The Best 7 Places for Afternoon Tea in Dorset

There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a quintessentially British, afternoon tea. Here in Dorset, we’re lucky enough to have the perfect mix of cosy tea rooms and luxurious hotels offering delectable Dorset afternoon tea for you to enjoy.

Relish in mouth-watering scones, homemade cakes and some delicious hot tea (plus a glass of fizz anyone?). Take in views of the Jurassic Coast, enjoy an afternoon tea in a riverside pod or jump on board a Dorset Cruise for an afternoon tea experience like no other.

Read more to discover the best places for Dorset afternoon tea…

The history of afternoon tea

The long-established idea of afternoon tea was introduced in 1840 by Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russell. The 7th Duchess of Bedford brought in the concept of afternoon tea due to the long stretch of time between lunch and dinner. Then, this notion of bread butter in between meals became a popular social event.

Best afternoon tea in Dorset

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Evershot

 

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Located in the enchanting village of Evershot, Summer Lodge is the perfect location for afternoon tea in Dorset. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside, you can enjoy some of Dorset’s finest local cream with your scones, whilst enjoying the hotel’s luxurious setting.

Why not discover the history of tea and how to expertly pair tea with sandwiches, scones and pastries with Summer Lodges’ Afternoon Tea Masterclass – a great experience for afternoon tea lovers of all ages!

Location – 9 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 OJR
Contact – 01935 482000
Price – £29 per person
Find out More – Summer Lodge Hotel Afternoon Tea

The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth

If you’re looking for Afternoon Tea in Bournemouth, then we have just the spot for you! The Green House Hotel is a luxury boutique eco-hotel situated in the heart of Bournemouth. Dorset afternoon tea is served in Arbor, the hotel’s multi-award-winning 2 rosette restaurant. Enjoy a range of traditional finger sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes, warm homemade scones and organic teas.

Location – 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3AX
Contact – 01202 498900
Price – £18.50 per person for the Classic Afternoon Tea. Add a glass of sparkling rose for £8
Find out More – The Green House Afternoon Tea

The Priory, Wareham

 

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The Priory Hotel, Wareham, offers a traditional Afternoon Tea in either their Drawing Room, River Terrace Restaurant or their unique Riverside Pod.

With a range of Afternoon Tea options available, from their classic Priory Cream Tea to their Priory Savoury Tea, there’s a treat for everyone! Celebrating a special occasion? Why not add a glass of English Sparkling Wine and enjoy a ‘cheers’ whilst nestled along the bank of the River Frome.

Location – Church Green, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4ND
Contact – 01929 551 666
Price – £24.50 for the Priory ‘Ritzy’ Tea. Add a glass of English Sparkling Wine for £12.50
Find out More – The Priory Hotel Afternoon Tea

Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Weymouth

A luxury family hotel in Weymouth, Moonfleet Manor Hotel overlooks the stunning Jurassic Coast and is the perfect setting to enjoy afternoon tea in Dorset.

Treat yourself to an assortment of finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, warm scones and fresh clotted cream, whilst overlooking Chesil Beach. For an extra bit of indulgence, add a glass of house fizz to your afternoon tea, sit back and take in the incredible views of the Jurassic Coast.

Location – Fleet Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4ED
Contact – 0208 0765555
Price – £25 per person for Afternoon Tea. Add a glass of fizz for £10
Find out More – Moonfleet Manor Afternoon Tea

Dorset Cruises – Afternoon High Tea Cruise, Poole

 

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If you’re looking for an afternoon tea experience with a twist, then why not jump aboard a luxury cruise. Dorset Cruises offer an unforgettable experience, serving afternoon tea and prosecco, whilst cruising out to Poole Bay.

Witness Dorset’s spectacular World Heritage Site – The Jurassic Coast and experience Millionaires Row in Sandbanks all whilst enjoying some delicious scones, clotted cream and gin jam!

Location – Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ
Contact – 01202 844 199
Price – Tickets from £30 per person
Find Out More – Dorset Cruises Afternoon High Tea

Mortons Manor, Corfe Castle

 

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Mortons Manor is a Grade II listed Elizabeth Manor House, sitting beside the iconic Corfe Castle. Here you can enjoy a delightful Dorset Afternoon Tea, in the heart of the Purbecks. Mortons Manor has a selection of offerings including Dorset Cream Tea, a Full Afternoon Tea and even a Savoury Afternoon Tea – not forgetting that glass of fizz!

Location – 45 East Street, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EE
Contact – 01929 480988
Price – £18 for Full Afternoon Tea. Add a glass of prosecco for £7
Find out More – Mortons Manor Afternoon Tea

Wishing Well, Upwey, Weymouth

 

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Our list of the best Afternoon Tea in Dorset concludes with the Wishing Well Tea Rooms and Water Gardens in Upwey. The Tearooms offer a fabulous Traditional High Tea, complete with handmade cakes, treats and their famous wishing well fruit scones with jam and clotted cream.

What’s more, the Wishing Well’s Ornamental Water Garden is home to a variety of flora and the famous wishing well. Build up your appetite by strolling along the garden pathways or find a spot to sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the garden before digging into a charming Afternoon Tea.

Location – 161 Church Street, Weymouth, DT3 5QE
Contact – 01305 814470
Price – £18.95 per person for the Wishing Well High Tea
Find out More – The Wishing Well Tea Rooms

Holiday Cottages in Dorset

If you’re feeling inspired to take a trip to Dorset to enjoy some delicious Afternoon Tea, then make sure you check out our range of holiday cottages in Dorset. We have over 400 hand-picked cottages perfect for your next getaway to the Jurassic Coast.