There's something about afternoon tea in the Lake District. It just feels right. A quintessentially English tradition that goes hand in hand with the pace of life. Think three-tier cake stand, dainty sandwiches and pastries to die for. And those views. Is there a more perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or to simply indulge yourselves while you're on holiday?
This year, Afternoon Tea Week runs from 9'' 16 August, so what better reason to share some of our favourite local spots to take afternoon tea?
Below are our top five places for afternoon tea in the Lake District. Four of them are either a walk or a short drive from our Windermere cottages, while the final choice'' the Inn on the Lake'' is perfect for guests in our Ullswater cottages. Please do remember to book in advance.
The Tea Room at Blackwell
The tea room at Blackwell Arts and Crafts House offers a range of delicious light lunches, cakes and tempting treats using the very best local ingredients. And if the sun is shining, the elegant outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the Lakeland fells beyond.
Macdonald Old England Hotel
With Lake Windermere as its back, the Macdonald Old England Hotel in Bowness is a more than suitable venue to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. And whether it's served in the lounge or on the terrace, the views are stunning.
Storrs Hall Hotel
The talented team of pastry chefs at Storrs Hall are passionate about creating an afternoon tea worthy of this great British tradition. And the results are fabulous. The afternoon tea itself is a thing of beauty. Delicious homemade cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones served alongside a selection of sandwiches and savouries. There's even a Tiny Tots Tea for the younger family members.
Lakeside Hotel
Our final choice is Lakeside Hotel, located right on the western shore of Lake Windermere, about half an hour in the car from Windermere. The delicious afternoon tea is served in the elegant conservatory, or outside on the terrace when the sun is shining. Both offer amazing views in a beautiful setting.
To be honest, we could have mentioned so many other fantastic places. Traditional afternoon tea is something we take very seriously in the Lake District, so wherever you go, you'll find friendly service and a range of delicious treats.
Inn on the Lake, Ullswater
There's a really relaxing atmosphere at the Inn on the Lake which makes it the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea. During the winter months, the roaring log fire ensures warmth and cosiness, while in the summer months the large outside terrace and gardens offer a bright native. Inside or outside, the views of the lake are nothing short of spectacular.
Traditional afternoon tea is something we take very seriously in the Lake District, so to limit our choices to these five has proved quite tricky. What we can say is that wherever you go, you'll find friendly service and a range of delicious treats.
afternoon tea
afternoon tea in the lake district
blackwell arts and crafts house
inn on the lake
lake district
lakesside hotel
macdonald old england hotel
storrs hall hotel
ullswater
