Afternoon tea is a delicious British staple and an exquisite dining experience. Enjoying afternoon tea is a special part of any day out, and there is no experience more memorable than afternoon tea in York! Admiring the sights of this historic city and tucking into a freshly made scone go hand in hand!
Here is your guide to nine unmissable places to enjoy the best afternoon tea in York. These delicious dishes and unique experiences will fuel you for exploring the city and form a memorable part of your visit. Keep reading to choose your next afternoon tea in York!
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What is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is a British delicacy everyone can enjoy.
Dating back to the 1840s, this classic dining experience is one not to be missed. Traditionally, afternoon tea is made up of a selection of sandwiches, carefully cut into fingers. Freshly made scones are served with jam and clotted cream, followed by a selection of cakes and pastries.
The food is often presented on a tiered cake stand and served using beautiful China and silverware. However, many places today use unique serving methods or flavour combinations to put a modern twist on this classic dish.
Where to find the best afternoon tea in York
If you are planning a trip to York, indulging in a delicious afternoon tea is a wonderful way to make your visit extra special. Plus, there are loads of places for afternoon tea in York to choose from!
So, to help you out, here is a round of delicious cafes, hotels and more to help you find the best afternoon tea in York!
Betty’s Tea Rooms
The first Betty’s tea room was founded by Swiss-born baker and confectioner, Fritz Bützer, which opened in Harrogate in July 1919.
There are five establishments in the Betty’s estate, all based in Yorkshire, including York’s tea rooms in St Helens Square. The York tea rooms first opened in 1936 and its beautiful interiors were inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner.
The menu features a range of cooked breakfasts and main meals, with a unique mix of continental classics and British favourites. If you want an authentic taste of Betty’s though, no trip to York is complete without sampling their traditional afternoon tea.
Afternoon Tea at Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms
Afternoon tea at Betty’s is a special experience. Betty’s is famous for afternoon tea, and everything from the beautiful fine China to the delicate sound of the pianist in the Belmont Room makes your afternoon tea at Betty’s a lavish experience.
Your menu includes a wonderful array of sandwiches, freshly made scones and indulgent cakes. If you are celebrating, be sure to upgrade your experience to include prosecco or pink champagne. Children’s menus are also available.
Address: 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP
The Grand Hotel
The Grand is one of the UK’s top five-star hotels. It is the ideal luxury hotel in York for an indulgent escape! But you don’t have to stay at The Grand to enjoy a taste of its luxury.
Those who stay at The Grand or those who are simply visiting can indulge in the delicious menu the hotel has to offer. In fact, The Grand was awarded ‘Best Afternoon Tea’ by Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence in 2022, so it really is worth the trip to try it out!
Afternoon Tea at The Grand, York
As if The Grand wasn’t dripping in enough luxury already, your afternoon tea will be presented on a silver stand. The hotel serves an elaborate tower of savoury and sweet treats, which is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
While you are dining in style, you can soak up the spectacular views of the City Walls. Optional upgrades are available for prosecco, champagne, or gin & tonic if you want to make it a truly remarkable experience. Afternoon tea at The Grand is perfect for a celebration or special occasion.
Address: Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD
The Ivy
Dining at The Ivy is always a unique experience. From the sophisticated marble topped bar to the locally inspired artwork, every visitor to York should experience The Ivy at least once.
The Ivy St Helen’s Square Brasserie serves modern British cuisine to brasserie-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes seven days a week.
Afternoon Tea at The Ivy, York
Any visit to The Ivy is a special experience, however, afternoon tea at The Ivy has an added layer of luxury. The Ivy has been serving delicious dishes to exclusive clientele since 1917 and they have maintained their traditional style of service and hospitality ever since.
The Ivy offers a wide range of teas and a selection of cakes. They also offer gluten-free options and vegetarian dishes so everyone can enjoy a taste of their afternoon tea.
Address: 2 St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP
Aldwark Manor
Although outside York city centre, Aldwark Manor is another wonderful place to enjoy afternoon tea when exploring the wider York area.
The Aldwark Manor Estate has been synonymous with luxury since it was established in 1978. Today you can book your stay at this enchanting hotel. And while you are there, indulge in the superb spa facilities or get a round in on the pristine golf course.
And of course, tuck into some delicious food and drink when you dine at Aldwark Manor!
Afternoon Tea at Aldwark Manor, York
Afternoon tea is a special affair at Aldwark Manor. Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of traditional finger sandwiches alongside freshly made scones and an assortment of cakes and fancies.
Plus, you have a choice of seven special tea varieties, six coffee options or an assortment of hot and cold drinks to choose from. But if you’re staying at the hotel, why not include a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea as a treat?
Address: Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF
Countess of York
Climb aboard the Countess of York for an utterly unique afternoon tea in York. This luxurious and beautifully restored railway carriage at York Railway Museum is the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
Afternoon Tea on the Countess of York
The afternoon tea menu features freshly cut finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, and elegant homemade cakes and desserts. Choose from a selection of loose-leaf teas or a glass of champagne for a special occasion. A children’s menu is also available.
Address: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
York Cocoa House
York Cocoa House is home to passionate chocolate makers who are inspired by the magical transformation of cocoa to chocolate. The city has a rich history of chocolate making, and York Cocoa House are keeping the tradition alive in their very own chocolate manufactory.
Afternoon Tea at York Cocoa House
York Cocoa House serves the traditional afternoon tea components, with a chocolate twist! Instead of sandwiches and scones, chocolate lovers are invited to enjoy an array of chocolate cakes and treats in the chocolate manufactory.
Your delicious treats include a chocolate tasting experience, a chocolate drink of your choice, a selection of chocolate cakes, truffles, and chocolate samples. Plus, you get a handy box to take away any treats that you don’t manage to eat on your visit!
Address: The York Cocoa Works, 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RG
Impossible
Impossible Wonderbar Tea Rooms brings a uniquely modern twist to the historic heart of York. Located in a building once owned by the Terry family, elements of their menu pay homage to the history of the setting. Milk chocolate and orange infused coffee, anyone?
This spectacular tea room serves a delicious and unique menu of hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and pastries, all with an Impossible twist!
Afternoon Tea at Impossible York
Impossible believe that afternoon tea is the single most epic British food tradition of them all. And they have a remarkable afternoon tea offering to put their spin on this classic experience.
You won’t want to skip afternoon tea once you visit Impossible York. From the cakes and sandwiches to the scones and the eponymous drink at the heart of it all, there’s nothing quite like an Impossible afternoon tea.
Address: 3 St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QN
Earl Grey Tea Rooms
The lovely Earl Grey Tea Rooms can be found on York’s most famous medieval street. Nestled on The Shambles, you can cosy up amongst the oak beams or in the floral courtyard and enjoy their famous cream tea. It has been popular in York for over 30 years!
Afternoon Tea at Earl Grey Tea Rooms, York
Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves plus a slice of homemade cake.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, take cream tea, a serving of two warm scones with cream and preserves. You can wash both options down with a pot of tea or hot drink of your choice.
Address: 13-14 Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
Afternoon Tea River Cruise
A relaxing cruise along the River Ouse is the best way to admire York’s historic city centre. Your captain will tell you some interesting facts and stories about the history of this beautiful medieval city as you sail by Clifford’s Tower, York Minster and both Skeldergate and Lendal Bridge.
Plus, enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea as you admire the sights. Tuck into sandwiches, scones, and assorted pastries, as well as different teas and coffee as you watch the city sail by.
The cruise lasts around 90 minutes, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and indulge in the delicious food.
Address: King’s Staith Pier, York, YO1 9SN
Want to gift an afternoon tea experience?
Afternoon tea is a fun and indulgent experience for everyone. If you love afternoon tea and are looking for a unique gift, why not share that love with someone else?
It’s really easy to share an afternoon tea experience with a loved one if they can’t join you in person. You can gift them an afternoon tea experience voucher that they can use at their preferred afternoon tea location throughout the UK. For an extra special experience, you can upgrade the voucher to an afternoon tea with bubbles.
Alternatively, treat a friend or family member (or yourself!) to an afternoon tea at home. This afternoon tea box delivers a delicious, freshly prepared afternoon tea straight to your door on your chosen date. You get to indulge in the luxury of afternoon tea without even having to leave the house!
The Best Afternoon Tea in York
So, here is your guide to the best afternoon tea in York. Which one will you be trying out first? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
A Lovely post! I’ll make sure I stay for at least 1 afternoon tea next time I visit York. The Impossible afternoon tea sounds interesting & the Earl Grey Tea Rooms are on my list as Im a fan of Earl Grey tea. Thanks for this guide!
Afternoon tea is such a special experience, isn’t it? There are so many lovely places for afternoon tea in York, I hope you get the chance to try them out soon!
I LOVE afternoon tea!! My mom and I go every year for our birthdays. But I’ve never actually had it in England – always have to find a fancy place in DC. All of these look so neat! The Grand would probably be top of my list though.
Me too! Afternoon tea is always a wonderful experience, I hope you get the opportunity to visit England for afternoon tea soon!