Stop the clock. There's nothing quite like the luxury of spending a good hour or more in a Cotswold teahouse - and you'll find that losing track of time is all but inevitable when you do. Your only challenge will be deciding between a delicious afternoon tea at one of the region's elegant country house hotels (in summer you'll probably want to eat at tables on the lawn) or cozying up in a lovely Cotswold tea room. Either way, expect a variety of spicy savory treats, fresh-from-the-oven cakes and scones with full cream and homemade jam.
For more inspiration, see our guide to the Cotswolds and the best hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops and things to do in the area.
Find an afternoon tea by region
North Cotswolds
Lucy's Tearoom, Stow-on-the-Wold
Located just off the market square in famously beautiful Stow-on-the-Wold, this family-run café is housed in a 17th century building with a bay window, tiled floors and a cozy atmosphere. In winter, sit next to the wood stove; in summer, ask for a table in the charming courtyard. For afternoon tea, cream tea with oven-fresh scones and homemade cakes are served, as well as small sandwiches and toasted tea cakes.
Charingworth Manor, Charingworth
There is a great sense of heritage at Charingworth Manor, dating back at least to the 11th century and mentioned in the Domesday Book. The building itself is largely Jacobean, with mullioned windows, tiled floors and large fireplaces. It's a great setting for sumptuous afternoon tea; choose between classic scones and cream and a luxury version with exquisite cakes. Take a seat in one of the lounges by a crackling fire, or make good use of the manor's beautiful gardens.
Morris & Brown Cafe, Middle Hill
The Morris & Brown Café is located on the edge of the escarpment above picturesque Broadway, adjacent to the Cotswolds' landmark Broadway Tower. It is a wonderful starting point for spectacular walks in the area. It offers excellent salad lunches, as well as a wonderful choice of toasted tea cakes, scones, home-made cakes (with gluten-free options) and more for afternoon tea. In summer you can grab a table outside on the spacious terrace with panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham.
Mid Cotswolds
Lords of the manor, Upper Slaughter
For a complete treat, book a table for afternoon tea at this beautiful country house hotel in one of the Cotswolds' most beautiful villages. There is a choice of at least 10 loose teas, along with cakes, cream teas or the full range of finger sandwiches, pastries and three-tiered scones. In summer you can sit outside on the lawns, in winter you can take a seat at a table in the lounge, complete with crackling fire.
Lavender Bakehouse, Chalford
Lavender Bakehouse has become a household name in charming, honeystone Chalford. You can drop by at any time for a slice of delicious homemade cake, choosing from a tempting selection on the counter. But for a good, traditional afternoon tea with delicate sandwiches, scones and cream, pastries and more, you need to make a reservation. On summer days, ask for a table outside on the terrace.
Jacks Tearoom and kitchen, Cirencester
Jacks is something of a local hub and is located at the west end of Cirencester's alluring Black Jack Street, home to numerous boutiques and food shops. It's the place for excellent lunches and even better tea - with homemade cakes and scones with cream and strawberry jam. Choose a table on the terrace, in the garden or in the cozy interior.
The Kitchen, Minchinhampton
Located in the heart of beautiful chocolate-box Minchinhampton, The Kitchen is highly acclaimed locally for lunches and especially for its beautifully presented afternoon tea (although the cafe is closed on Sundays). Book ahead for this three-part feast of finger sandwiches, scones and cream, homemade cakes and other pastries - and ask for a table in the bay window.
South Cotswolds
Whatley Manor, Easton Gray
As you'd expect from a Michelin-starred establishment, the afternoon teas served (Wednesday to Sunday) at Whatley Manor are delicious. You get the full three-piece works here: scones, finger sandwiches and mini sausage rolls, and brilliantly inventive cakes. Sitting by the fire in winter; In summer, ask for a table outside on the Kitchen Garden terrace and be sure to take a stroll around the beautiful grounds before or after tea.
How we choose
Every restaurant on this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who's dropped by to give you his insider's perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighborhood favorites to Michelin-starred restaurants - to suit the tastes of every type of traveler - and our recommendations take the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price into account. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest openings and to provide current recommendations.
