Windermere has lots of lovely and delicious options for afternoon tea.
This guide covers ten of the best afternoon venues in the Windermere area.
Each one serves a mix of sandwiches, scones, and cakes with tea or coffee. Some offers extras like ice cold champagne.
Remeber…Try to always book ahead to avoid missing out, the Lake District is often very busy!
Related: Best Walks Around Windermere
1. Cedar Manor
Cedar Manor sits on the edge of Windermere and serves a traditional afternoon tea.
The menu includes warm savouries, finger sandwiches like smoked salmon on brown bread, egg mayonnaise on white bread, roast chicken on brown bread, and cucumber with cream cheese.
Scones come plain or with fruit, paired with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Finish with an assortment of pastries and desserts. Tea is loose leaf from local suppliers, served on Royal Crown Derby china.
Enjoy it in the restaurant, lounge, or garden. Guests praise the homemade food and garden views.
2. Storrs Hall Hotel
Storrs Hall Hotel stands on the shore of Lake Windermere.
Afternoon tea here includes sandwiches, savouries, buttermilk scones with jam and clotted cream, and sweet treats.
Add prosecco or champagne for an extra fee. It is served in lounges or the conservatory with lake views.
A tiny tots version is great for children. The setting in a Georgian mansion adds classic Lake District charm.
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3. The Fizzy Tarté
The Fizzy Tarté in Bowness-on-Windermere offers a modern take on afternoon tea.
Options include classic with miniature cakes and sandwiches, or ultimate with rosé prosecco.
Cakes come from award-winning patisserie, and scones are local. Add cocktails or champagne.
This popular cafe bar has indoor and outdoor seating.
Reviews note the great service and buzzy atmosphere.
4. Lindeth Fell Country House
Lindeth Fell Country House near Bowness-on-Windermere provides traditional afternoon tea.
The menu has sandwiches like tuna and cucumber, roast ham, cheddar and tomato, or egg mayonnaise.
Add scones with jam and cream, plus treats like shortbread and meringues.
A sparkling version includes prawn cocktail and prosecco.
Serve it on garden terraces with views of Coniston mountains.
5. The Wild Boar
The Wild Boar near Windermere gives an alternative afternoon tea.
Instead of finger sandwiches, try items like hotdog, beer-battered cod cheek, or slider.
Finish with scones, jam, and cream. A vegetarian option exists, and it adapts for gluten-free.
Take it as a picnic in the woods. Pair with home-brewed ale or prosecco.
The cosy lounge has a fire, great in Winter time.
6. Beech Hill Hotel
Beech Hill Hotel on the edge of Lake Windermere serves afternoon tea on the terrace or in the lounge.
The menu covers sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Add champagne for a special touch.
Views of the lake make it stand out. The hotel has a spa for extra relaxation.
7. Belsfield Hotel
Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere offers afternoon tea in the brasserie or on the terrace.
The menu includes classic British items.
Views across Lake Windermere add to the experience.
Pair it with tea, coffee, or prosecco. The hotel sits in six acres of stunning gardens.
8. Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel
Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel overlooks Lake Windermere.
Afternoon tea here uses local ingredients.
The menu changes with seasons. Enjoy it in the lounge or on the terrace with fell views.
The hotel has a spa and gardens.
9. Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere serves ‘posh scran’ afternoon tea at the lake house.
The menu has sweet and savoury items. Add champagne.
The setting by Knipe Tarn provides calm. Reviews highlight the fresh produce and views.
10. Lakeside Hotel
Lakeside Hotel at the south end of Lake Windermere offers afternoon tea with handmade cakes and savoury bites.
The menu changes by season and includes loose-leaf teas or coffee.
Add champagne. Enjoy it in the conservatory or on the terrace with lake views.
Related: Windermere Christmas Market
The History of English Afternoon Tea
English afternoon tea began in 1840. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started it to fill the gap between lunch and a late dinner.
She had tea, bread, and cakes around four o’clock.
It soon became a social custom among the upper class. By the late 1800s, it spread to all classes.
Tea rooms opened, and it turned into a daily ritual with sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Where to Stay in Windermere
Our holiday cottages provide a base for trips to Windermere.
We offer comfortable spaces with easy access to local afternoon tea venues.
Our cottages suit couples, families, or groups, with options for short breaks or longer stays.
We sit close to lakes and paths, making it simple to plan your visit.
Click here to if you are interested in a Windermere self-catering holiday…
What is in a Classic English Tea?
A classic English afternoon tea has three main parts. Start with savoury finger sandwiches.
Common types include cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, and ham with mustard.
Next come warm scones, plain or with fruit, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Finish with sweet items like cakes, pastries, and biscuits.
The tea itself is hot, often black varieties such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, with options for milk and sugar.
Some venues add extras like champagne as a lovely treat.
Some Final Notes On Your Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea in Windermere makes any day special. Pick a venue with lake views for extra appeal.
Check menus for options like gluten-free. Most places take bookings online or by phone.
