Afternoon Tea at the Treasure Houses of England
Aug 08, 2018
The English are famed throughout the world for their custom of taking afternoon tea.
Where better to enjoy this quintessentially English custom than amid the splendid surroundings of some of the country’s finest stately homes, palaces and castles?
The Treasure Houses of England is a consortium of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles.
The English social custom of taking Afternoon Tea was popularised in the 1840s by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.
A Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria, Anna Maria began the custom of taking afternoon tea to aid what she called ‘that sinking feeling’ at around 5pm and is credited with popularising it at the royal court.
The Duchess and her friends would have enjoyed afternoon tea, which consisted of tea with perhaps light sandwiches and fairy cakes in the comfortable surroundings of the Abbey.
Woburn Abbey
The Sculpture Gallery, part of the prestigious Woburn Abbey Estate, is delighted to announce that Gillian Walnes-Perry MBE, one of the UK’s prominent speakers, will be hosting an event at the stunning venue on Monday 13th/14th & 15th August 2018.
Offering an insight into The Social History and etiquette of Afternoon Tea, guests can also enjoy a delicious afternoon tea served in the elegant surrounding of The Sculpture Gallery, set in the grounds of Woburn Abbey.
Gillian Walnes Perry MBE, writer, speaker, and lecturer, recently retired from her full-time role as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Anne Frank Trust UK, while remaining its Honorary Vice President. She has many years’ experience of speaking and broadcasting in the UK and around the world, in venues such as 10 Downing Street and the United Nations.
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” Henry James, novelist
Priced at £28.00 per person it is inclusive of afternoon tea in The Sculpture Gallery and gives you the opportunity to discover the wonderful landscaped gardens of Woburn Abbey.
Once the celebrations for National Afternoon Tea Week have passed, guests can still enjoy the delicious traditional Afternoon Tea served daily when visiting Woburn Abbey and Gardens in The Bedford Room, which is located in the grounds of the Abbey.
Pink Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace
Enjoy a 60’s inspired Afternoon Tea, celebrating 50 years of Laurent -Perrier’s iconic Cuvee Rose, at Blenheim Palace until 30 September.
This summer visitors can discover a new menu in the Orangery Restaurant, created exclusively by Searcys’ Culinary Director, chef Darren Deadman.
Using vintage vinyl records – ‘LPs’ – as place mats, the tea features 60s inspired treats such as prawn cocktail layered mille feuille and spiced pineapple upside down cake. Guests are also invited to indulge in sweet treats in all shades of pink from the opulent Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé jelly to strawberry macaroons and a Battenberg cake – all accompanied by a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.
Priced from £42 pp. To enjoy Afternoon Tea in the stunning surroundings of the Orangery, you will be required to purchase a ticket to Blenheim Palace unless you are an Annual Pass holder. Visit blenheimpalace.com for more information.
Chatsworth
Enjoy a classic British tradition during your visit – an indulgent afternoon tea at one of the restaurants.
Wedgwood afternoon tea
£35 per person | 2pm to 3.30pm
Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea experience in the Flying Childers restaurant. Treat yourself and add a glass of prosecco for an extra £5 or indulge with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut NV for an extra £10. We are delighted that all of the tea and tea ware in Flying Childers has been provided in partnership with Wedgwood.
Traditional afternoon tea
£21 per person | 3pm to 4.30pmMake your visit unforgettable with a traditional afternoon tea in the Cavendish restaurant. Enjoy our traditional afternoon tea with a glass of Chatsworth Champagne for £29.50.
Want to bring the children? We also offer a platter of deliciousness for our younger visitors with a children’s afternoon tea.
During afternoon tea week, from 13-17 August, we’ll upgrade your experience with prosecco or Laurent-Perrier when you book in advance in the Cavendish restaurant or Flying Childers.
Harewood
Treat yourself to a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea at Harewood. Experience the high life and relax on the south facing Terrace, with spectacular views over the award winning formal parterre and “Capability” Brown landscape, as Red Kites soar overhead.
A place where sophisticated Georgian architecture meets contemporary style and high standards.
Afternoon Tea at Harewood must be pre-booked and costs £33 per adult for non-Harewood members (including entrance to the Grounds and Below Stairs) and £17.50 per person for Harewood members with a valid membership card, with a minimum booking of 2 people.
Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available, priced at £23 per child (with entry included) and £12.00 per Member child.
Daily reservations for 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00 from 23rd March – 4th November 2018, except for special event days. Tables are reserved for 1.5 hours.
Holkham
A traditional cuppa of ‘Rosie Lee’ with a freshly baked fruit scone, jam and clotted cream are a perfect solution to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week at the Courtyard Café, Holkham Hall.
