Afternoon Tea - photo by Sam Yardley Afternoon Tea - photo by Sam Yardley Afternoon tea at the Hotel Du Vin (© Ki Price/Emulsion London Limted) Afternoon tea at the Hotel Du Vin (© Ki Price/Emulsion London Limted) Cake Shed Café afternoon tea - photo by David Hodgkinson Cake Shed Café afternoon tea - photo by David Hodgkinson Afternoon Tea - Salomons Estate

Treat yourself to something very British and very delicious – traditional afternoon tea!

Normally taken between 3.30pm and 5:00pm, afternoon tea can be a formal affair with sandwiches, scones and cream, cakes and of course tea, or it can be simply a refreshing cup of tea with a wonderful slice of naughty cake on the side enjoyed in a quaint tea room.

There is no shortage of places to find in the Tunbridge Wells area.

Here are just a few:

Formal Afternoon Tea

If it’s the full works you’re after, then head for the Hotel Du Vin where afternoon tea is the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, although a little naughty, it’s worth every bite.

Washed down with a cup of tea, choose from a selection of classic tea blends or fruity infusions that have been created for Hotel Du Vin by Twinings whilst enjoying the view of Calverley Grounds.

Spoil yourself and try an aperitif, a classic champagne or one of the many inspired gins.

At the Spa Hotel, afternoon tea is served in the Orangery overlooking their secluded gardens and presented with all the elegant trimmings.

Choose from a selection of teas, or for that extra indulgence, a glass of champagne, but do book in advance.

The Ashdown Park Hotel located in the middle of nearby Ashdown Forest, just a short drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells, is a luxurious setting in which to enjoy award winning afternoon tea.

Served in the elegant Drawing Room, there are several menus to choose from, including a special ‘Winnie the Pooh Tea’ for children, not forgetting the all-important “hunny sandwiches”!

Afternoon Tea in Royal Tunbridge Wells

What could be better after a full day’s shopping or sightseeing in Royal Tunbridge Wells, than a welcome cup of tea?

Enjoy that cup of tea and watch the world go by sitting outside at Woods in the Pantiles, or try spectacular homemade cakes and more at Juliet’s in the High Street or nearby there are even more homemade cakes at the delectable CakeShed.

Complete with vintage cake stands, our independent and longstanding traditional department store, Hoopers, can also serve up a mean afternoon tea at the top of the High Street.

Village Tea Rooms

For something less formal, but just as enjoyable and indulgent, try the Sandhurst Tea Rooms in Sandhurst – a short and very picturesque drive from the market town of Cranbrook, or Weeks Bakery and Tea Room in Goudhurst just up from the village pond.

In Cranbrook, the Waterloo Tea Rooms provide refreshment for your four legged buddy as well – dog bowl of water at no extra charge!

In the tiny village of Brenchley, Gray’s Tearoom is an award winning cafe with accolades for ethical business. A good little stop off for sandwiches and tea.

In Penshurst village, eight miles to the west of Royal Tunbridge Wells you will find Fir Trees – in the centre of the village and within a short walking distance of Penshurst Place & Gardens.

A Kentish Country Tea

Make a day of it and combine afternoon tea with a visit to somewhere special.

The spectacular gardens and tranquil woods at Pashley Manor, near Ticehurst alone are well known locally, but so are the homemade cakes and delicious teas served on the terrace overlooking the lawns and gardens, the perfect way to end a visit to a very English garden.

Round off a visit to Penshurst Place & Gardens with afternoon tea at the Garden Tea Rooms, or in fine weather, sit on the terrace overlooking the magnificent Penshurst Estate.

Be inspired by the locals, browse their blogs on Eating Out.

Our Explore pages will tell you all about the country villages too.

Highlights