose, Dene workshops Mickley, Stocksfield, NE43 5BG, tel 01661 844 307, www.facebook.com/pg/elisarosebespoke
Fifteas
If you fancy turning back time and taking tea 50s style, head to Fifteas in the heart of the lovely town of Bishop Auckland. As the name suggests, this lovely little tearoom is 50s-themed throughout with a scrummy afternoon tea available daily. A doo-wop…
Fifteas, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NJ, tel 01388 304 886, www.facebook.com/pg/fifteasvintagetearooms
Horton Grange Country House Hotel
Served in grand country house style, afternoon tea at Horton Grange is a mouth-watering blend of the sweet, savoury and sparkling! There’s a rather good Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea available too.
Horton Grange Country House Hotel, Berwick Hill, Ponteland NE13 6BU, tel 01661 860 686, www.hortongrange.co.uk
Langley Castle
14th Century Langley Castle Hotel brings together stunning surroundings with high quality local food for a luxurious afternoon tea experience. Finger sandwiches, cakes, sweet treats and a selection of teas make for a lovely afternoon treat.
Langley Castle, Langley, Hexham, NE47 5LU, tel 01434 688 888, www.langleycastle.com
The Little Coffee House
Afternoon tea is a beautifully traditional affair at The Little Coffee House and perfectly placed for a midweek afternoon break from the rest of the world. You can also spend ages mooching in the shop on your way out – perfect!
The Little Coffee House within Country Baskets, Princesway North Team Valley, NE11 ONF, tel 0191 447 3304, www.facebook.com/thelittlecoffeehouse
Massey’s Tea Room
In the picture-perfect Northumberland village of Corbridge, Massey’s is a great place to stop for tea, which comes in three sizes – micro, mini or maxi depending on your mood and appetite. We know which we’ll have…
Massey’s Tea Room Middle Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AT, tel 01434 633 130, www.masseystearoom.co.uk
Matfen Hall Hotel
One of our favourite places to visit, the 19th Century mansion-hotel at Matfen Hall is home to the finest afternoon teas crafted from locally sourced ingredients and prepared daily. There are also children’s, champagne, prosecco, cocktail and gentleman’s options to keep everyone happy.
Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen Village, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 500, www.matfenhall.com
Number 4
The gorgeous Number 4 café in the heart of Langley Park is well worth a visit with its sumptuous afternoon tea complemented by a fab local menu of light snacks and tasty lunches, plus the chance to explore the gift shop and pick up some handmade gifts, cards and more.
Number 4, Old Co-op Buildings, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9XE, tel 0191 373 1404, www.facebook.com/number4coffeegiftsandmore
The Perfect Blend
The Perfect Blend is home to homemade treats served at breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea by the popular team here, making it a popular spot for visitors from miles around. The Perfect Blend, Beech Grove Terrace, Crawcrook, Gateshead NE40 4LZ, tel 0191 413 1000, www.enjoytheperfectblend.co.uk
Ramside Hall
Four-star Ramside Hall Hotel in County Durham brings together everything we need to relax – a world-class spa, stunning food and a classic English afternoon tea served in luxurious style. And if you’re a golfer, it’s great for that too.
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Carrville, Co Durham DH1 1TD, tel 0191 386 5282, www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
Robineau Patisserie
Having met in the pastry kitchens of the world-famous Conaught Hotel in London, Frederic and Jane Robineau’s afternoon teas bring together years of patisserie experience with incredible sweet and savoury creations. A must visit!
Robineau Patisserie, West Auckland Road, Darlington DL3 9EL, tel 01325 489 129, www.robineau.co.uk
Shoreline Café & Shop
In the heart of the pretty coastal Northumberland village of Craster, opposite Mick Oxley’s fantastic art gallery, the cream tea at the Shoreline is a particular treat – especially as a reward after a lovely long walk along the coast.
Shoreline Café & Shop, Church Street, Craster NE66 3TH, tel 01665 571 251
Slaley Hall
Take a seat in the luxurious Edwardian Drawing Room of Slaley Hall in Northumberland and you’ll want to spend the whole day. Afternoon tea is served in grand style every day.
Slaley Hall, Hexham, NE47 0BX tel 01434 673 350, www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/slaley-hall
Sweethart Coffee & Cakes
Every trip to Consett much include a trip to Sweethart Coffee & Cakes and a chat with owner-baker and culinary supremo Mark Hart. Crafted by Mark and head chef Chris Dodds, the homemade cakes and scones, and savoury treats are some of the best we’ve found and there’s always something exciting to get your teeth into.
Sweethart Coffee & Cakes Durham Road, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8RR, tel 01207 501 100, www.sweetharts.co.uk
The White Swan Hotel
Alnwick’s White Swan Hotel’s mini picnic bench take on afternoon tea is an informal take on the traditional version. Mini picnic benches are filled with tasty treats including pies, mini burgers, milkshake and more.
The White Swan Hotel, Alnwick NE66 1TD, tel 01665 602 109 www.classiclodges.co.uk/our-hotels/the-white-swan
Wynyard Hall
Surrounded by the gentle ringing of fine china, quiet conversation and opulent decor, afternoon tea at the magnificent Wynyard Hall is crafted by expert patisserie chefs who combine tradition and creative flair to ensure this is a destination for visitors from all over the world.
Wynyard Hall, Tees Valley TS22 5NF, tel 01740 644 811, www.wynyardhall.co.uk
