Get in the Christmas spirit with one of these mouth-watering afternoon teas that even Santa himself could not resist.
The holiday season is a great excuse to meet up with friends and family for a range of special events across the county. One of the tastiest of such activities is to sit down for an afternoon tea filled with sweet and savoury treats. Many hotels and restaurants shake it up at Christmas with a dedicated afternoon tea menu just for the season.
In no particular order, we've found eight places around Dorset who are putting on a veritable feast this Christmas.
Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant
Where: Lyme Regis, DT7 3HZ
Price: £32pp
We kick off with a delicious offering from the popular hotel in Lyme which promises to be more nice than naughty. You can also add a glass of champagne to your visit for an extra £10.
Arbor Restaurant at The Green House
Where: Bournemouth, BH1 3AX
Price: £22.50pp
Arbor have a range of special events for the holiday season for you to enjoy including a delicious festive afternoon tea. This can also be arranged for collection if you want mouth watering delights from the comfort of home.
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse
Where: Dorchester, DT1 1UY
Price: £15pp
Head over to this atmospheric building for a unique experience this winter. Includes a glass of fizz, finger sandwiches, scones, an assortment of Christmas-inspired cakes and pastries, finished off by a personal dessert.
Hotel Collingwood
Where: Bournemouth, BH2 5DF
Price: £38 for two people
Enjoy a selection of festive sandwiches, warm scones, mince pies, and delicious tea cakes all served with a glass of fizz. This is a decadent way to treat someone special in your life this Christmas.
Hotel du Vin
Where: Poole, BH15 1JN
Price: £29.95pp
A classic afternoon tea with a festive twist, served with a choice of teas, coffees and infusions. This selection comes with a glass of champagne too.
The Connaught Hotel and Spa
Where: Bournemouth, BH2 5PH
Price: £24.50
Relaxing with a festive afternoon tea by an open fire is the perfect way to catch up with friends or give yourself a real treat after a long day of Christmas shopping in Bournemouth. The menu includes a delicious range of sweet and savoury items, plus a pot of Dorset tea.
Slug and Lettuce
Where: Weymouth, Poole, and Bournemouth
Price: From £15
Choose from a traditional, tipsy, or cocktail and cakes afternoon tea at your local Slug and Lettuce this holiday season. The menu includes unique treats such as the black forest merry mess shots.
Dobbies Galton
Where: Owermoigne, DT2 8BY
Price: £20 for two people or £13.50pp
Fill up on a three tier dream with unlimited tea and coffee at this garden centre. Walk off your afternoon tea with an explore of their Christmas wonderland.