Dabbling in a spot of Afternoon Tea in Buckinghamshire involves high-brow service at some of the most prestigious former private homes and palaces in the country. Visitors may dine in rooms that once hosted European monarchs and Britain's aristocratic elite, but unlike then, guests can uplift their afternoon tea experience quite dramatically. Some estates offer the chance to pair the service with everything from private spa days, equestrian pursuits, on-the-water activities and enjoying copious amounts of champagne amid acres of lush private grounds, at some of the most enchanting estates England has to offer.
These are not casual tearooms or trivial indulgences. Afternoon Tea is as well thought of as any tradition in Great Britain, and it represents a chance to either mark a special occasion at an appropriate setting or, to willfully over-indulge bordering on excess, at some of the finest facilities one can find anywhere in England.
Hartwell House Hotel & Spa
Hartwell House is a grand 18th-century mansion surrounded by vast landscaped grounds, once home to exiled French royalty. The French prince, Louis XVIII, Count of Provence, lived there with his court, including his wife Marie Joséphine of Savoy, for five years while Napoleon was in power. In 1814, following Napoleon's defeat, Louis XVIII signed the document accepting the French crown in the house's library before returning to France. The Library is one of the house’s grand rooms where afternoon tea service is held, alongside the Morning and Drawing rooms, and the service fittingly reflects this sense of gravitas.
Finger sandwiches include roast Herefordshire beef, heritage mayonnaise and smoked salmon. Scones are baked with buttermilk and arrive either plain or with raisins, alongside dollops of Cornish clotted cream and ripe jams. The addition of bubbles, either Moët & Chandon’s classic blend of grapes or Oliver Baudin’s premier brut, only serves to enhance the experience further. The best pairing however, is reserved for a spot of pampering at Hartwell’s fantastic spa beforehand, and then enjoying an afternoon tea session post-relaxation.
The Langley
Set within a former royal hunting lodge on the edge of ancient woodland, the grandiose mansion which became the Langley was originally built by the 3rd Duke of Marlborough, Charles Spencer, ancestor to both Sir Winston Churchill and Diana Princess of Wales. Famous for having little to no comprehension of money, the Duke spent handsomely on building the estate, including on the services of renowned parkland architect, Lancelot “Capability” Brown, one of England’s most accomplished landscapers. After a multi-million pound refurbishment in the 21st century, The Langley is one of Buckinghamshire’s most highly sought-after afternoon tea experiences.
Boasting one of Europe’s largest underground spa complexes, the Langley is extensively visited for indulgent stays of relaxation amid plush marble surroundings, followed by an array of tasty morsels afterwards. Two hammans, a brine-infused steam room and a Himalayan salt sauna are the perfect de-tox material either before or after an indulgent afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, savoury chow buns, and scones. Washed down with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot’s distinctive yellow label, and the stage is set for an afternoon of whim and relaxation quite unlike any other.
Cliveden House
Few afternoon tea settings in Britain can rival Cliveden for sheer historical drama. Overlooking the Thames from high above its formal gardens, Cliveden has long been associated with political scandals, the excesses and extramarital affairs of the aristocracy, and even duels to the death. Afternoon tea here takes place without anywhere near as much drama, but Cliveden is one of the most fascinating historical homes to explore in the country thanks to its intrigue, grandeur, and expansive grounds.
The afternoon tea offering is unapologetically indulgent. Savoury sandwich offerings are generous and the scones are fluffy, warm and buttery, and the sweet selection often incorporates subtle nods to the house’s colourful history or seasonal themes. The option to choose between an indulgent bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Laurent-Perrier champagne only serves to make the whole affair that much more aristocratic. After all, champagne was invented to cater to thef whimsical English lords and ladies, and what better place to continue this tradition than at Cliveden.
Burnham Beeches Hotel & Spa
A former hunting lodge set inside ancient woodland once favoured by royalty, and now a filming destination for characters ranging from Harry Potter to Robin Hood, Burnham Beeches pairs classic English estate glamour with fantastic spa facilities to boot. A classic Georgian mansion, the lovingly refurbished house now incorporates a separate wing for its excellent Soul spa facilities, whilst afternoon tea is served within the Evergreen Tea Room, with high ceilings and sash windows and expansive views of the grounds.
Afternoon tea and spa package combos are a popular pastime for visitors. The afternoon tea experience is self-proclaimed as “The poshest afternoon tea outside Windsor Castle”, backed up by incredibly detailed brew timers for the selection of teas served, alongside accompanying heritage crockery, tea sets and stands. It’s a gilded, unapologetically Georgian affair, served within a fittingly grandiose setting.
Danesfield House Hotel & Spa
Perched above the River Thames with commanding views across the valley, Danesfield House draws its name from supposed Danish heritage, as a former encampment for settled lords as part of Viking incursions into the country over a thousand years ago. Indeed, the history of the site and human occupancy goes back 4000 years, with an Iron Age hill fort discovered close to the main house. The building itself is imposing, with long terraces, marble floors and formal gardens constructed in the Neo-Tudor style in 1901, before the house was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force to serve as an intelligence gathering centre during the Second World War.
A fascinating history behind it, the afternoon tea is served in the beautiful orangery at the property, with a view over the Thames. It’s an ideal environment to pick one’s way through finger sandwiches, scones and delicate pastries, whilst enjoying a glass of Taittinger as sunlight bathes the space in golden glow. The Spa Illuminate at the property boasts an impressive Grecian-style 20-metre marble swimming pool and eight separate treatment rooms to relax and unwind pre or post tea. Danesfield may be the youngest addition to this list, but it still feels palatial.
Stoke Park
Stoke Park represents one of the country’s most well-respected and beautiful country houses. First mentioned in the Doomsday book and once owned by Queen Elizabeth I, it’s been immortalised in popular culture from James Bond to Bridget Jones, and the estate’s reputation is impeccable and nigh on incomparable. A Palladian-style mansion, it has two championship tour golf courses, tennis courts, spa facilities and of course, an excellent afternoon tea service, served in the Orangery, from which guests can marvel at the sheer size of the estate’s grounds, thanks to the generous views it provides. The service includes all the typical trimmings and trappings one might expect with afternoon tea, but at Stoke Park, the experience is elevated significantly with tiny details and light touches, from JING Tea selections to carefully selected organic Cornish clotted creams. Although undergoing significant renovations at the moment, there’s nothing stopping visitors from enjoying the spectacle of one of the country’s most glorified country manors.
