no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 05 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

An aristocratic habit started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840, pausing for tea, cakes and sandwiches at three or four in the afternoon is a good old-fashioned English treat.

Although there are afternoon teas offered across the city (and just about everywhere and anywhere these days), for the authentic, traditional afternoon tea – as the Duchess would have expected it – you need to attend one of London’s historic, grand dame hotels.

The great and the good have been flocking to the grand salons of Claridges, the Savoy and the Ritz (among others) for over a century. Settle in among the glamorous surroundings for miniature sandwiches and cakes served on gleaming silver stands, with tea poured by elegantly-livered waiters. In most cases, you can up the ante just a little further by adding a glass of champagne to the package.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £20
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours
Aerial view of a three level stand full of cakes
Experience

Claridge’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This royal-favourite Mayfair hotel has one of the most traditionally British afternoon tea menus, available with a champagne option and served on its signature striped china.

Best for ages: 8+ | £50 | 1-3 hours

Website >
Overview >
Close up of cream cakes on a stand
Experience

Fortnum & Mason

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Official Grocers to the Queen, F&M have been offering afternoon tea for 314 years. Tuck into exquisite sandwiches and pastries in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, named in 2012 after having been officially opened by the Queen.

Best for ages: 8+ | £30 | 1-3 hours

Website >
Overview >
Beautiful english afternoon tea ceremony with desserts and snacks
Experience

The Corinthia

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Under a chandelier sparkling with a thousand Baccarat crystals, the Corinthia Hotel’s upmarket afternoon tea comes with a large choice of champagnes or teas, or in festive themed versions.

Best for ages: 8+ | £45 | 1-3 hours

Website >
Overview >
Exterior view of the hotel during the daytime
Experience

The Goring

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This hundred-year-old Belgravia hotel has its afternoon tea down pat: traditional finger sandwiches, cream-slathered scones and prim cakes, served with or without champagne.

Best for ages: 8+ | £30 | 1-3 hours

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bingham Riverhouse

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.

Official star rating:

CitizenM Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.

Official star rating:

Claridge’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Undeniably the most glamorous and timeless of all London’s five-stars. This glorious Art Deco landmark and Mayfair institution is beloved by royalty, rock stars and fashionistas.

Official star rating:

Durrants Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This grand, family-run hotel has the warmth, intimacy and polished service of a gentlemen’s club in uber-trendy and sophisticated Marylebone.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

Website >
Overview >