12 Wonderful Places to Have Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds (2026 Guide)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST AFTERNOON TEA IN THE COTSWOLDS? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

Not just charming stone cottages and rolling hills, the Cotswolds is also the undisputed heartland of the quintessential English afternoon tea.

While Devon and Cornwall may claim the cream tea, no place captures the full, delightful ceremony of the afternoon tradition quite like the Cotswolds, where historic manors and cosy village tea rooms serve it with an unparalleled style.

It’s one of the absolute best ways to spend an afternoon here, and having frequented everything from grand manors to hidden village bakeries ourselves, we’ve made it our quest to curate a truly definitive guide.

With so many incredible contenders, choosing can be a wonderful challenge. This guide will help you find your perfect spot for scones, sandwiches, and serenity.

Best Places to Have Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds

❗️Word of advice: Booking in advance is essential at these spots. Many places require at least 24 hours advance booking, with some even requiring 48 hours. Use the links provided to book in advance and get discounted prices.

Huffkins, Stow-on-the-Wold

With roots stretching back to 1890, Huffkins is a beloved Cotswolds institution, and their afternoon tea in Stow-on-the-Wold is considered a celebration of classic, homemade goodness.

Situated right on the square in a charming 17th-century building, Huffkins is the ideal place to refuel after exploring the antique shops. Be sure to ask about their famous “Beesting” pastry, a local favourite that’s the perfect accompaniment to your pot of tea.

Location: The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 12-4:30pm (until 5pm on Sat)
Price: Classic Afternoon Tea from £65 for two, £80 for two (with Prosecco). Book online HERE and get 46% off classic aftenroon tea for two.

Malmaison, Cheltenham

For a stylish, contemporary twist on the tradition, head to Malmaison in the regency spa town of Cheltenham. This boutique hotel chain is known for its sleek, design-led interiors and vibrant atmosphere.

Their afternoon tea is a modern affair, often featuring inventive patisserie and a cool, relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for a trendy catch-up with friends or a chic date, offering a break from the more traditional floral prints and chintz.

>> Save 41% when you book the standard afternoon tea for two online in advance below (£35, down from £59) <<

→ Book Your Malmaison Afternoon Tea HERE ←

Went to Afternoon Tea with family for my Mums birthday. Our host Tessa was absolutely amazing. Would highly recommend, food was amazing, brilliant chefs, thank you so much too. The whole ambience was such a high standard.

journey, tripdvisor review

Location: Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3AS.
Opening Times: Served every day, 12-3pm
Prices:
– Mal Afternoon Tea: £29.50 per person
– Classic Cream Tea: £16.50 per person
– Mal Afternoon Tea with Prosecco: £36.50 per person
– Mal Afternoon Tea with a Cocktail: £39.50 per person 
Book your standard Afternoon Tea for Two online HERE and get a 41% discount

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

**Michelin starred kitchen**

For an afternoon tea that feels like a genuine occasion, the award-winning Lords of the Manor in the picture-perfect village of Upper Slaughter is a must. The setting is pure Cotswold romance, and the quality is exceptional, courtesy of the hotel’s Michelin-starred kitchen.

✨ Heads up: The Slaughters are tiny and have no public car parks. Parking is extremely limited on the streets. If there are no spaces, park in the larger public car park in Bourton-on-the-Water (just a couple of miles away) and enjoy the beautiful, signposted riverside walk along the River Eye to Lower Slaughter. It takes about 25-30 minutes and makes the arrival feel truly earned and magical.

Arrive early to wander their eight acres of tranquil gardens before settling in to choose from an extensive loose-leaf tea menu or toasting with a glass of Taittinger champagne. It’s an elegant, peaceful escape that lives up to its name, and the experience doesn’t have to end with the last scone.

For those seeking the full experience, Lords of the Manor is also one of the most exquisite places to stay in the Cotswolds.

Based in one of England’s officially designated “prettiest villages,” a night here means extending that timeless charm from afternoon into evening, waking up to mist over the lawns and the gentle calm of the Slaughter Valley.

✨ Lords of the Manor (4-Star Hotel, rated Exceptional 9.5)
➡️ Book your stay at Lords of the Manor here:

Location: Upper Slaughter, Cheltenham, GL54 2JD
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 12pm-4:30pm, Sun 2:15pm-4:30pm
Price: Afternoon tea from £35 per person, £47.50 (including glass of their house champagne). Accommodation: from £170 per night. Book your stay HERE:

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Charingworth Manor (Hyll), Chipping Norton

This 14th-century manor house, draped in ivy and surrounded by its own estate, is the very image of a Cotswold retreat. Afternoon tea at Charingworth Manor (also known as Hyll), is served in a magnificent beamed lounge with roaring log fires, offering a deeply cosy and romantic ambience.

✨ Top Tip: Venues like this one and Heythrop have stunning grounds that are free for guests to explore. A great tip is to arrive 45-60 mins before your tea reservation. You can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, work up a slight appetite, and feel you’ve made a proper day of it, all for free.

It feels wonderfully remote and steeped in history, making it perfect for a special escape or a tranquil afternoon in the countryside.

>> Use the link below to book your luxury Afternoon Tea Experience for Two that includes a glass of fizz (£64, down from £80) <<

→ Book Luxury Afternoon Tea at Charingworth HERE ←

I booked my friend and I in for a full afternoon tea to celebrate her ‘big’ birthday. The tea itself was one of the best I have had in a long time (and I have had quite a few!!). The savoury selection in particular was unusual, freshly hand made and delicious. The scones were perfect and sweet/cake selection just right.

j992014, tripdvisor review

Location: Charingworth, Chipping Campden GL55 6NS
Opening Times: Mon-Sun, 2-4pm
Price: Cream Tea from £12 per person, Afternoon Tea starts from £35 per person. Luxury Afternoon from £40 per person. Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two is £64 (down from £80) when you book online in advance HERE:

→ You may also like: Download your free Cotswolds maps from our the 17 most charming villages in the Cotswolds.

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The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

While technically just outside the Cotswolds, the grandeur of Bath’s most famous address is too spectacular to miss. One of the more pricier experiences on this list, Afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel is the epitome of Georgian elegance.

Imagine enjoying delicate finger sandwiches and warm scones in the stunning surroundings of a five-star luxury hotel, a stone’s throw from the city’s historic sights. It’s the ultimate treat for a special celebration or a sophisticated city break.

Location: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS.
Opening Times: Served daily from 12:30-3:30pm.
Price: From £49 per person. Reserve your Afternoon Tea Experience at The Royal Crescent HERE:

Stonehouse Court, Stroud

Located in the southern Cotswolds, Stonehouse Court delivers a more intimate and historic setting for your afternoon treat. Like the best pubs in the Cotswolds, this former 17th-century manor house provides a cosy, traditional atmosphere, often by a roaring fire in the cooler months.

It’s a wonderful, relaxed spot to enjoy a classic spread away from the busier tourist trails, perfect when you’re seeking a quiet afternoon in a charming, characterful building.

>> Get 39% off their bestselling traditional Afternon Tea for Two (£29.95, down from £49) when you book online in advance below <<

Location: Bristol Road, Stonehouse, Stroud, GL10 3RD.
Opening Times: Served daily from 12-4pm.
Price: £24 per person for a traditional afternoon tea, £30 per person for a G&T afternoon tea, and £39 per person for a bubbly or Prosecco afternoon tea. Afternon Tea for two costs £29.95 (down from £49) when you book online in advance HERE:

Heythrop Park Resort, Chipping Norton

Set within 440 acres of beautiful parkland, Heythrop Park Resort delivers a classic country house hotel experience. Afternoon tea here is served in elegant lounges with views over the grounds, offering a sense of spacious luxury.

It’s a fantastic choice for families or groups, as the resort also boasts extensive leisure facilities, including a spa and golf course, allowing you to make a full day of your visit.

Location: Heythrop Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, OX7 5UF.
Opening Times: 2-5pm daily.
Price: £45 for two people. Get a 51% discount when you reserve your afternoon tea for two online in advance HERE:

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Hatton Court Hotel, Gloucester

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views over the Severn Vale, Hatton Court Hotel offers a spectacular backdrop for your afternoon tea. The setting is traditionally elegant, and the vistas from the restaurant are a major draw, especially on a clear day.

It’s a popular spot for local celebrations and offers a reliably excellent classic afternoon tea with a view that’s hard to beat.

→ Book Afternoon Tea at The Hatton Court Hotel HERE ←

>> Get an extra 20% off when you make your reservation via the link above <<

Myself and 3 others visited Hatton Court in September for Afternoon Tea, with a Groupon voucher and we all really enjoyed it. There were plenty of sandwiches, cakes and the scones were really nice. The champagne was just as good. Compared to other afternoon teas I’ve been to, this one has to be the best one yet! 🙂

traveller30, gloucesterhsire, tripdvisor review

Location: Upton Hill, Upton St. Leonards, Gloucester, GL4 8DE.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat, 12-5pm
Price: Prices start from £34.50 per person. Buy an Afternoon Tea for Two package for just £31.99 HERE:

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

For sheer scale and splendour, you simply cannot top afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace. Served in the light and airy Orangery, this is a truly regal experience where the service is impeccable and the atmosphere is impossibly impressive.

✨ Good to know: Don’t drive straight to the main palace car park. If you’re just visiting for afternoon tea in The Orangery, you can often park in the town of Woodstock (some areas are free for a short period) and enter via the pedestrian gate near the Churchill Arch, which is a much shorter walk to the restaurant and can save on parking fees.

It’s formal, delicate, and beautifully presented—the perfect complement to a day spent exploring the Palace’s opulent state rooms and the “Capability” Brown-designed landscapes. An indulgence worth every penny.

An afternoon tea package here comes wiht stunning palace views and includes a tour of the grounds, you can also see where Winston Churchill proposed at the Palace (the place where he was also born).

Location: Woodstock, OX20 1PP.
Opening Times: The Orangery is open daily from 10:00 AM. Pre-booking your palace entry and tea is essential.
Price: from £34 per person (afternoon tea only). A package for two that includes palace, park, and garden entry plus afternoon tea at The Orangery costs £149.
Reserve your Afternoon tea for two plus entry online in advance HERE:

Rixy’s Cotswold Tea Room, Moreton-in-Marsh

Tucked away from the main tourist drags, Rixy’s is the kind of gem locals love. This quintessential tea room offers a wonderfully warm welcome and a fantastically generous afternoon tea with a focus on flavour over fuss.

✨ Local Advice: Moreton has a great weekly Tuesday market. Planning your visit for a Tuesday lets you combine the market (one of the best in the Cotswolds) with your afternoon tea. Just be sure to book Rixy’s well in advance for a market day, as it gets especially busy.

It’s the ideal choice if you’re after a homely, hearty, and authentically Cotswold experience without the formality of a grand hotel. Think freshly baked scones, plentiful sandwiches, and delicious cakes in a cosy, friendly setting.

Location: High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0AX
Opening Times: Monday: 12pm-3pm, Thursday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm, Sunday: 12pm-2:30pm.
Price: From £23.50 per person (£28.50 with English sparkling wine). Booking and pre-payment are essential. Book the deluxe afternoon tea for two deal online.

Robun, Bath

For the ultimate departure from tradition, Robun in Bath offers a truly unique Japanese-inspired afternoon tea. The place was named after the author Kanagaki Robun, who introduced Western BBQ to Japanese culture in 1872.

This experience replaces finger sandwiches with delicate sushi and savoury bites, and classic cakes with exquisite Japanese wagashi sweets and matcha-infused desserts.

It’s a fascinating culinary journey that’s ideal for the adventurous foodie or anyone looking to experience afternoon tea through an entirely different, elegant lens.

Location: Princes Buildings, 4 George Street, Bath, BA1 2ED
Opening Times: Tues-Sun, 12pm-5pm
Price: From £28 per person. Reserve your afternoon tea for two with fizz package with a 20% discount online HERE:

The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter

Just a stroll from its sister property in Upper Slaughter, The Slaughters Manor House offers an equally enchanting but distinct experience. This 17th-century manor is all about relaxed luxury and contemporary country style.

Their afternoon tea is a celebration of local, seasonal produce, served in chic, comfortable lounges or, weather permitting, in the lovely garden. It’s another wonderfully peaceful spot in one of England’s most famous villages.

Location: Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, GL54 2HP.
Opening Times: Tues-Sat, 12:30-4:30pm
Prices:
– Full Afternoon Tea: £35 per person – includes plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, sweets and fancies, savouries and sandwiches, and a choice of tea or coffee.
– Laurent-Perrier Champagne Afternoon Tea: £53 per person – includes all items from the Full Afternoon Tea plus a glass of Champagne.
– Savoury Afternoon Tea: £29.50 per person – includes cured meats, cheese, pickles, pork pie, a cheese scone, and bread. 

Map: Best Afternoon Tea Spots in the Cotswolds

Conclusion

From the palatial grounds of Blenheim Palace to the homely warmth of a village bakery, the Cotswolds offers a perfect afternoon tea for every taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic getaway, or simply treating yourself to a delicious pause in a beautiful setting, this timeless tradition is one of the region’s greatest pleasures.

Remember to book ahead, especially for the most popular hotels and during weekends, and consider venturing beyond the most famous names to discover your own personal favourite.

However you take it—with a glass of champagne, a rare loose-leaf blend, or a simple pot of builder’s—the most important rule is to relax, unwind, and savour every last crumb of this wonderful British pastime.