One of the biggest questions you will ask yourself when coming to Buckinghamshire is: who does the best afternoon tea in the county? Why not judge for yourself by choosing from our shortlist below. So in no particular order…
This quintessentially British tradition is enjoyed at Danesfield House with the River Thames and the Chilterns as a backdrop. This luxury hotel near Marlow has elegant classic interiors and afternoon tea is served at The Restaurant and the Terrace daily. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea or one with champagne.
Walk in the footsteps of Louis XVIII and indulge in freshly prepared afternoon teas complete with sandwiches, pastries, plain and fruit scones and complimentary fresh tea and coffee, in beautiful surroundings in either the Morning Room, Drawing Room, Great Hall or Library at Hartwell House. This Grade I listed hotel just outside Aylesbury was the temporary residence of King Louis XVIII whilst in exile from France so expect opulence and indulgence.
Indulge yourself with a selection of savoury treats and delicious pastries in what used to be the kitchen and servants’ hall at Waddeson Manor, now decked out with framed Mouton wine label prints. There's a champagne option and it's a lovely treat after a tour of the grand interiors and stunning gardens of this French style chateau built by the famous Rothschild family. Pop in to the gift shop too for some Rothschild wine to take home.
For something a bit different, why not enjoy a delicious Cream Tea as you travel from the main station in Chinnor along the foothills of the Chilterns on a steam train on selected dates? Sit back, relax and watch the steam lazily curl past your window in the Afternoon Tea Car as the lovely views gradually open out to reveal the Vale of Aylesbury and Whiteleaf Cross in the distance. Check the website for when the teas are available.
Villiers Hotel is an elegant grade II listed hotel right in the middle of the pretty market town of Buckingham with well -appointed rooms in which you can stay to explore the area. As well as Dukes Restaurant & Bar, their Laura Ashley Tea Room serves various delicious afternoon teas in the perfect surroundings.
Missenden Abbey dates back to Medieval times and has large grounds, including a functioning walled kitchen garden, rooms and a conference centre. Enjoy a traditional cream tea, for which they are renowned, in the restaurant or in the grounds, complete with linen tablecloth!
Based at The Hearing Dogs for Deaf People centre in Saunderton, The Grange is a light and airy restaurant with outdoor terrace which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon teas. Dogs are of course welcome and there's a cute gift shop from which to buy a treat for your pet.
Located in the courtyard at the Claydon Estate, The Phoenix Kitchen serves fresh wholesome food to enjoy indoors or outdoors within the beautiful surroundings of Claydon Courtyard. Enjoy afternoon tea and then browse the independent retailers and take a walk through the stunning grounds to Claydon House, where Florence Nightingale once lived.
Take tea in the Dining Room at Bletcley Park, once used by the World War Two Codebreakers, with stunning views across the grounds. Their classic afternoon tea, served on vintage china, includes finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, followed by a delightful selection of delicate, homemade, sweet delights. Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the Mansion, then explore the huts where the codebreakers worked and the grounds in which they relaxed.
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