From wood-fired tiers on Windermere’s shores to hall‑side café spreads, steam railway journeys and lakeside hotel lounges, Cumbria serves afternoon tea with a strong sense of place. At these handpicked spots you can savour inventive savouries, classic scones and local bakes while looking out over fells, lakes, gardens and heritage railways.
LOW WOOD BAY
The Blue Smoke restaurant, at Windermere’s Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, is known for its creative international dishes prepared on a wood-fired grill. So why should the afternoon tea be any different?
You’ll find four tiers of mouth-watering wood-fired goodness served on a distinctive skillet stand. From toasted slider sandwiches, wood-fired piri piri chicken wings and crispy coconut king prawns, to flamed lemon meringue cheesecake and homemade blueberry scones, this is something the chefs here have been perfecting for some time.
There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options which sound just as delicious. Think wood-fired halloumi with green pesto and smoky seasoned vegetable kebabs, not to mention the tandoori spiced corn ribs and Blue Smoke waffle fries.
englishlakes.co.uk
HOLKER HALL
The Courtyard Café at Holker Hall offers an indulgent afternoon tea experience which comes with an additional tempting treat; free admission to the gardens.
The focus is on locally sourced ingredients from suppliers across Cumbria. You’ll enjoy delicious finger sandwiches, tempting bakes, and melt-in-the-mouth fruit scones to enjoy with freshly brewed tea and coffee. What’s more – you can even bring your four-legged friend along as the courtyard is dog-friendly, with water bowls aplenty, and a ‘canine corner’ to keep them occupied.
The café has seating inside and out, and – even on a chilly day – you’ll find warmth and shelter with canopies and outdoor heaters ensuring you can still sit out and soak up the surroundings. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, but it’s worth bearing in mind – for any afternoon tea – you’ll need to book at least 24 hours in advance.
holker.co.uk
COUNTY HOTEL
In Carlisle, County Hotel’s afternoon tea is a Cumbrian collaboration delivered in partnership with Capon Tree Café in Brampton.
Sandwiches, homemade cakes, and sweet treats are freshly prepared by the café and served by the hotel staff, along with warm scones with jam and cream, and a choice of tea or coffee. Guests can also choose to upgrade their experience with a glass of Prosecco for an added touch of luxury.
Afternoon tea was introduced this year as part of the hotel’s 130th anniversary celebrations, and is served in the Victorian Portland Bar – a space that showcases the building’s heritage with original fireplaces, high ceilings, and traditional detailing. The hotel combines original character features with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with visitors and locals.
countycarlisle.com
RAVENGLASS AND ESKDALE RAILWAY
All aboard for an afternoon tea with a difference! Experience a delightful seven-mile steam journey through the Western Lake District, taking in sweeping views of Eskdale from the comfort and style of a premium rail carriage, and then enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea at Dalegarth station, before the return journey to Ravenglass.
This is a unique treat, combining luxury travel with traditional indulgence. You might even choose the steam and sparkle option, which comes with a glass of prosecco.
If you enjoy your afternoon tea (and why wouldn’t you?) there are all sorts of other experiences for you to try next, including cream tea on the move, a tapas-style picnic in the Directors’ Saloon ‘Ruth’, or first class breakfast on Platform 1.
ravenglass-railway.co.uk
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LEEMING HOUSE
Enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea overlooking Ullswater, with a sophisticated selection of dainty finger sandwiches, homemade scones fresh from the oven, and an irresistible selection of cakes, all served with Birchall’s loose leaf tea.
Or you could add some sparkle to your day with a glass of Champagne or English sparkling wine for a little extra decadence.
The Leeming House team are dedicated to serving an Afternoon Tea which uses the finest ingredients to ensure it is always a special experience to be shared. Whatever the occasion, afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the stunning gardens or in one of the cosy lounges with lake views.
macdonaldhotels.co.uk/leeming-house
SWAN HOTEL
Whatever your reason for visiting The Swan at Newby Bridge, whether it’s an indulgent and relaxing spa break, a fun family getaway, or a wonderful walking weekend with your four-legged pal, it would be a crying shame not to add an afternoon tea to the experience.
Enjoy a beautifully presented array of delectable finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries – all served with an exceptional level of care and professionalism.
These delicious savoury bites and sweet treats can, of course, be enjoyed with or without a big glass of gin, or a cocktail.
For the best experience, it’s recommended you book 48 hours ahead so everything can be prepped to perfection.
swanhotel.com
LINGHOLM KITCHEN
The Lingholm Kitchen really does offer a warm welcome to everyone. There’s even a dedicated afternoon tea option for kids (the Squirrel Nutkin menu) and well-behaved dogs are allowed in the café and walled garden, so you can bring the whole family along for this deliciously decadent treat.
Adults can indulge in meticulously prepared savoury sandwiches like hot smoked salmon and cucumber, with lemon and herb cream cheese, and roast beef with honey wholegrain mustard mayo and rocket, while your little foodies can enjoy simpler flavours like cheddar cheese, Cumbrian ham and mini sausage rolls.
There is a huge array of sweet treats and plenty of hot drinks available, with the option to add a glass of prosecco if you’re in the mood.
thelingholmkitchen.co.uk
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