Is This the Best Afternoon Tea in Cumbria? (Find Out)
The Lake District is home to many luxury hotels and restaurants that serve up indulgent afternoon teas. This includes The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, which serves up a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes with the option to upgrade to include a glass of fizz!
This elegant hotel offers stunning views over Lake Windermere. Guests can enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and a delicious assortment of sweet treats.
Cedar Manor
Built in 1854 this hotel sits a short walk from Windermere town center, at the Whitewater Hotel. The 10 rooms mix original features with modern comforts. They include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and bathrooms with free toiletries.
A full breakfast is available each morning. You can enjoy a drink at the lounge bar or dine in the restaurant. The hotel offers an afternoon tea that includes savouries, finger sandwiches, fruit, and plain scones served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. There is also a selection of freshly baked cakes and cookies. Guests can use the on-site garden for relaxing and dining.
The owners, Caroline and Jonathan, are thoughtful and hospitable, which is reflected in their hotel. They know the Lake District inside out and tend to their guests with great attention. From a handwritten welcome note in your room to recommendations for dinner and sight seeing options, the couple’s hosting style really shines through.
Afternoon tea at Cedar Manor is an absolute treat and we recommend booking it ahead of time if possible. The savouries and finger sandwiches are excellent, as are the fresh fruit and warm scones served with clotted milk and homemade strawberry jam. The quality of the food and service is second to none in the area.
This is a true country house hotel with great character and atmosphere. It is a short walk from the edge of beautiful Lake Windermere and within easy reach of Ambleside, Grasmere, Bowness, and all the other historic sights of the area. The hotel’s own restaurant has earned several awards for its food and is open to both residents and non-residents alike. It has a seasonal and local menu with many ingredients sourced from providers in the surrounding area.
The property is just a short walk from Windermere rail station, and a 10-minute drive from the lake. The hotel has its own private car park, as well as a lay-by outside the front door for additional cars. If you don’t have a car, the bus stop is only a few steps away. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
The five-star Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a family-owned relaxing retreat that spans two hotels a mile apart on two stunning estates near Windermere. This hotel, which is part of the Pride of Britain collection, combines warm hospitality with a very cool style and utter luxury without any pretentiousness. The main Gilpin Hotel has 30 chic bedrooms – most with Lakeland views, some with cedar wood hot tubs – and six secluded suites at the Lake House dotted around its 100-acre estate of gorgeous gardens, enchanting woodland and a small lake.
A big focus is wellness here, with a new spa space that includes treatment rooms and steam room as well as a sauna, massage chairs and hydrotherapy pool. All guests at the main hotel have access to these facilities, plus there’s a fabulous outdoor hot tub on the terrace.
At the heart of it all is Zoe, a very likable and charming general manager who really knows her stuff. She’s passionate about creating memorable experiences for her guests and balances warmth and friendliness with impeccable service and exquisite decor.
When it comes to dining, the main hotel houses Michelin-starred SOURCE (soon to be renamed to SOURCE) with Ollie Bridgwater as head chef. The menu is refined yet easy-going and showcases some of the best produce the area has to offer.
The Lake House, meanwhile, offers a simpler dining experience, with a seven-course tasting menu and an a la carte choice for those not wanting the full gourmet experience. The team there also work with local producers and are happy to create bespoke vegetarian and vegan menus.
Guests can also dine at the hotel’s Asian-inspired venue, Gilpin Spice and, of course, there’s the option to take breakfast in your own room for an extra charge. During the summer, a buffet is also available for those who want to make the most of the sunshine and some of the hotel’s beautiful outdoor space.
Blackwell
Originally built in the Arts and Crafts style, Blackwell is an ideal place to visit for a luxury afternoon tea. The property boasts a serene setting, surrounded by beautiful views of Lake Windermere. Guests can enjoy their tea in one of the comfortable lounges, the Orangery, or even on the patio. The service includes fresh scones, sandwiches, and cakes.
The home was designed by MH Baillie Scott for his client Sir Edward Holt. It features many of the leading arts and crafts designers and studios of the time, such as metalwork from WAS Benson, ceramics from Pilkington’s, and Ruskin Pottery, and furniture by Morris & Co, Stanley Webb Davies, and Ernest Gimson. It also has an innovative roof profile and asymmetric design that showcases experimental architecture.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Arts and Crafts movement, you can take part in one of the guided tours offered by the property. The tours offer a unique opportunity to see the interiors of the house and explore its unique decorative features. The tour will also give you a better understanding of the philosophy behind the movement.
Afternoon tea has long been a tradition in the UK. It was first introduced in the 1840s, when the Duchess of Bedford complained that she had “that sinking feeling” after dinner. She hoped that tea and a light snack would help her overcome this problem.
The practice of serving afternoon tea has since become a beloved social activity. It has many benefits for seniors, including social bonding and a sense of well-being. Organizing afternoon tea in a communal setting encourages residents to engage in conversations, share stories, and form new friendships. The activity can also promote physical and mental health, which is essential for seniors who live in retirement communities.
Afternoon tea is a luxurious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply relax with friends. It is available at several locations across Cumbria, and it can be customized to fit your needs.
The Fizzy Tarte
Afternoon Tea at The Fizzy Tarte is a truly memorable experience. The menu is full of delicious treats and the staff are incredibly friendly and attentive. The Fizzy Tarte is located in Ash Street, Bowness-on-Windermere. You can enjoy your afternoon tea in a sunny conservatory with beautiful views of Lake Windermere. This is a must-try place for anyone visiting Cumbria!
Afternoon tea is a beloved ritual that goes back hundreds of years. The tradition of drinking a cup of tea and eating light snacks with friends or family is still popular today. It’s an ideal way to relax after a busy day or celebrate an occasion. In fact, it’s even thought to have health benefits!
While many people associate the term ‘high tea’ with afternoon tea, it actually originated in the 19th century. It was introduced by Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She would get hungry around four o’clock, and the evening meal was served at eight o’clock, so she asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake be brought to her room. This became a daily habit, and her guests quickly began to follow suit. The tea rooms that were popular at this time became the center of social life in England and quickly became a favorite pastime.
In addition to a wide selection of delicious patisserie treats and savory sandwiches, The Fizzy Tarte offers a range of Champagnes by the glass, bottle, and Magnum as well as cocktails (individual and sharing). They also have an extensive wine list.
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the Lake District. This is because the summer months offer a range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including many festivals and concerts. You can also visit many of the historic houses in the area, such as Holker Hall and Muncaster Castle.
Afternoon tea is also a great treat during half-term breaks in the Lake District. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to spend some quality time together. Afternoon tea is also a popular choice for wedding receptions, baby showers, and other special events.
