Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Norfolk

Afternoon Tea in Norfolk is one of the best experiences. You can enjoy the tea on the stunning grounds of a country house, by the river or overlooking the beach. The tea is usually accompanied by scrumptious scones, tasty sandwiches, and delicious cakes. If you want to enjoy your afternoon tea while overlooking the Norfolk countryside, here are the best locations.

Afternoon Tea in Norfolk

1. Caistor Hall

Location: Caistor St Edmund, Norwich NR14 8QN

For delicious afternoon tea, sandwiches and good service, head to the Caistor Hall. Built between 1795 and 1797, this beautiful country house hotel boasts 20 luxurious bedrooms. Varying in size, the rooms have stylish interiors blending the old and new.

Boasting 32 acres of woodland and grounds, Caistor Hall is home to the Palm Court Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant serves a wide selection of food and beverage offerings. It’s made up of elegant Regency style rooms that provide the perfect backdrop for your dining experience.

The team of in-house chefs offer an array of dining choices, including light snacks, afternoon tea and more. Freshly prepared by the in-house chef, the afternoon tea is the perfect way to relax and spend time away from the hustle and bustle. Served in the Regency rooms, you’ve the choice of fresh sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes.

Afternoon Tea in Norfolk

2. Strattons Hotel

Location: 4 Ash Cl, Swaffham PE37 7NH

The Strattons Hotel is a small boutique hotel with a café, and restaurant. Run by a family, it’s secluded in the historic market town of Swaffham. Once home to Howard Carter, the hotel offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation. It also offers traditional Norfolk afternoon tea.

Family-friendly and pet friendly, Strattons Hotel has won several awards for its style and service. Throughout the hotel, luxury, comfort, and design feature prominently. There is a blend of beautiful things with comfort. This creates a glamorous environment that puts every visitor at ease.

At the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, “AfterFive,” you can enjoy a cup of organic and locally produced tea in an exciting English style. Everything is from the very best local suppliers. That includes eggs, fruits, vegetables and others.

3. Byfords

Location: 1-3 Shirehall Plain, Holt NR25 6BG

If you’re looking for the best place to stay, head to Byfords. Nestled in the centre of the Georgian market town of Holt, the hotel has sixteen en-suite rooms and a self-catering apartment. It has a café that serves hearty brunches, lunches, breakfasters, delicious dinners and afternoon teas.

Between 2.30pm and 5pm each day, you can catch up with loved ones with a classic Byfords afternoon tea. The tea includes tasty scones with jam and clotted cream, sandwiches, and delicious cakes. Before you visit, pre-book at least 24 hours in advance.

You can take your tea outside when it’s sunny or by the fire in the café. On special occasions such as Mother’s Day, the hotel serves High Tea.

Afternoon Tea in Norfolk

4. The Assembly House

Location: Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RQ

The Assembly House is a Grade I listed gem. Located in the heart of the city, Thomas Ivory designed it in 1754. They spared no expense in its construction. Today, it’s one of the iconic buildings in Norwich. When inside, beauty is in every corner. From the gorgeous gardens to the sparkling chandeliers, spending an evening in the hotel is an excellent experience.

The hotel has 11 luxurious bedrooms and a glamorous dining room where the hotel staff serve its famous afternoon tea. At the hotel’s restaurant, afternoon tea is usually served between 12pm to 4.30pm. Menus are courtesy of the director and renowned Norfolk chef, Richard Hughes. All menus have antibacterial lamination. The hotel also sanitises the credit card machines and tables after each guest visit.

5. River Kitchen Café

Location: Riverside Rd, Hoveton, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8UD

Enjoy beautiful views of the Norfolk Broads while dining at the River Kitchen Café. Opened in 2015, the café provides a welcoming environment for you and your family to enjoy. The award-winning café serves breakfasts, lunches, tea, coffee, cakes, and cold drinks.

It also serves afternoon tea and other treats. To ensure the food is of the best standard, River Kitchen Café prepares it using the freshest and tastiest ingredients. The Café has a large outside seating area with beautiful views of the river. As a family-friendly café, they have high chairs for children and babies. They also have ramp access on the car park entrance.

6. The Folly Tearooms

Location: Unit 4 Hoppers Yard, Bull St, Holt NR25 6LN

The Folly Tearooms is popular in Holt for its selection of homemade cakes, afternoon teas and treats. They also serve breakfast, and lunches prepared using local and seasonal produce. For the afternoon tea, you’ve the choice of loose leaf teas. If you fancy something a little stronger, The Folly Tearooms serves a range of Bullards Gin and Adnams alcohol.

Reservations at The Folly Tearooms are not essential. However, pre-booking in advance will ensure that you avoid disappointment. The Folly Tearooms is under new management but with the same wonderful experience. Whatever you fancy, you’ll surely find something on The Folly Tearooms menu to tickle your taste buds.

7. Heydon Tea rooms

Location: The Street, Heydon, Norwich NR11 6AD

The idyllic village of Heydon is home to Heydon Tearooms. As the winner of Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2017 for the best afternoon tea, they serve:

Delicious cream tea
Homemade cakes
Scones and other treats

If you’re looking for something more filling, they also serve a light lunch and a homemade soup.

Heydon Tearooms is open 5 days a week, from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm. The indoor tables are usually limited to a maximum of 6 people or two households. However, there are no restrictions for outdoor tables. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

Following government guidelines, Heydon Tearooms has put sanitiser points in each doorway. All staff wear a face mask, and when the weather is good, they open all doors and windows to increase ventilation. To make your afternoon tea pre-order, contact Heydon Tearooms 24 hours before your visit.

8. Cliff Hotel

Location: Cliff Hill, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR31 6DH

The Cliff Hotel is unique in a picturesque setting overlooking Gorleston beach. Loved by locals and visitors, Cliff Hotel offers a luxurious experience all year round. The hotel’s terrace provides an excellent vantage point to enjoy the best views.

Adjoining the restaurant is the hotel’s garden. A perfect place to relax, you can leave your stress behind and enjoy a peaceful day. Unwind at the luxurious bedrooms designed with comfort in mind. Each bed has white linen, and soft pillows to ensure quality sleep. Whether it’s a fun family break or a romantic weekend away, this is the perfect place.

At the Cliff Hotel, afternoon tea is a historic tradition. As the perfect get together, you can enjoy afternoon tea with fantastic views of the beach. The hotel serves tea with homemade scones, sandwiches and desserts.

9. Biddy’s Tearoom

Location: 15/15a Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, NR21EL

At the Biddy’s Tearoom, you can enjoy tea in a relaxed setting. The Tearoom specialises in afternoon and high teas using their own produce. They opened their first branch in 2010 followed by a second brand in the quaint market town of Aylsham.

Visitors have the option of choosing their own tiers. If you choose afternoon tea for one, Biddy’s Tearoom will prepare three tiers of its afternoon tea. They will also serve freshly made sandwiches, scones and cake with one of over 50 blends of tea. Sandwiches are usually made to order.

For the “halfternoon” tea for one, there are two tiers of build-your-own afternoon tea composed of sandwiches, scones and cake. This is also served with one of over 50 blends of tea. The Tearoom is open from 12pm to 4pm.