Top 5 Places for Afternoon Tea in Suffolk

When it comes to spending a holiday in Suffolk, there’s nothing more quintessentially British than to enjoy an afternoon tea. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a rundown of some of our favourite places for afternoon tea to check out when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent.

If you’re looking for a British afternoon tea, whether you’re in search of smoked salmon finger sandwiches, cream teas, traditional afternoon tea, warm scones, or just plain old tea and coffee, we’ve got it covered in Suffolk. Every bit as good as afternoon tea in London – whether at Covent Garden, the Diamond Jubilee tea salon, St James, or the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane – but without the smog and traffic!

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 in Suffolk? 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 or a glass of champagne. 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 in Suffolk. 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? Some say it is the best afternoon tea in Suffolk.

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 places for a great afternoon tea in Suffolk, the Blue Vintage Tea Rooms offers an exceptional afternoon tea which is accompanied by a sweet and savoury selection of cakes, fruit, sandwiches and scones which are all available with veggie and gluten free alternatives.

Alder Carr Farm – Needham Market

Located only 10 minutes from Woodfarm HQ, 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 in Suffolk, with a homemade selection of cakes, scones, tea and more. Pastry chef heaven! Why not take a little walk around Needham Lake whilst you’re here.

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, not to mention that the all important afternoon tea is served here. 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 while looking out 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?

Some other options include the Art Deco gem at The Old Bank Tearoom in Bungay, Seckford Hall, The Teapot Tearoom at Wickham Market, Earsham Hall, or a medieval themed afternoon tea at Kentwell Hall, to name but a few.

Need a break RIGHT NOW? Have a look at our last-minute availability page, where we list discounted stays when we have unexpected gaps. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a Suffolk escape at a great price.