THE BEST AFTERNOON TEA IN THE COTSWOLDS
Stop the clock. There’s nothing quite like the luxury of settling into a Cotswold tea venue for a good hour or more – and you’ll find that losing track of time is pretty much inevitable when you do so. Your only challenge is in making a decision between heading for sumptuous afternoon tea in one of the region’s elegant manor house hotels (in summer you’ll probably want to eat at tables on the lawn) or cosying up in a pretty Cotswold tea room. Either way, expect a choice of piquant savouries, fresh-from-the-oven cakes and scones with the full works of cream and homemade jam.
For further inspiration, see our guide to the Cotswolds and the best hotels, restaurants, pubs, shopping and things to do in the area.
Find an afternoon tea by area
- North Cotswolds
- Mid Cotswolds
- South Cotswolds
North Cotswolds
Lucy’s Tearoom, Stow-on-the-Wold
Just off Market Square in famously pretty Stow-on-the-Wold, this family-run café is housed in a 1600s property with a bay window, flagstone floors and a cosy atmosphere. In winter sit beside the wood burner; in summer ask for table in the charming courtyard garden. Cream teas with oven-fresh scones and homemade cakes are served for afternoon tea, along with finger sandwiches and toasted tea cakes.
Top treat: The indulgent white chocolate and banana cake
Contact: lucystearoomstow.com
Prices: £
Charingworth Manor, Charingworth
There’s a great sense of heritage at Charingworth Manor, which dates back to at least the 11th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The property itself is largely Jacobean, with mullion windows, flagstone floors and big fireplaces. It makes a fine setting for lavish afternoon teas; choose between classic scones and cream and a deluxe version with exquisite cakes. Sit in one of the lounges by a crackling fire, or make good use of the manor’s beautiful gardens.
Top treat: The homemade ginger and orange marmalade cake
Contact: classiclodges.co.uk
Prices: ££
Morris & Brown Café, Middle Hill
Set on the edge of the escarpment above picturesque Broadway and adjacent to the Cotswolds’ landmark Broadway Tower, Morris & Brown Café makes a wonderful focus for spectacular walks in the area. It offers excellent salad lunches as well as a wonderful choice of toasted tea cakes, scones, homemade cakes (with gluten-free options) and more for afternoon tea. In the summer grab a table outside on the generous terrace with panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham.
Top treat: The hot chocolate topped with crushed honeycomb is an ideal pick-me-up after an invigorating hike
Contact: broadwaytower.co.uk
Prices: £
Mid Cotswolds
Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter
For a complete treat book a table for afternoon tea at this gorgeous country house hotel in one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. There’s a choice of at least 10 loose leaf teas along with cakes, cream teas, or the full works of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones in three tiers. In summer sit out on the lawns, in winter take a table in the lounge complete with crackling fire.
Top treat: The wonderfully delicate cucumber sandwiches
Contact: lordsofthemanor.com
Prices: ££
Lavender Bakehouse, Chalford
Lavender Bakehouse has become something of an institution in charming, honey-stone Chalford. You can drop by any time for a slice of gorgeous homemade cake, choosing from a tempting array on the counter. But for proper, traditional afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, scones and cream, confections and more, you need to book. On summer days ask for a table outside on the terrace.
Top treat: Melt-in-the-mouth cheese and chive scones
Contact: lavenderbakehouse.co.uk
Prices: £
Jacks Tearoom and Kitchen, Cirencester
Something of a local hub, Jacks is set at the western end of Cirencester’s enticing Black Jack Street, which is lined with boutiques and food shops. It’s a go-to for excellent lunches and even better teas – with homemade cake and scones with cream and strawberry jam. Opt for a table on the terrace, in the garden or in the cosy interior.
Top treat: The super-moist carrot cake
Contact: jackscirencester.co.uk
Prices: £
The Kitchen, Minchinhampton
Set in the very heart of chocolate-box pretty Minchinhampton, The Kitchen is much acclaimed locally for lunches and especially for its beautifully presented afternoon teas (although note that the café is closed on Sundays). Book ahead for this three-tier feast of finger sandwiches, scones and cream, homemade cake and other pastries – and ask for a table in the bay window.
Top treat: The chocolate cake is superb
Contact: thekitchenminch.co.uk
Prices: £
South Cotswolds
Whatley Manor, Easton Grey
As you might expect from a Michelin-starred establishment, the afternoon teas served (Wednesday to Sunday) at Whatley Manor are sumptuous. You get the full, three-tiered works here: scones, finger sandwiches and mini sausage rolls, and brilliantly inventive cakes. In winter, sit cosily by the fire; in summer, ask for a table outside on the Kitchen Garden terrace, and make sure you take a walk around the wonderful grounds before or after tea.
Top treat: The mango macaroons
Contact: whatleymanor.com
Prices: ££
How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller’s taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
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