Activities & Days Out / 30 July, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

The Best Family-Friendly Afternoon Teas In London & Beyond For Summer

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (10–16 August 2026) by treating the family to one of Britain’s most delicious traditions. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent afternoon tea in London, a magical castle setting, or a countryside escape just outside the capital, we’ve rounded up the very best family-friendly afternoon teas across the UK.

Few experiences feel quite as special as afternoon tea. Freshly baked scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches, irresistible pastries and, of course, a perfectly brewed pot of tea—it’s a timeless British tradition that appeals to every generation.

From luxurious London hotels to beautiful country estates, these are our favourite places to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week.

The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, London

Perfect for curious little minds, The Ampersand’s famous Science Afternoon Tea transforms traditional treats into chocolate planets, dinosaur biscuits and interactive desserts inspired by the nearby Natural History Museum and Science Museum.

Ideal if you’re planning a family day out in South Kensington.

Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, London

One of London’s most iconic afternoon tea destinations, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a bucket-list experience.

Expect elegant surroundings, impeccable service and beautifully presented cakes, sandwiches and freshly baked scones. Children’s afternoon tea menus make this a brilliant choice for families visiting central London.

The Langham, London

Often described as the birthplace of afternoon tea, Palm Court at The Langham continues the tradition with one of the capital’s most luxurious experiences.

Families can enjoy beautifully crafted seasonal menus, while younger guests are treated to their own child-friendly afternoon tea.

One Aldwych, Covent Garden

Step into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with One Aldwych’s imaginative afternoon tea in the heart of London’s Theatreland. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, families can enjoy playful savouries, whimsical sweet treats, warm chocolate dip, fluffy candy floss and the hotel’s famous fizzy lifting drinks, making it a truly unforgettable experience for children and grown-ups alike. Perfect for a special occasion or an enchanting day out in the capital.

The Chesterfield Mayfair

Treat the family to the award-winning Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, inspired by everyone’s favourite traditional sweet shop. Expect chocolate scones, delicate finger sandwiches, nostalgic cakes and whimsical touches such as smoking pink lemonade, all served with an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas. Recently awarded an Award of Excellence at the 2026 Afternoon Tea Awards, it’s a wonderfully indulgent choice for children and grown-ups alike.

Richmond Hill Hotel, London

Nestled on the edge of beautiful Richmond Park, Richmond Hill Hotel’s Enchanted Treehouse Afternoon Tea celebrates the area’s leafy surroundings with elegant patisserie, savoury bites and beautifully crafted sweet treats, all made in-house by the hotel’s pastry chef. Make a day of it with deer spotting in Richmond Park, a riverside stroll or a wander through Richmond’s charming independent shops and cafés before heading home—or extending your visit with an overnight stay.

Check out our full review here: Richmond Hill Hotel Afternoon Tea: A Magical Mother-Daughter Stay In London

Petersham Nurseries, Richmond

For a truly unique afternoon tea, head to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond, where a beautiful garden setting meets seasonal, nature-inspired flavours. Available Thursday to Sunday, the elegant Garden Afternoon Tea features delicately crafted savouries and sweet treats that celebrate the best of the season. Families are warmly welcomed too, with a specially curated children’s afternoon tea, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed and memorable day out.

Pennyhill Park, Surrey

For a luxurious family treat just outside the city, Pennyhill Park delivers a wonderfully charming, family-friendly experience with its “Mini Me” Afternoon Tea.

Served in the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere of the Hillfield restaurant, the setting feels upscale and special without being stuffy or intimidating for little ones. The menu brilliantly mirrors the sophisticated adult version, swapping out complex flavours for beautifully presented, bite-sized finger sandwiches and creative sweet treats tailored specifically to younger palates. Watching the kids enjoy their own miniature tiered stands against the backdrop of the hotel’s stunning, sprawling Surrey grounds adds a magical sense of occasion that makes it a must-add to your family weekend bucket list

Cliveden House, Berkshire

While Berkshire’s iconic Cliveden House doesn’t offer a dedicated children’s afternoon tea menu, this breathtaking five-star estate is still an absolute dream for a family day out. Served in the majestic Cliveden Dining Room or the grand Great Hall, their classic tea is best suited for older children who will love sharing a sophisticated tiered stand of traditional finger sandwiches and decadent pastries alongside their parents.

The real magic for families lies just outside the dining room doors; the hotel sits within 376 spectacular acres of National Trust grounds. Pairing a luxurious, high-end tea experience with an afternoon spent tackling the giant Cliveden Maze, exploring the wooden play trail, or embarking on a vintage boat trip down the Thames makes it a spectacular, memory-making British tradition the whole family will love

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Berkshire

For younger children, this might be one of the UK’s most exciting afternoon tea experiences.

Its Fun at the Fair Afternoon Tea includes colourful themed cakes, interactive drinks and playful sweet treats inspired by the excitement of a traditional fairground.

Following its £20 million restoration, the estate is also perfectly placed for visits to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Beale Park and Highclere Castle.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Afternoon tea overlooking one of Britain’s most beautiful castles? Yes please.

Served with uninterrupted views across the moat, Leeds Castle’s Castle View Afternoon Tea includes freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade scones with Kentish jam and handcrafted cakes.

Families can extend their stay in one of the estate’s charming lodges or the enchanting Knights’ Retreat.

De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire

Recently crowned Best Afternoon Tea at the Muddy Stilettos Gloucestershire & Worcestershire Awards 2026, De Vere Tortworth Court is well worth the journey.

Enjoy afternoon tea inside the elegant 1853 Restaurant, the atmospheric Old Library or outside on the terrace overlooking the Victorian gardens. During summer, guests can even opt for a luxury picnic afternoon tea on the estate’s lawns.

With a beautiful arboretum, spa and 30 acres of grounds to explore, it’s the perfect countryside escape.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Warwickshire

Available throughout the summer, The Belfry’s seasonal afternoon tea celebrates British berries and hedgerow flavours through beautifully handcrafted pastries, savouries and unlimited premium tea.

Set within 550 acres, it’s ideal for families looking to combine great food with a luxury overnight stay.

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in Style

Whether you’re searching for the best family-friendly afternoon tea in London, a countryside hotel near the capital or a memorable UK staycation, these destinations prove afternoon tea is about far more than cakes and sandwiches.

From themed children’s teas and castle picnics to award-winning country house experiences, there’s something here for every family. What are you waiting for? Gather the grandparents, book a table and make the most of Afternoon Tea Week 2026 with a delicious family day out this summer holiday.

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