Afternoon Tea

"Sandwiches intended for afternoon tea are dainty trifles, pleasing to the eye and palate, but too flimsy to allay hunger where it exists." Mrs Beeton 1892

The tradition of taking Afternoon Tea was reputedly introduced by Anna Maria, seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s to appease her ‘sinking feeling’ in the long hours between an early luncheon and a late supper. She asked for a pot of water, bread and butter and cakes; and brewed her own tea. 

In a letter to her brother-in-law, sent from Windsor Castle in 1841, she writes: 'I forgot to name my old friend Prince Esterhazy who drank tea with me the other evening at 5 o'clock...’ By the end of the decade Afternoon Tea was a widespread social event. The small, crust-less sandwiches, biscuits, and cake were easy to eat without soiling gloves, prior to a fashionable promenade in Windsor Great Park.

Indulge yourself with a Royal Windsor afternoon tea with a twist.

Captain Sir Tom Moore Afternoon Tea at the Castle Hotel

In July 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore was knighted by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle.  He and his family then celebrated the joyous occasion over afternoon tea at The Castle Hotel Windsor, located just across the road from the royal palace.  It was such an enjoyable event that the hotel asked to dedicate a special menu in his name and the Afternoon Tea in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore and his Charity Foundation was born.  

Guests can enjoy all the traditional elements of a quintessentially English afternoon tea, featuring some of Captain Sir Tom’s personal favourites. The delectable selection of homemade finger sandwiches includes Captain Sir Tom’s much-loved Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and homemade pickle sandwich, along with plain or jumbo fruit scones, served with homemade berries of the forest jam and Devonshire clotted cream.

You’ll also discover delicious mini pastries, including Captain Sir Tom’s favourite creamy Victoria sponge cake. The hotel has even created The Great British Army fruit torte and a Hope chocolate opera cake in recognition of the mission of The Captain Tom Foundation: to inspire hope where it is needed most.  The Castle Hotel Windsor will provide a 10% contribution to The Captain Tom Foundation, for every afternoon tea sold.

Served in the hotel’s quintessentially English lounge, the afternoon tea celebrates one of the country's best traditions, putting one of our finest gentleman centre stage.  And it really is a menu made for a hero!  After your afternoon tea, how about a carriage ride?  Windsor Carriages can collect from the hotel for your onward tour of the Long Walk and Windsor Great Park. 

Old English Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park 

Coworth Park’s elegant Drawing Room enjoys views over 240 acres of Berkshire countryside. The Old English Afternoon Tea includes freshly-made sandwiches, scones and classic pastries with a twist, accompanied by a tea menu of over 20 varieties.  This includes Coworth Park’s own Meadow Blend, containing lavender picked from the hotel’s grounds. A special gluten-free afternoon tea is also available and there is also the option to add a delicious glass of Champagne to your tea too!

Perfect Picnics on The Long Walk with Windsor Carriages

Windsor Carriages offer locally-made picnics in proper hampers to accompany their horse-drawn carriage tours lasting 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Relax and enjoy al-fresco eating at the top of The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, facing Windsor Castle.

Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House

Savour the quintessentially British pastime of taking afternoon tea at Cliveden House with a twist.  For the ultimate afternoon tea experience, experience the Veuve Clicquot Rich Afternoon Tea, offering a theatrical new concept with a unique spin on your classic Champagne afternoon tea.  This remarkable experience is a real treat for the senses.  Veuve Clicquot Rich is the first Champagne created expressly for mixology and is Veuve Clicquot's most versatile Champagne, allowing for a playful drinking experience.  Enjoy Veuve Clicquot Rich infused with your choice of our Earl Grey, Lemon Verbena or Rooibos Cliveden-blend teas and choice of garnishes from ginger, mint and rosemary to grapefruit, cucumber and strawberries.  So sip, savour and spend time with your nearest and dearest at Cliveden with this new and indulgent afternoon tea experience.

'On the River' Afternoon Tea with Private Boat Hire Ltd

Take to the River Thames in a classic 1960s built motor cruiser. This two-hour afternoon tea cruise involves a gentle journey downstream to Windsor, or upstream to Maidenhead and back. Sit back in comfort and take in the passing river sights including a lock, marinas, spectacular houses and beautiful scenery. Your afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, fresh scones served with clotted cream and jam, fresh strawberries and cream, tea and coffee.

Royal Windsor Steam Express Cream Tea

Every summer, the Royal Windsor Steam Express offers passengers a nostalgic and unique way of travelling to Windsor by rail with the option of enjoying a delicious cream tea in one of their elegant carriages.  The Royal Windsor Steam Express’s Pullman Style provides a premium railway dining experience.  Passengers sit either in the original Metcam Pullman Carriages or refurbished First Class carriages with wood panelling, comfortable seats, table lamps and curtains at the windows. Here, you'll enjoy the most leg room, the highest level of service and an atmosphere which evokes memories of a bygone era.  You’ll be welcomed on board with a chilled glass of Champagne before enjoying a delicious cream tea on the journey to Windsor.  The menu includes Brioche bun with smoked salmon and cream cheese (or vegetarian option), traditional English scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, assorted macaroons and a selection of tea and coffee.