Afternoon Tea In The Lake District
The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and, arguably, one of its most beautiful. Its contrast of rugged landscape and delicate, breathtaking vistas represent the English countryside at its finest. And no pastime is more quintessentially English than afternoon tea, so its no wonder you are spoilt for choice when it comes to afternoon tea in the Lake District. In this post, we’ll share some of the best places to go for a traditional, and not so traditional, afternoon tea experience in the Lake District.
The Wild Boar, Kendal
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Lodore Falls Hotel, Derwentwater
Borrowdale Hotel, Borrowdale
Daffodil Hotel, Grasmere
The Fizzy Tarte, Windermere
The Wild Boar, Kendal
Dubbed the ‘Afternoon Tea with a difference’, this experience at the Wild Boar is not your usual tea and pastries. You won’t find finger sandwiches here, instead you’ll indulge in pigs in blankets, mini fish & chips and beef sliders. They haven’t done away with all traditions though; their alternative afternoon tea is finished with classic scones with jam & clotted cream.
There are gluten free and vegetarian options available too.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Make an afternoon of it and take in the beautiful sights of the Lake District on a steam train ride before indulging in home made sandwiches and scones at Dalegarth Station Cafe. Afternoon tea with the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a must for railway fans! For a premium experience, you can book to ride in an exclusive compartment in the railway’s Director Saloon ‘Ruth’. Take in the views on your journey whilst enjoying a delicious cream tea. You’ll even get to take away one of they souvenir cups to remember your day.
Lodore Falls Hotel, Derwentwater
Drink in the beautiful views as you indulge in freshly prepared finger sandwiches and sweet treats in the Lodore Falls’ lakeview restaurant. Set along the shores of Derwentwater, its the perfect setting to enjoy a luxury afternoon tea no matter the time of year. In the winter there will be a cosy fire to relax by or in the summer, you can dine on the garden terrace.
Your dog can even join you on this one; you can book to have your afternoon tea in their dog friendly side lounge.
Borrowdale Hotel, Borrowdale
If you like a slice of history with your homemade afternoon tea, the Borrowdale Hotel is the place to go. This hotel was one of the Lake District’s first coaching inns, built in 1866 and welcoming patrons ever since. The hotel is proud of its history, they still display the room bells in reception, although they are no longer connected.
Daffodil Hotel, Grasmere
The Daffodil Hotel offers a timeless afternoon tea experience in a contemporary setting. The hotel, as it stands now, opened in 2012 but was in fact a rebuild of the original victorian one that stood in its place. As such, you get the wonderfully contrasting slate and stone exterior and the modern interior. Set overlooking the beautiful banks of Grasmere Lake, its the ideal place to enjoy afternoon tea.
The Fizzy Tarte, Windermere
The Fizzy Tarte truly offer a luxury afternoon tea for two. In their own words, they offer ‘sophisticated fun’ with a glass of rose prosecco per person alongside a selection of delicious, indulgent treats and teas. This is the perfect place to go for a fun afternoon catching up with a friend or for a fun date in a vibrant atmosphere.
There is nothing better to end a wonderful morning of sightseeing or a walk through the breathtaking landscape of the Lake District than an afternoon tea. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind as you soak up the views and refuel on fresh, homemade food and some of the finest English tea.
If you have enjoyed an afternoon tea experience in the Lake District recently, let us know what you thought and if you have any suggestions not on our list let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to book their own tea and sandwich fuelled experience.
