Best Afternoon Teas in the Windsor area

There are plenty of delightful ways to enjoy a luxury Afternoon Tea in the Windsor area.  Settle down in one of our charming hotels, or perhaps take to the water for a floating Afternoon Tea on the River Thames.

The British love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK and there are few traditions more deliciously decadent than Afternoon Tea. 

Afternoon Tea also makes the most perfect gift experience for a friend or family member.  So why not get a voucher as a present and treat a loved one to free-flowing tea and a cake stand laden with fresh sandwiches, scones and sweet treats!

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.

Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park's Drawing Room

Old English Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park

Coworth Park’s elegant Drawing Room enjoys views over 240 acres of Berkshire countryside. In a delicious twist on tradition, Coworth Park’s pastry team pays homage to the hotel’s English roots, taking inspiration from hedgerows and reinventing the classic English Afternoon Tea. The accompanying tea menu features over 20 varieties including Coworth Park’s own Meadow Blend, with lavender picked from the hotel’s grounds.
Book Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park here.

Afternoon Tea at Windsor's Castle Hotel

Royal Afternoon Tea at Leaf, The Castle Hotel Windsor

Located opposite Windsor Castle, The Castle Hotel Windsor offers guests an exquisite Afternoon Tea that is fit for royalty. Served in their quintessentially English lounge, the Afternoon Tea menu applauds Windsor's rich royal heritage with delicious and indulgent treats taking centre stage.  It's a feast for the eyes as well as a triumph for the tastebuds!  Treat little ones to a children's Afternoon Tea which includes a range of finger sandwiches and mini fruit scone with cream and jam, followed by chocolate brownies, fruit kebabs and an indulgent hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. This is a tradition they are sure to fall in love with.

The Castle Hotel's tea selection includes green teas from Darvilles of Windsor, holders of the Royal Warrant for 70 years, who continue to supply teas to the Royal Household at Windsor Castle.
Book Afternoon Tea at The Castle Hotel Windsor here.

Dogs, as well as their owners, can enjoy Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters

Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters

Served in the historic Anne Boleyn Drawing room, Garden Room and  Cocktail Bar –  and in the summer months on the terrace overlooking the parterres  – Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters is an elegant affair indeed.  From delicate bavarois to moreish eclairs, their array of desserts are served alongside warm, freshly baked scones and an exquisite selection of sandwiches. It makes a beautiful gift for a loved one, or an indulgent treat for yourself.  There are private dining options for six or more guests.
Book Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters here.

Doggy Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters

Accompanying four legged friends need not be left out!  Doggy companions will be served savoury sausages, dog bakery biscuits and treats with a puppycino and water.
Book Doggy Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters here.

Afternoon Tea at Pennyhill Park

Orchid Tea Room Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Windsor Park

Baron and Baroness Schroder, the original owners of the mansion house, collected orchids from around the world and displayed them in this room. Fairmont Windsor Park's bespoke crockery reflects the flowers’ beauty for an altogether indulgent experience. The expert Pâtisserie and Chocolatier teams ensure an outstanding presentation of home-made food including delicious sandwiches made with a variety of flavoured breads; candied and plain scones; and sweet treats inspired by the seasons, all served with world-class teas.
Book Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Windsor Park here.

Afternoon Tea at the Runnymede Hotel

Afternoon Tea by the river at The Runnymede on Thames

What makes Afternoon Tea at The Runnymede on Thames even more special is the picturesque riverside location. After a morning exploring the nearby town of Windsor, enjoy a long, lazy afternoon overlooking Bell Weir lock as boats, people and their dogs pass by.  Vegans and vegetarians can be catered for with menus using delicious, seasonal ingredients.
Book Afternoon Tea at The Runnymede on Thames here.

Vegan Afternoon Tea at Cliveden

Central to great moments in history starring a cast of colourful characters, take Afternoon Tea at Cliveden, a place oozing glamour, intrigue, and drama. Served on fine bone china, the Astor Tea Service is based on an original design commissioned especially for Lady Astor. Executive Chef Christopher Hannon has curated an exquisite vegan menu consisting of traditional savoury dishes, scones, sandwiches, and sweets with a selection of teas. Traditional Afternoon Tea also available.
A National Trust fee of £10 per person will be added to the bill and covers access to walk around the gardens.
Book Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House here.

Cliveden's Floating Afternoon Tea boat picnic

Floating Afternoon Tea at Cliveden

Board one of the Cliveden’s private boat flotilla, cruising down Cliveden reach, the most beautiful stretch of the River Thames. Belmont is a 33-foot restored wooden River boat, built in the 1930s. She accommodates up to four guests with a hamper of finger sandwiches and savouries, scones, seasonal cakes and pastries, hot drinks and Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Boats available to hire on an hourly basis or for the day from April until October. A river cruise to Bray takes 1 hour, and to Windsor takes 2.5 hours.
Book a Floating Afternoon Tea at Cliveden here.

Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden Kitchen

Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden

Surrounded by the backdrop of the award-winning Savill Garden, Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden Kitchen comes with a selection of cakes, sandwiches and scones, served with your choice of tea.  A vegetarian alternative is also available.  Afternoon Tea is served between 12pm and 4pm on weekdays and between 3pm and 4pm at weekends.
Book Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden here.

Afternoon Tea River Cruise with Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company

Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company operates regular shared dining cruises on the River Thames on board their vessel The Georgian.  Their two-hour Afternoon Tea river trips depart from and return to Maidenhead Riverside.  Choose from a sweet or savoury Afternoon Tea menu; there's even a Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea for children!
Book Afternoon Tea with Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company here.

Afternoon Tea at Royal Berkshire Hotel

Luxury Afternoon Tea at Royal Berkshire Hotel

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in a quintessially English setting at Royal Berkshire Hotel. Begin with freshly-cut finger sandwiches followed by a selection of plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Conclude with a selection of sweet treats.  Choose from Camellia’s Tea House loose leaf teas or a speciality coffee. Menus change with the seasons so check the website for the latest.
Book Afternoon Tea at Royal Berkshire Hotel here.

Windsor Carriages picnic hamper

Perfect Picnics on The Long Walk with Windsor Carriages

In favourable weather, savour an al fresco dining experience against the breathtaking backdrop of Windsor Castle within Windsor Great Park, expertly serviced by Windsor Carriages. Should the weather change, entrust Windsor Carriages to transport you to a variety of locales, from Michelin-nominated restaurants to exclusive private members-only clubs within the estate. This service is exclusively available on tailor made carriage bookings, requiring advance reservation and subject to availability. Included as a standard feature in all Royal Ascot week bookings.
Book your Perfect Picnic with Windsor Carriages here.

Delta Hotels by Marriott™ Heathrow Windsor

Experience the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at Delta Hotels by Marriott Heathrow Windsor, served daily from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM at The Brew Bar Lounge and Terrace. Inspired by the 19th-century custom introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, this delightful ritual features a selection of savoury and sweet treats, complemented by premium teas and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy this elegant experience in a sophisticated setting and continue a cherished English tradition.  Menus include: Cream Tea, Strawberry Tea, Classic Afternoon Tea and High Chai (with or without bubbles) and Vegetarian.
Book Afternoon Tea at Delta Hotels by Marriott™ Heathrow Windsor here.

Afternoon Tea Cruise with The Boat Hire Company

The Boat Hire Company provide luxury skippered boat hire on the River Thames and their boats make the perfect place for an Afternoon Tea Cruise with a bit of river sightseeing thrown in for good measure.  These beautiful private boats can be chartered throughout the year and can run in most weathers.  Keep warm in the winter inside their fully enclosed indoor saloon areas with seating, central heating and cosy blankets.  In the warmer months,their boats boast fully open back sun decks with seating; perfect for when the sun makes an appearance! 
Book an Afternoon Tea River Cruise with The Boat Hire Company here.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel

Situated right by the waters' edge, the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel is the perfect choice for tea with a view.  Take a table in the Riverside Brasserie and watch the swans glide by. Relax on the riverside terrace during warm summer months, with stunning views of Eton Bridge.  Choose from Traditional Afternoon Tea, Children's Afternoon Tea or Cream Tea.  Add a touch of luxury with bubbles or Pimm's!  Gluten Free and Vegan Afternoon Teas are available on request (24 hours notice required).
Book Afternoon Tea at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel here.