Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to catch up with the girls or spoil your mum for the afternoon. Or maybe you are looking for a sweet way to spoil the special person in your life. Whatever the reason – you will want to find the best.
There are many, many afternoon teas across Cambridge, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right one for you. This is why I have rounded up my favorites across the county – including traditional afternoon tea, Champagne high teas as well as some vegan options too.
All you need to do is book your favorite and have a lovely afternoon!
Delicious Afternoon Teas in Cambridge
The Varsity Hotel
Thompsons Lane, Cambridge CB5 8AQ
Located on the 6th floor of The Varsity Hotel with spectacular views, try freshly made finger sandwiches, scones served deliciously warm accompanied by clotted cream, jam and of course a selection of cakes and specialty tea selection created by master blenders.
This high tea in Cambridge is able to offer both a gluten-free and vegetarian option however it does not currently offer a vegan afternoon tea.
Carriages Tea Rooms – *Best for an extra special occasion*
Capability Barns, Huntingdon Road, Fen Drayton, CB24 4SD
Travel back to the golden age of luxury rail travel and indulge in a delicious range of handmade Afternoon Teas at Carriages of Cambridge.
Carriages is a unique setting perfect for an afternoon tea with friends and family, celebrating special occasions, or hosting a private party or business event.
From the moment you step into the 1920’s station, you will be transported back to this romantic era with all its luxury and decadence.
A truly British experience!
The Orchard Tea Garden
47 Mill Way, Grantchester, Cambridge CB3 9ND
“A corner of England where time stands still as the outside world rushes by”
Offering the Rupert Brooke Afternoon Tea – a very traditional offering, The Orchard Tea Garden offering is more about the surroundings – with the option to be able to dine outside on a summer’s day.
Ivy Cambridge
City Centre, 16 Trinity St, Cambridge CB2 1TB
The Ivy Brasserie offers an afternoon tea with filled brioche rolls, cheesecake, and doughnuts – not your classic offering but still delicious!
This particular Cambridge afternoon tea costs £19.75 and must be booked in advance.
Turn your afternoon tea into a fun day out with one of these trips –
Madingley Hall
Madingley, Cambridge CB23 8AQ
Looking for a Champagne afternoon tea in Cambridge? Then you have to book Madingley Hall. Spoil your loved ones with Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surroundings of the Hall, or a traditional tea for two in the garden.
Afternoon tea can be served in the various Hall rooms, The Terrace bar, or on the terrace overlooking the gardens in the summer.
Gonville Hotel
Gonville Pl, Cambridge CB1 1LY
Slight and spacious Garden Restaurant ‘on the Lawn’ for a relaxed afternoon tea with a loved one. With the tranquillity and privacy of the private garden, impeccable service from our team, and a sumptuous selection of sweet and savory treats to enjoy.
This Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to celebrate, indulge and spend an afternoon in good company in the heart of Cambridge.
Fitzbillies
51-52 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RG
Traditional English afternoon tea is the Fitzbillies‘ specialty. Unlike other tearooms or hotels, all the baked goods are made in their own artisan bakery in Cambridge – from the bread for the finger sandwiches to the scones and macarons.
Afternoon tea is served every day in their original branch in Trumpington Street, dating back to 1920. They also offer a take-away hamper option – perfect for taking on a punting trip.
Fitzbillies are also famous for their Chelsea Buns – which you must try while you are visiting.
Quy Mill Hotel & Spa
Church Rd, Cambridge CB25 9AF
Perfect for meeting friends, celebrating birthdays, or just treating someone you love, afternoon tea at the Quy Mill Hotel is not just a few sandwiches and a cuppa, it is an experience.
What is the history of British Afternoon Tea?
Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century and it is around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is said to have complained of ‘having a sinking feeling’ during the late afternoon.
At the time it was usual for people to take only two meals a day – breakfast and dinner. The solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon, and later, alongside friends prior to walking the fields.
Before long all of the fashionable society were sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon, and so the tradition of Afternoon Tea was born.