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.  Take a look at our Takeaway and Delivery Food page for restaurants and businesses offering Afternoon Tea and sweet treats for collection during lockdown.

Meadow Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park 

Coworth Park’s elegant Drawing Room enjoys views over 240 acres of Berkshire countryside. The Meadow 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.

Traditional and Gentleman's Afternoon Tea at Oakley Court 

Oakley Court, located on the banks of the River Thames, offers an Afternoon Tea for all tastes.  Take tea like the Queen amidst a beautiful country house with magnificent rural grounds residing on the banks of the River Thames. Unwind in style and relax on the set of pure splendour; it’s our favourite way to spend an afternoon at Oakley Court. There are various options to choose from: Traditional Afternoon Tea, Champagne Afternoon Tea, Gentleman’s afternoon tea (suitable for anyone with a savoury tooth more than a sweet one!) and Children’s Afternoon Tea.  You can even add a Prosecco and Sparkling Wine flight to complement each part of your afternoon tea experience.  

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 & jam, fresh strawberries & cream, tea & coffee.

Riverside Afternoon Tea at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa

At the riverside Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, you can enjoy your tea by a roaring fire in the Drawing Room or in the sunny Brasserie.  On warm days, we can serve you out on the terrace watching boats sail down the river.  Choose from a traditional afternoon tea – available as gluten-free and vegan too.  Add Pimm’s, Champagne or even two hours of unlimited Prosecco – the choice is yours!