Step Back in Time with a Classic Tea Experience
Picture yourself settling down at a beautifully laid out table, with fine bone china and a tiered cake stand. It is filled to the brim with scrumptious dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of tiny treats. This isn’t just any snack it’s Traditional Afternoon Tea and it’s a cherished British custom. If you’re planning to visit the Forest of Dean Afternoon Tea should be on your ‘ must do list ‘.
Before we dive into our top five spots for Afternoon Tea, let’s take a quick look at its incredible story. It all started in the 1840s in Britain, thanks to the Duchess of Bedford. The story goes that she would have a light meal in the late morning and then wait until dinner for her next meal. Feeling peckish in the afternoon, she came up with the idea of Afternoon Tea to keep the hunger at bay. She began inviting her friends over for tea, and it quickly became a stylish and sociable affair. These days, enjoying Afternoon Tea is a special treat, often part of celebrating a big event or just spoiling yourself.
Indulge in the Timeless Tradition of Afternoon Tea at Historic Speech House.
The bright and spacious Orangery is the perfect setting for a cosy tea date. The Signature Speech House Afternoon Tea is available from 3 – 5pm (4 – 6pm on Sundays). The experience promises an array of delightful sandwiches and savories, home-made seasonal treats, and freshly baked sultana scones with jam and clotted cream. All accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee. And for those looking to add a touch of luxury, why not include a glass of champagne?
🐾 dog-friendly
🌳 Ideal place to visit if you’ve been walking at Woorsgreen Nature Reserve, Cyril Hart Arboretum, Speech House Woods, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Cannop Ponds, Beechenhurst or the New Fancy.
Afternoon Tea in Gloucestershire | Forest of Dean | Speech House Hotel (thespeechhouse.co.uk)
Experience the Charm of Afternoon Tea at the Tudor Farmhouse
Whether you choose to cosy up by a crackling log fire or bask in the sun in the peaceful cottage garden, afternoon tea at the Tudor Farmhouse is a memorable experience. Available from 12 noon to 4pm, your only decision is whether to choose sweet or savory. The sweet option includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and patisseries, and warm scones accompanied by clotted cream. The savory requires pre-ordering. This selection includes a choice of sandwich, a delectable Wild boar Cinderhill Farm sausage roll, a savory Cinderhill Farm cheese and onion foggy, a cheese scone and a chocolate brownie. Both options are complemented with tea or coffee. And for those celebrating a glass of champagne can be ordered.sp
🖍️Children’s Afternoon Tea available
🌳A great location if you have been to visit Hopewell Colliery, Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Railway or Clearwell Caves.
🐾 if the weather is fine afternoon tea can be taken in the garden where dogs are welcome.
Microsoft Word – AFT 290623[70].docx (tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk)
Traditional High Tea at Abbey Mill in Tintern set amongst breathtaking scenery on the banks of the River Wye.
The famous Traditional High Teas are a delicious treat, with sandwiches on white and wholemeal bread and a selection of freshly made cakes. These include Victoria sponge, Welsh Bara Birth, Welsh cakes, scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Succulent homemade Scotch eggs and sausage rolls are savory favorites and it’s served with freshly brewed tea or coffee.
🌳 Perfect if you’ve been visiting Tintern Abbey or walking in the area including the Devils Pulpit
Enjoy a Cosy Afternoon Tea at the Swan House Tea Rooms overlooking picturesque Cone Valley Brook, Woolaston
Known for their Specialty Afternoon Teas The Swan House Tea Rooms have a cosy atmosphere. You can settle indoors by the log burner or unwind outside on the terrace. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory they have something for everyone. There are a variety of options including our Classic, Deluxe, or Super Deluxe menus. Each choice comes packed with delicious finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and scrumptious cakes. And if you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your day, why not upgrade with a glass or bottle of Prosecco?
If you’re not able to stay and relax then a takeaway option is offered.
🌳Perfect to stop off after a visit to Chepstow Castle, Lydney Harbour, Taurus Crafts, Wild Swimming, SUP & Yoga at Court Farm Lakes
Swan House Tea Room and Bed & Breakfast – Afternoon Tea
Swan House Tea Room and Bed & Breakfast – Takeaway
The Old Dairy Tea Rooms at Harts Barn, Longhope ~ a family-run gem celebrating the best of local artisan food & drink.
Located in the grounds of Harts Barn surrounded by other crafters and shops. This cosy tea rooms is a real gem. Booking is advised.
Traditional Afternoon Tea here is a real treat. Starting with a choice of freshly made sandwiches from the classic range. Then you can decide between a homemade sweet scone with Netherend Dairy butter, jam and clotted cream or a savory cheese scone with your choice of cream cheese & chutney, chilli jam or red onion marmalade. And of course, no visit is complete without picking out a slice of cake from the cake table! Finished off with a pot of loose leaf tea from the extensive tea menu or well crafted coffee.
🐾 dog-friendly inside and in the garden well-behaved best friends welcome!
🌳 The ideal place to pop by if you have attended one of the Cookery Schools classes or spent some time at the Shooting School.
There are so many cosy spots to stop and have afternoon tea in the Forest of Dean. Everyone should experience this quintessentially English treat at least once in their lifetime.
Remember to mention this blog when you reach out to us, book your accommodation direct to receive a 10% discount.
We would love to know where you enjoyed your Afternoon Tea #willowforeststays