15 Delightful Places For Afternoon Tea In Hampshire 2025
I have enjoyed far too many delicious cakes, scones and cucumber sandwiches at some of the very best places for afternoon tea in Hampshire. It’s one of my absolute favourite ways to visit some of the most beautiful old manor houses and hotels.
The bonus is that you get to enjoy the surroundings without even staying there! And the cake of course. The cake is a huge bonus! Plus afternoon tea is a fantastic thing to do in winter in England when you can’t get outside as much.
Luckily, Hampshire where I grew up has such a huge range of incredible places to enjoy afternoon tea. But the hard thing is deciding where best to go. That’s where I’m excited to help you out.
I’ve put together my favourite places in Hampshire for afternoon tea. There’s a huge range, so I’ve tried to sort them roughly by price. You can pay bucket loads for a really special afternoon tea, but you can also get some reasonably priced ones that won’t break the bank.
Read on to find out all you need to know about the best places for afternoon tea in Hampshire.
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Table of Contents
- The best luxury afternoon tea in Hampshire
- The best afternoon tea with a view
- The best budget afternoon tea in Hampshire
- The most unique afternoon tea in Hampshire
- Ones to avoid
- What is afternoon tea?
- What to wear to afternoon tea in the UK
- What is the most expensive afternoon tea in the UK?
The Best Luxury Afternoon Tea In Hampshire
Think traditional afternoon tea in the most exquisite English manor houses and hotels. These options are some of Hampshire’s most luxurious afternoon teas. This is something you absolutely must do while you’re in the UK, so don’t miss out!
#1 Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst
Rating: ★★★★★
Price: From £39.50
This is possibly my favourite place to come for afternoon tea in all of Hampshire. But that’s a pretty big statement to make, and other places certainly have my heart too.
Rhinefield House is the only AA four red star hotel in the New Forest and coming here is kind of a big deal. I’d pay for the afternoon tea again just to explore more of this beautiful hotel and it’s surroundings.
The food here was special. Traditional but with a modern twist that made you think they had really tried to make their afternoon tea stand out (which it does). I was a big fan of the Valrhona Manjari Earl Grey mousse in particular, but honestly everything was delicious.
The tea also stands out here, with Taylors of Harrogate tea strained to your own taste.
This is also the perfect place to head for afternoon tea with little ones. I love that they do a special afternoon tea for children that includes things like jam sandwiches (because what child will eat cucumber sandwiches!?), banana splits, marshmallows, fruit sticks, brownies and fairy cakes.
#2 The Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £35
If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea that won’t break the bank, but that will impress, the Montagu Arms Hotel is a great choice.
From the moment I stepped into the elegant surroundings of the hotel’s lounge, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was refined yet welcoming, with plush furnishings, soft music, and attentive service. It’s not quite as grand as some of the other hotels on this list but it is beautiful all the same.
Honestly for me the setting is half the attraction when it comes to afternoon tea. I want to feel like lady of the manor, and here I certainly did. But atmosphere aside, the food was also delicious.
The finger sandwiches were a delightful combination of classic flavors, with fillings such as smoked salmon, cucumber, and egg mayonnaise, all served on freshly baked bread.
But it was the scones that truly stole the show, served with generous dollops of clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam, they were simply irresistible. I love a bog standard scone from the supermarket so I guess I’m not hard to impress, but these were really special.
Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of pastries and cakes, and The Montagu Arms Hotel did not disappoint.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience in the heart of the New Forest.
#3 Lainston House, Winchester
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £45
I was blown away by the stunning surroundings here. The hotel is nestled in the picturesque Hampshire countryside, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The decor was elegant yet cozy, with plush armchairs and sofas. A little different to some of the more formal dining areas of other hotels.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the afternoon tea itself. Oh. My. Goodness. Where do I even begin? From the moment the tiered stand was placed in front of me, I knew I was in for a treat.
The food here was a little different from the usual afternoon tea offerings and I was pleased to try something new. Everything was based on the classical theme but with a bit of a twist, like the smoked salmon and horseradish cream cheese beetroot roll. This was my favourite.
Even the scones were a little unusual with a raisin and apple offering. And the sweet treats were incredible, especially the kiwi and white chocolate cheesecake. Anything with white chocolate has my heart!
Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without a pot of tea, and Lainston House did not disappoint. The tea selection was extensive, with everything from classic blends to exotic herbal infusions.
Overall, my afternoon tea experience at Lainston House was nothing short of magical. If you’re ever in Winchester and looking for a special treat, I highly recommend paying them a visit. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! The only set back for me was the price. It is on the more expensive side and I’ve had equal if not better afternoon teas else where for cheaper.
#4 Tylney Hall
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £39
Tylney Hall is a beautiful manor house set in the English countryside. It’s the perfect place to head for a traditional afternoon tea. You can choose where to take your afternoon tea (the weather might help you decide!)
Either head to the ornate Italian Lounge where you will have garden views, or hide away in their cosy Library Bar. Both options are perfect for a spot of indulgence.
They also do a gin afternoon tea here so it’s a great place to consider taking that gin lover you know for a special occasion!
We stuck to the traditional afternoon tea and we weren’t disappointed. It was pretty special. And the atmosphere was second to none too. I particularly enjoyed the sandwiches here which tasted really fresh. Normally I’m all about the cakes but the traditional fillings were just lovely!
#5 Oakley Hall Hotel, Basingstoke
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £40
Depending on when you visit (and what the weather’s like, this is the UK afterall!) you might be dinign in the two AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant or the sun-soaked garden terrace. Both options are maginificant.
Afternoon tea here is pretty fancy. It might one of the best presented on this list. And the taste is hard to argue with too.
I think you get more bang for your buck here too, with a bigger selection of cakes and pastries. Honestly though, it was a little too much for me! It was hard to finish (impossible!)
It’s another good option of places to come with the kids too as they do a kiddy afternoon tea for £16. So you don’t have to worry about sharing with sneaky little fingers!
#6 Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £37.50
Audleys Wood Hotel was once a beautiful country mansion. It’s a little more homely than, say, Highclere Castle, so you can expect to feel as though you’re walking into a friends house for a bite to eat (an extremely rich friend that is!)
It was originally built in the 1880s as the private residence of auctioneer Thomas Pain and it’s hosted many famous guests over the years.
Afternoon tea here is pleasant. Although I didn’t opt for it as we were dining with meat-eating friends, I really liked that they have a plant-based menu with lovely sounding treats on it (more than just your usual fluff). Things like cauliflower cheese croquette with sriracha mayo and sundried tomato, burrella, pesto buckwheat tartlet. Yum!
There is also a gluten free option, and a kids afternoon tea menu. So although the standard afternoon tea was tasty enough, I felt they deserved extra brownie points for the menu variety and inclusivity.
Afternoon Tea In Hampshire With A View
What’s better than afternoon tea? Afternoon tea in Hampshire with a view! There aren’t many places that boast incredible views and offer delicious afternoon teas, but here are my two favourites if you did want something a bit special.
#7 Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
Spinnaker Tower is probably the best place in Hampshire for afternoon tea with a view! You’ll be up in the clouds, 105 metres above ground with the most spectacular views over the harbour and Portsmouth (and beyond).
The Clouds café is at the top of the Spinnaker Tower and they make sure your afternoon tea is as special as the views are. This is the sort of experience you might want to upgrade with a glass of champagne.
They also do a brunch ‘afternoon tea’ which I’m desperate to try. I’m a big fan of brunch and this sounds like a great way to enjoy it!
#8 The Southampton Harbour Hotel, Southampton
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £30
HarBAR is on the 6th floor of the Southampton Harbour Hotel, a rooftop bar like no other (in their own words). This is a contemporary dining space and a really nice change from the traditional afternoon tea setting.
You can sit here with the most incredible harbour views and dream about the day you own the exact same super yacht. And at the same time you can stuff your face with delicious sandwiches and cakes! Yes please!
The sandwiches here are nice, but the cakes were the highlight for me. Things like rose macaroon with raspberry and white chocolate ganache and red berry and matcha tea battenberg stole the show and I’d head back to Southampton just to devour more cakes like this.
It’s well worth a trip if you’re after an afternoon tea with a twist, and you could also combine it with a holiday to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Afternoon Tea In Hampshire On A Budget
Hampshire isn’t the cheapest of counties with its proximity to London, but it is possible to find afternoon tea here on a budget. We love these options if you’re looking for a tasty treat that doesn’t break the bank.
#9 Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, Brockenhurst
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £28
Careys Manor Hotel is a beautiful place to enjoy afternoon tea and it isn’t crazy expensive either.
The cakes here were divine, especially the Victoria Sponge (my all-time favourite). They also do a vegetarian and vegan option. In hindsight, we should have opted for the vegan sandwiches.
I have to be honest and say that although this hotel has made my list for the best afternoon tea in Hampshire, I was a little disappointed by the vegetarian sandwich options. They were pretty plain and uninventive. Think cucumber and cream cheese, cheese and pickle and egg and cress. They were nice enough, but didn’t wow like the cakes.
#10 The Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £21.95
The Winchester Royal hotel probably does the best afternoon tea in Winchester and it’s one of the cheapest on this list.
It doesn’t have the grand surroundings of some of our other options, or a super investive menu but the sandwiches are tasty, the tea is hot, and the cakes are sweet. What more could you want from an afternoon!?
#11 Kimbridge Barn
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £24.95
Kimbridge Barn is the perfect place to head for budget afternoon tea in Hampshire, especially in the summer months when you can sit outside.
The afternoon tea here is delicious, but it’s the beautifully simple English surroundings that make this place special. They also cater to gluten-free and dairy-free diets, alongside sweet treats crafted without refined sugars.
#12 The Montfort at Stanbridge Earls
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £22.50
The Montfort at Stanbridge Earls was formerly a boarding school, and sits in the most incredible grounds of natural woodland, open meadows, and beautiful lakes.
This is a traditional afternoon tea that won’t break the bank at only 22.50 per person. They also do a children’s afternoon tea for 12.50 which is super cute.
I thought their selection of sandwiches was right on point, with traditional flavours to reflect the surroundings but with a little interest (not just plain cucumber, which I know is traditional but who actually likes that?) The truffled egg sandwiches were amazing!
The cakes were tasty but not as good as some of the others on the list. They also do a gluten-free menu, and a vegan one, so make sure you ask to see that if you’re interested.
Unique Afternoon Tea In Hampshire
After something a little different? These places are top of my list for the most unique afternoon teas in Hampshire, and they all have something a little quirky about them.
#13 The Aviator Hotel, Farnborough
Rating: ★★★★
Price: From £35
After something unique? Try the afternoon tea at The Aviator Hotel in Farnborough. I actually lived in Farnborough for a while, so this hotel is right on my doorstep, and it has a fantastic reputation.
This modern building houses some beautiful dining spaces, and it’s right beside Farnborough air strip so everything has a slight aviator twist.
The menu here is super modern and different, so it’s a fun place to go if you’re not after a traditional afternoon tea. Think prawn Marie Rose brioche sub and tunworth cheese and chervil quiche. Or liquorice yoghurt and honeyed granola biscuit.
Your booking includes a tea sommelier who will guide you through the tea choices on offer so you can make an informed choice about your tea selection. I loved this! It felt super fancy, and I’m usually so boring with my tea choice so it was a great excuse to try something different.
If it’s your first afternoon tea in the UK I’d probably recommend you opt for one of the other more traditional places, but if you’ve already experienced that and want something different then this is a great choice.
#14 Highclere Castle
Rating: ★★★
Highclere castle has become somewhat iconic due to it’s appearance in the popular series Downtown Abbey. It’s also incredibly beautiful as you would expect a castle to be!
Because of it’s popularity you can expect to pay a hefty price for afternoon tea here, and you’ll need to book a long time in advance.
It was a really lovely afternoon tea, and you can’t argue with the incredible setting. For a special occasion, or a massive Downton Abbey fan, afternoon tea would be delightful.
For me, it’s a little overpriced. I can’t find current prices but we paid £60 a head, which is steep. It’s nice enough, but not that nice.
If I was doing it again I would simply come as a visitor and enjoy the stunning grounds, and maybe treat myself to some cake or a scone from the cafe, but I’d leave the afternoon tea.
#15 The Grand Café, Southampton
Rating: ★★★
Price: From £28
Located inside the iconic, Grade II listed South Western House, The Grand is steeped in history dating back to 1872. Which is pretty cool right?
The Grand used to be a ballroom, and it’s a bit of a different setting to the usual manor house, which I liked. It’s modernised, but you can still picture what it was like back in the day. I just felt it lacked a bit of that traditional charm, which is why I knocked off a few stars.
Afternoon tea itself was yummy, with a decent range of sandwiches and sweet treats, and tea served in traditional bone china. It felt very ‘British’!
It’s one of the cheaper afternoon teas listed here and is a great option if you’re on a budget.
Ones to avoid
This is a tricky one to write, because obviously it’s such a personal preference and it’s hard to write a bad review of somewhere you’ve only been to once (perhaps they were just having a bad day).
But also, when you’re paying a lot of money for an experience you want it to be special, so here are a few places that have been considerably less than that for me.
The Elvetham, Hartley Witney
It’s such a shame this afternoon tea in Hampshire just wasn’t up to scratch. The surroundings are stunning and the house is gorgeous with a tonne of history (it’s the house in which King Henry met one of his many wives, Jane Seymour). But I couldn’t recommend afternoon tea here.
To start with, our tea was served in coffee pots and coffee mugs. We weren’t given the tea we’d ordered so we ended up having to pour and taste it to try and work out whose was whose.
The food was very underwhelming, with bread that was a little stale and no strawberry jam for the scones. The scones were delicious though so it did have something going for it! The cakes were fine but nothing special.
The garden room was beautiful but we just felt as though we were an inconvenience. The waiter took ages to find our booking and then seemed as though he couldn’t really be bothered to serve us. It was the little things, like offering us water and then never bringing it.
For the price paid it was a disappointing afternoon out. I loved the house and the grounds, but I’d leave the afternoon tea!
What is afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that typically takes place in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s a leisurely affair that involves enjoying a selection of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries in the company of friends or family.
The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the 19th century when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, began enjoying a light meal of tea and snacks to tide her over between lunch and dinner. She found it to be such a delightful ritual that she started inviting friends to join her, and thus, afternoon tea as we know it was born.
Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed in tea rooms, hotels, and restaurants across the United Kingdom and beyond. The menu typically includes a variety of teas to choose from, such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Darjeeling, as well as an assortment of sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg salad.
Scones are another staple of afternoon tea, served warm with clotted cream and jam. And no afternoon tea would be complete without a selection of pastries and cakes, such as macarons, eclairs, and petits fours.
If you’re visiting the UK then you’ll want to make sure you try afternoon tea here at least once, as it’s such a British thing to do. We’re not known for our amazing cuisine here, we don’t do pizza like the Italians, or curry like they do in Asia, but we do make a damn good cucumber sandwich!
What to wear to afternoon tea in the UK
When attending afternoon tea in the UK, it’s customary to dress in smart casual or semi-formal attire, reflecting the elegant and refined nature of the occasion. In all honesty, you can wear pretty much anything (within reason) but it’s such a fun excuse to get dressed up a little.
Think casual wedding, or nice meal out with the in laws.
Here are some guidelines on what to wear:
- Smart Casual: For men, this typically means wearing a collared shirt with trousers or chinos. A blazer or sport coat can add a touch of sophistication. Women can opt for a dress, skirt and blouse, or smart trousers paired with a blouse or sweater. Avoid overly casual attire like t-shirts, shorts, or jeans.
- Dresses and Skirts: Ladies often choose to wear dresses or skirts to afternoon tea, as they can be both stylish and comfortable. Opt for dresses in classic silhouettes or skirts with elegant blouses. Avoid overly revealing or casual styles.
- Footwear: Choose shoes that are appropriate for a semi-formal setting. For men, this typically means dress shoes such as Oxfords or loafers. Women can opt for heels, flats, or dressy sandals. Avoid wearing athletic shoes or flip-flops.
- Accessories: Add a touch of sophistication with accessories like a statement necklace, scarf, or stylish watch. For men, a well-chosen tie or pocket square can elevate your look.
- Outerwear: Depending on the season and weather, you may need to layer with a coat or jacket. Choose outerwear that complements your outfit and is appropriate for the occasion.
Overall, the key is to dress tastefully and respectfully for the occasion, paying attention to the venue and any specific dress codes they may have.
Above all, feel free to express your personal style while still adhering to the semi-formal dress code commonly associated with afternoon tea in the UK.
What is the most expensive afternoon tea in the UK?
You’ll typically find afternoon tea in a nice hotel or country house costs between £35 and £45, but they can get much more expensive, especially if you add in a glass of champagne.
The most expensive afternoon tea in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the location, the reputation of the venue, and the exclusivity of the experience. However, some establishments are known for offering particularly lavish and high-priced afternoon tea experiences.
One such example is the “Couture Champagne Afternoon Tea” at The Ritz in London. Renowned for its opulent surroundings and impeccable service, The Ritz offers a truly luxurious afternoon tea experience.
The Couture Champagne Afternoon Tea includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and a choice of over 20 loose-leaf teas, all served alongside a glass of Champagne. The price for this indulgent experience can exceed £100 per person, making it one of the most expensive afternoon teas in the UK.
Other high-end hotels and venues in London, such as Claridge’s, The Dorchester, and The Savoy, also offer luxurious afternoon tea experiences with prices ranging upwards of £80-£90 per person.
Outside of London, there are also upscale hotels and country estates across the UK that offer extravagant afternoon tea packages, often featuring premium teas, Champagne, and gourmet delicacies.
While these experiences may not always surpass the prices seen at some of the most prestigious London hotels, they can still command a hefty price tag, especially when considering additional add-ons or bespoke services.
Conclusion: The Best Afternoon Tea In Hampshire
In conclusion, Hampshire offers a plethora of delightful venues for afternoon tea, each with its own unique charm and offerings. While it’s challenging to crown a single venue as the absolute best, several standout options consistently receive rave reviews and provide unforgettable experiences.
My two top picks would have to be Rhinefield House in Brockenhurst, and for something a bit different The Aviator in Farnborough. Saying that, I loved all the choices on my list and would happily go back to any of them, so pick the one you like the sound of the best!
Ultimately, the best afternoon tea in Hampshire is a matter of personal preference, and each venue offers its own unique charm and delights. Whether you’re seeking luxury, rustic charm, or somewhere in between, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to indulge in this beloved British tradition in Hampshire.
Tuck in and enjoy!
If you’re visiting Hampshire at Christmas time then don’t miss out on the best Christmas markets in Hampshire. Why not combine a day present shopping for others with afternoon tea for yourself!
