
Last Updated on March 9, 2023
When it comes to enjoying a holiday in Suffolk, there’s nothing more quintessentially British than enjoy an afternoon tea. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a rundown of five of our favourite places to check out when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent.
- Riverhills Spa & Health Club – Bramford
Now you may be thinking – why is a spa and health club featuring on a list about where to get an afternoon tea? Well, at Riverhills, which is just outside Ipswich, you can enjoy a relaxing, tranquil day at the spa, and then have an afternoon tea. Alternatively, you can jump straight into having an afternoon tea. The afternoon tea comes with a selection of cakes, hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, sandwiches, and scones – the classic British afternoon tea, which, here at Riverhills, has been rated quite highly along with all the other food that they offer. Bundles are available here for the spa and afternoon tea selection, or just the afternoon tea, so you can choose what you would like when you book. Furthermore, they also do group bookings for events such as birthdays, family gatherings and many more, so you can enjoy the facilities that they offer whilst getting an amazing afternoon tea as well.
- The Cookhouse Restaurant – Wherstead

For some people, fantastic views are understandably of high importance when selecting somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea. At the Cookhouse Restaurant, you will enjoy exactly the kind of tranquil surroundings that perfectly complement an excellent range of afternoon teas with a selection of fruit scones with cream and jam, sandwiches and cakes. More specifically, you can take in the amazing views you get out of the upstairs windows – looking over the Orwell Estuary at nearly 180 degrees and the rolling scenery of Suffolk. In addition to this offering, the Cookhouse also features an impressive farm shop which sells a wide range of locally produced food which you can buy once you have had a luxurious afternoon tea. So, for a picturesque view over the Orwell, and an amazing afternoon tea, why wouldn’t you want to go to the Cookhouse?
- Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms – Lavenham
Lavenham – a small, stunning Suffolk village located in the south of the county near to Sudbury is home to remarkable Tudor architecture and is so striking that it features in the Harry Potter franchise. One of our top 5 places for a great afternoon tea, the Blue Vintage Tea Rooms offer an exceptional afternoon tea which is accompanied by a selection of cakes, fruit, sandwiches, scones which are all available with veggie and gluten free alternatives.
- Alder Carr Farm – Needham Market



Located just outside Needham Market, you’ll find Alder Carr Farm. Here, there is a wide range of shops within the farm. These include the courtyard café, the farm shop, which sells locally produced food, a garden centre, multiple craft stores from cakes to ceramics to jewellery and general crafts, and multiple walks that are fantastic for rounding off your afternoon. At the Courtyard Café you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a homemade selection of cakes, scones, tea and more.
- Southwold Boating Lake & Tea Room – Southwold
Located in another beautiful Suffolk town, Southwold, is the Southwold Boating Lake Tearoom, which is just round the corner from the sandy Southwold beach and promenade. This establishment offers a splendid menu for breakfast and lunch as well as the all important afternoon tea. The afternoon tea here is of a distinctly vintage breed with freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, jam and cream along with a pot of tea for you to enjoy looking over the lake.
With so many choices available, why not try one of these afternoon tea hotspots when enjoying one of our Barns or Barges for rent in Suffolk?