10 Best Afternoon Teas in York

York is one of Britain’s most historic cities, with many Roman and Viking remains to be seen within the city walls, as well as the majestic York Minster.

You’re bound to need a rest whilst you’re exploring the historic attractions, and what better way to rest than to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea?

We’ve collected the best afternoon tea venues in and around York for you to choose from - we think you'll find at least one that takes your fancy.

Often you need to book at least 24 hours in advance, so it’s worth checking with your favourite establishment once you’ve chosen it.

Forest at Galtres Lodge

Galtres Lodge serves an afternoon tea with a difference! It’s called the Forest Afternoon Tea, it takes inspiration from the history of the hotel, and is served in the Forest Restaurant. They call it the most exciting Afternoon Tea in York!

Each course has its own specially paired tea - it is certainly an afternoon tea experience with a difference! Instead of the traditional three courses of delicious sandwiches, scones and mini cakes, there are five courses:- 

• Piping hot shot of chef’s soup 

• Smoked salmon sandwiches and a humus and chargrilled vegetable wrap

• Hot mini Yorkshire pudding with braised beef, 

• Homemade scones and clotted cream & forest cake

• Forest sweet treats

The Forest Afternoon Tea is served from 2 - 5 pm daily - please don't forget to pre-book.

https://www.galtreslodge.uk/food-and-drink.html

No. 1 York

No. 1 York is a stylish boutique hotel in a regency townhouse, close to the centre of York, near the historic St Mary’s Gate. 

Afternoon tea at No. 1 is served in the elegant lounge every day from 2pm to 5pm.

The menu includes sandwiches and savouries such as pork pie or quiche, and a selection of treats such as scones and home-made cake. Round it off with a pot of tea (£27 per person) or a glass of fizz (£35 per person). 

https://www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-1-york/food-drink-york/afternoon-tea-york/

The Grand York

If you want to celebrate in style, book a table for luxury afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel.

The hotel lives up to its name, with afternoon tea served in the elegant surroundings of the award-winning Rise restaurant. 

You can enjoy a decadent selection of savoury and sweet treats, such as Staal’s Smoked Salmon, Dill and Yuzu Marscapone sandwiches on Granary Farmhouse bread, or Pistachio Mousse, or Baked Bergamot Custard Tart. 

There are several options available - award-winning afternoon tea, with prosecco, champagne and gin upgrades, starting at £29.95 per person.

https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/drinking-and-dining/afternoon-tea/

Countess of York at The National Railway Museum

This is a wonderful place to take your afternoon tea - on a vintage railway carriage! The National Railway Museum has re-created the atmosphere of a bygone age by carefully restoring the Countess of York railway carriage.

You’ll feel like you are dining in a Pullman carriage from the nineteenth century!

Afternoon Tea on the Countess of York includes freshly cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicious homemade cakes and sweet treats. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of loose-leaf teas, and you can upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea if you’ve something special to celebrate.

Please note, The Countess of York is currently closed due to major renovation work in the museum.  It is expected to re-open in late 2024.

Cakes d’Licious

Cakes d’Licious specialise in Vintage Afternoon Teas. Nikki, the owner, has a love of all things vintage and has decorated the tea room as you would expect!

Afternoon Tea at Cakes d’Licious features: a pot of English Breakfast tea (served with a timer so it is brewed just right), your choice of sandwich on white or wholemeal bread, a fruit scone and a plain scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of cakes all served on pretty vintage china.

The vintage afternoon tea costs £20 per person, and there is a children’s version (£12.95) for the younger people in your life!  Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free versions are available at a small extra cost (please pre-book these).

https://cakesdlicious.com/

Tea on the Green

You’ll find this small and friendly tea room on the Green in Acomb, just on the outskirts of York. They provide traditional tasty homemade food that you can enjoy every day from 9am. 

Tea on the Green’s Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, homemade quiche and sausage roll, scone with Jam & Clotted Cream and a medley of sweet treats. All served with your choice of tea or coffee.

It’s available to eat in or takeaway - you’ll need to pre-book your order of course. 

https://www.facebook.com/TeaOnTheGreenYork/

Plush Cafe

The Plush Cafe is a family-run cafe in the centre of York, with a difference! There are three themed dining rooms - the Garden Room with its swing seats, the art-deco inspired Neon Room and the luxuriously decadent Bohemian Room.

The Plush Afternoon Tea is similarly different - it includes heart-shaped sandwiches with fillings such as salmon with lime and coriander butter, or beetroot and grated carrot; Instagram-worthy cakes and treats; and their signature edible flowers!

It costs £25.95 per person and can be upgraded with a glass of prosecco for £5 or a bottle for £15. Vegan and takeaway versions are also available at Plush.

https://www.plushcafe.co.uk/

Aldwark Manor Hotel

You’ll love the splendid surroundings of Aldwark Manor - it’s the perfect place for an indulgent afternoon tea. There’s a golf course and luxury spa, so you can enjoy a full day of relaxation when you visit the Aldwark Manor Estate. 

A delicious Afternoon Tea is served in the Elements Restaurant and starts with dainty sandwiches and picnic goods, followed by freshly made scones with jam and clotted cream and rounded off with an assortment of miniature cakes and fancies. 

You can choose which tea you would like from the extensive list of Taylors of Harrogate artisan teas, or you can have Taylors of Harrogate coffee if you would prefer. 

Aldwark Afternoon Tea costs £23 per person. You can upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea (with a glass of champagne - £34).

https://www.aldwarkmanorhotel.co.uk/dine/

Middlethorpe Hall

Middlethorpe Hall is set in 20 acres of beautiful grounds just on the outskirts of York. It's a great setting for traditional afternoon tea, which is served in one of the elegant public rooms of this historic hall. 

Afternoon Tea is served to non-residents from Wednesday to Sunday each week, in the afternoon. It includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, seasonal tea pastries and assorted fruit cakes, and, of course, your choice of tea. 

Traditional Afternoon Tea costs £39 per person, Champagne Afternoon Tea starts from £45.

https://www.middlethorpe.com/wine-dine/afternoon-tea/

The Ivy St Helen’s Square

Traditional Afternoon Tea at the Ivy in St Helen’s Square is a sophisticated affair, with smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, warmed fruit scones and clotted cream, and red velvet raspberry cake just some of the delicious choices. 

You don’t need to book in advance - just book a regular table between 3 pm and 4:45 pm daily. If you have any special dietary requirements please let them know 48 hours in advance.

St Helen’s Square is right in the centre of York, so The Ivy is a great place to take a break from all that historic sightseeing!

https://theivyyork.com/

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring all our options for afternoon tea in and around York, and I’m sure you’ll be able to choose a favourite one!