9 Afternoon Teas for History and Heritage Lovers

Who doesn't love an afternoon tea? Scones, clotted cream, jam - and a pot of the best brew of course. Even better, indulge in one especially for history lovers in scenic, historic grounds or with a heritage-related theme. 

Here are 9 afternoon teas to treat the history lover in your life... 


Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea at The Dalmahoy Hotel, Scotland. Used with permission. 


Alice's Queen of Hearts: Taj 51 Hotel, London 


Photo: Taj 51, used with permission

Enjoy your very own tea party for two inspired by the jam tart-loving queen in the 1865 tale by Lewis Carroll. The five star Taj 51 hotel is just across from Buckingham Palace, and is formed from three townhouses at Buckingham Gate. The townhouses are Victorian, with a Shakespearean garden. Treats on offer include the 'Royal Flush' fruitcake, and the 'No White Roses' red velvet cupcakes. Alice-themed cups and plates set the Wonderland vibe. £90. 


A Medieval Castle: Ruthin Castle and Spa, Wales 

Ruthin Castle, photo used with permission

Fancy sipping on a cuppa and nibbling dainty sandwiches in a Welsh castle reputedly linked to King Arthur? Other notable owners of Ruthin include Edward I, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy cakes, scones, finger sandwiches, pastries and macarons. £49. 


Afternoon Tea on the Thames: London 

When you're talking about London's history, you can't avoid the River Thames, the heartbeat of the old city. Enjoy an afternoon tea while onboard this cruise boat taking in the historic buildings that line the river. £59. 


1930s Rail Luxury, The Northern Belle. 

There's something so magical about the luxury of train travel in the 1930s. Enjoy four hours of rolling countryside from your table while you sip on tea, champagne, sandwiches and cakes. A magician and musicians provide entertainment, too. £420. 


Tea on a London Bus: London

A 1960s vintage bus will be your tea room with the best views in London while you're driven past historic sights of the city, including Nelson's Column, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, with cakes, sandwiches and scones all served. £110. 


Afternoon Tea at Twelfth-century Coombe Abbey: Coventry. 

Photo: Coombe Abbey, used with permission

Enjoy tea for two in Coombe Abbey, which originally dates from the 1100s. It was also the home of Elizabeth, James I's daughter and she was here as the Gunpowder Plot unravelled in 1605. After your afternoon tea with fizz, you're welcome to explore the beautifully manicured grounds. £57.


Gentleman's Afternoon Tea, Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club: Scotland

Built in 1725, Dalmahoy is an elegant place to unwind and tuck into gourmet sausage rolls, pork pies, cakes and scones. It sits in 1,000 acres of parkland and is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh. £39. 


Dalmahoy Hotel, photo used with permission

The Harrods Tea Rooms: London. 

Indulge in some late-Victorian luxury with this afternoon tea at Harrods, who have been serving the treat to guests since 1896. The teas are designed by an in-house 'Tea Tailor' - choose a blend, while you enjoy sandwiches, sweet patisseries and of course the traditional scones, clotted cream and jam. There's also the option to finish off the experience with a glass of champagne. £110. 


Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace: London

The site where The Rubens at the Palace now stands was once part of Buckingham Palace and the site originally dates to the eighteenth century. Now, you can feel like a royal yourself and enjoy pristine pastries, scones, sandwiches and bottomless champagne in The Palace Lounge. You'll be able to peek out at views of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, too. £120. 


To find out more, click on the links for each heading. All prices and details correct at the time of writing, please check links and with providers in case of changes before you book. 


Like this? You might also like: A Tudor Recipe for Marchpane, 11 Foods The Tudors Never Knew and Tudor Marinated Oranges. 


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