Have you noticed how "Afternoon Tea" is increasingly a Thing? The words themselves conjure up a treat! Much more than a quick sip and bite of cake to fill the gap to supper, in some establishments Afternoon Tea has become the new Lunch: a meal of many courses including not only delectable finger sandwiches, scones with cream & jam and delicate little cakes and pastries, but delicious savoury courses too. Accompanied by copious quantities of whatever type of tea takes your fancy, with a glass of fizz as an optional extra. What a lovely relaxed way to celebrate a special occasion or simply spend time with friends, family or colleagues. It can be easily combined with a walk in the forest, too. A voucher makes a lovely gift (think birthday, anniversary, Valentine and Mother's Day), and if it's all too much to eat in one sitting, most places provide posh doggy bags!

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In fact, afternoon tea a relatively new tradition. The tradition of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BC in China and was popularised in England during the 1660s by King Charles II and his wife the Portuguese Infanta Catherine de Braganza, but it was not until the mid 19th Century that the concept of ‘afternoon tea’ first appeared.

Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, would have a “sinking feeling between luncheon and supper”. In 1840 she asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her.

This pause for tea became a fashionable social event. During the 1880’s upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea, which was usually served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock.

As Noel Coward said: ‘Wouldn’t it be dreadful to live in a county where they didn’t serve tea!’ 

These days there are several distinct excuses to our mind for taking afternoon tea. The first is to make a change. Those groups of friends who have the luxury of time to meet for morning coffee and gossip could try switching their gatherings to try afternoon tea in one of the many New Forest eateries where it’s served.

The second is for a business meeting with a colleague or your team, especially when you need to do a bit of brainstorming and thinking outside the box. We tried an afternoon tea and it works brilliantly!

And of course afternoon tea in the New Forest is a wonderful experience to share with loved ones on an anniversary, special birthday or other occasion; afternoon tea is a sophisticated and relaxed way to celebrate with your closest friends and family. Pour your tea and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, usually including a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from dainty teapots into delicate bone china cups.

A voucher for afternoon tea would make a very special gift, for all sorts of occasions, and most of our lovely local hotels and restaurants would be more than happy to oblige.

And now, in an increasing number of New Forest establishments, afternoon tea seems to take place at all times of day and includes rather more than the traditional teatime treats, too.

The menu then includes delightful savoury dishes - almost certainly necessitating the provision of a very posh doggy bag aka cake box to take home the items for which there simply isn't space in the tummy!

Remember to mention that you read about them on Lymington.com when you arrive!

Rhinefield House in its stunning surroundings of 40 acres of private grounds in the heart of the forest is a brilliant base for a lovely walk before or after tea, and a very grand setting for a special Afternoon Tea - served between 1 and 3pm.

Afternoon Tea at Rhinefield House Hotel - information and bookings

Christmas-time Afternoon Tea...

Just before Christmas we ourselves enjoyed a very special Afternoon Tea in the very grand Armada Restaurant at Rhinefield House. We were capably looked after by George and his team, met a family group who were loving their lunchtime Afternoon Tea with a view of the grounds, and ourselves enjoyed: 

Sandwiches: 

• Turkey, bacon and cranberry
• Brie and caramelised onion
• Smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber

An AMAZING goat's cheese, butternut squash and saffron lasagna

And then also utterly delicious: New Forest pork and wild mushroom pithivier

Followed by excellent plain and fruit scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream

And then the cakes!

• Christmas pudding white chocolate and brandy mousse
• Chocolate orange millionaires tart
• Cherry and cranberry Santa hat with coconut

All for £39.50 p.p. including a fabulous selection of teas - Champagne understandably extra!

Enjoy traditional AfternoonTea at this historic country house hotel on the edge of Brockenhurst, with miles of forest walking from the doorstep.

Choose between a relaxed feast in The Lodge or a classic dining experience in Beresfords Restaurant.

A delectable selection of savoury and sweet treats will be served, including homemade sausage rolls, mini filled croissants, scones with homemade strawberry jam and a variety of cakes - from chocolate and orange gateau to passion fruit meringue tartlets.

Afternoon Tea at Balmer Lawn - information and bookings

Enjoy afternoon tea or cream tea inside at The Thatched Cottage or out in the beautiful garden when the weather is kind. This charming Grade 2 listed Hotel was built in 1627 during the reign of Charles I.

Located in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest National Park, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the railway station, village centre, open heathland and forest.

Includes sandwiches, cakes and delicious freshly baked scones

"Treat someone special - including yourself!"

Afternoon Tea at the Thatched Cottage - information and bookings

Traditional Afternoon Tea at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is served in their flagship restaurant Cambium, or in the relaxing Lounge.

Careys Manor’s Traditional Afternoon Tea invites you to graze on a mouth-watering selection of finely cut sandwiches, speciality cakes including freshly-baked scones smothered in New Forest jam and thick clotted cream, all complimented by a large selection of the finest silk prism teas from Birchalls’ or Fair Trade coffee. For the ultimate indulgence, pair your New Forest afternoon tea with a lazy afternoon at their award-winning Thai spa, SenSpa.

Afternoon Tea at Careys Manor - information and bookings

Hattingley Valley Reserve Afternoon Tea at The Montagu Arms Hotel.

The Montagu Arms’ Afternoon Tea options are the epitome of British celebration. This particular offer pairs the delightful Traditional Full Afternoon Tea with a glass of English sparkling wine from Hampshire-based vineyard, Hattingley Valley. Share a toast and then enjoy an array of homemade delicacies, all whilst you enjoy views of the hotel’s quintessential English country garden.

Afternoon Tea at the Montagu Arms - information and bookings

Treat friends and family to a purely indulgent Chewton Glen Afternoon Tea in the New Forest, in a beautifully idyllic setting.

Take in glorious views of the grounds and soak up the elegant ambience of The Dining Room, whilst enjoying the effortless service Chewton Glen has to offer.

Available in The Dining Room (12pm-4pm).

You can select your Afternoon Tea menu upon arrival. 

Afternoon Tea at Chewton Glen menu here

Details and how to book here 

Read our review of afternoon tea at Chewton Glen here 

Lime Wood invites you to enjoy its Full Afternoon Tea between 2pm-4pm every day of the week,

Included are a hot cup of tea of your choice with a selection of finger sandwiches and homemade scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam; a selection of sweet treats, including choux buns, finger doughnuts with lemon curd and cream, chocolate mousse flower pots and an almond friand with seasonal fruit.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available. 

You can also add a glass of fizz or a G&T!

Afternoon Tea at Lime Wood - information and bookings

Stanwell House is a beautiful Georgian property situated in the heart of Lymington, which offers both comfort and luxury in a relaxed, elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

Following a recent, extensive refurbishment, Stanwell House is now one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the New Forest.

"The path to Heaven passes through a teapot!"

Afternoon tea is served in the Orangery...

Afternoon Tea at Stanwell House in the Orangery

The South Lawn Hotel is a lovely tranquil county house retreat near Milford on Sea. 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Cedar Tree Restaurant, with views across their manicured gardens including the magnificent cedar tree itself.

A selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones is served with clotted cream and jam along with a choice of tea or coffee.

Afternoon Tea at the South Lawn - menu and information

New Park Manor is normally a wonderful place to take tea, situated as it is literally in the middle of the New Forest with from the dining room views of beautiful parkland where deer will often be seen grazing.

New Park Manor is currently undergoing major refurbishment.

For more information please visit the website