Bradley Gardens
A classic affair, afternoon tea at Bradley Gardens is served in the elegant surroundings of the glasshouse with views over the 18th Century walled garden. Bradley’s own jam with scones is delightful, while a teatime bellini or glass or Prosecco in the sunshine is a wonderful treat. Choose from the Confectioner’s Tea, Afternoon Tea, or the Sparkling Afternoon Tea served with a glass of Prosecco or a bellini. Advance booking is essential for afternoon tea. Sled Lane, Wylam, NE41 8JH, tel 01661 852 176, www.bradley-gardens.co.uk
Brocksbushes
Relax with afternoon tea in the Courtyard Kitchen at Brocksbushes. Choose your freshly made sandwich (gluten-free bread available), a sausage roll or Mediterranean vegetable roll, a fruit or cheese scone, and a homemade sponge cake or traybake of your choice and allow the world to pass you by as you indulge in great food and unlimited tea or filter coffee. There’s also the amazing farm shop to explore, the chance to pick your own fruit (when in season), and so much more to make a day of it. Stocksfield, NE43 7UB, tel 01434 633 100, www.brocksbushes.co.uk
Café Bowes at 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 fine and decorative art or unwind after a stroll in the gardens. There’s outdoor space to eat and enjoy the sunshine too, and afternoon tea is served in fantastic style 2-3.45pm with finger sandwiches, mini scones, swan shortbread, a selection of sweet treats, and teas and coffee. Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 8NP, tel 01833 690 606, www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Café Des Amis
This wonderfully welcoming, independent café in the heart of the market town of Morpeth is renowned for its tranquil garden and homemade afternoon tea featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones and irresistible cakes. A wonderful place to relax and allow the world to rush by, dogs are welcome here too, making this a great spot for a treat after an afternoon walk around town. Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-4pm. Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1BE, tel 01670 505 483, www.facebook.com/amiscafe52
Café My Place
A neighbourhood café in Killingworth, Café My Place is a little piece of vintage heaven where you can spend hours enjoying tea in cosy surroundings. Freshly made sandwiches, lovely scones and sweet treats to please every taste make this a perfect spot for an afternoon treat. White Swan Centre, Killingworth, NE12 6SS, tel 07733 895 579, www.facebook.com/pg/cafemyplace
Côte
Côte Newcastle brings a très chic twist to the classic afternoon tea. Indulge in a French-inspired spread of savoury bites and elegant patisserie – from chicken liver parfait to mandarin and lime éclairs – served with your choice of tea or coffee, and the option to add a glass of Crémant or Champagne. This is the perfect way to elevate your afternoon in the city, celebrate, catch-up, or simply treat yourself. Afternoon tea is available 2.30-6pm Monday-Friday. Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5AF, tel 0191 731 4733, www.cote.co.uk
The Grand Hotel
For afternoon tea with a view, visit the Grand Hotel overlooking Tynemouth’s Longsands. The hotel blends Victorian and modern styles while offering a popular tea and first-class service. Tea is served in the Brasserie Restaurant (pre-booking required) and Drawing Room (no booking required) with a variety of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, sumptuous cakes and a choice between tea or an extra treat with a glass of Prosecco. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Grand Parade, Tynemouth, NE30 4ER, tel 0191 293 6666, www.grandhoteltynemouth.co.uk
Le Mini Macaron
For those in need of just a little bit of afternoon tea indulgence – and we would argue one of the best bits – we recommend macarons from Le Mini Macaron. Made in Newcastle and stocked in Fenwick, and available around the region at markets, if you’ve only tried the store-bought kind you simply must seek these out. The crisp shell, moist and chewy centre and rich, indulgent ganache filling are heaven in a bite! The business was founded in 2014 by mother and daughter duo Gillian and Joanne, who create their handmade macarons using only natural flavours. You can order macarons online, and you can find information on upcoming markets on Facebook and Instagram. www.leminimacaron.co.uk
Lumley Castle
Magnificent Lumley Castle provides quite the setting for an elegant English afternoon tea served either in the hotel’s grand Knights Restaurant, in the sunshine in the splendid Inner Courtyard, or on the South East Terrace with breathtaking parkland views. The traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, cakes and fancies, and Twinings Tea or speciality coffee – plus the chance to add a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne. Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street DH3 4NX, tel 0191 389 1111, www.lumleycastle.com
Massey’s Tea Room
Set in the picture-perfect village of Corbridge, Massey’s Tea Room is an elegant destination for afternoon tea, which includes sandwiches, fantastic freshly baked scones with jam and cream, cake, and your choice of tea or coffee. Take a walk along the river, explore the shops, and unwind with an afternoon treat. Middle Street, Corbridge, NE45 5AT, tel 01434 633 130
Matfen Hall
Step into The Drawing Room at Matfen Hall and discover an elegant location perfectly matched with a decadent afternoon tea selection. Enjoy the views of the grounds or sit by the grand fireplace and enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, handmade scones and beautiful pastries and patisserie served with a wide selection of tea or a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Tea is served Tuesday-Saturday noon-4pm. Matfen, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 500, www.matfenhall.com
Tynemouth 61 Guest House and Tea Room
Afternoon tea in the beautiful walled garden at 61 Guest House and Tea Room is the perfect way to end a day exploring Tynemouth. Occupying a stunning Georgian townhouse on Front Street and offering bed and breakfast accommodation as well as weekend breakfasts and lunches, this is a must-visit for teas including fabulous scones and the option to add a glass of Prosecco as an extra treat. 61 Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4BT, tel 0191 257 3687, www.no61.co.uk
The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate
Delight in the Tempus Afternoon Tea, served in the light-filled elegance of The Orangery at Charlton Hall Estate. Available every Friday and Saturday 2.30-3.45pm, this luxurious experience features freshly prepared finger sandwiches, homemade sweet and savoury scones, and seasonal cakes and pastries – all presented on elegant tiered stands. This indulgent experience is perfect for birthdays, celebrations or a well-deserved treat, and there’s the option to add Prosecco or Champagne for a sparkling finish. Bookings require 48 hours’ notice. Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill, NE67 5DZ, tel 01665 579 173, www.thetempus.co.uk
