Catch up with friends and family and book a sumptuous Afternoon Tea in the magical New Forest!

Imagine the scene – a tower of delicate eclairs, Madeleines, macaroons, Victoria sponge and elegant little sandwiches, all topped off by a circle of scrumptious scones, home-made preserve and clotted cream. Wash it all down with the finest cup to tea or – because it really is time to push the boat out – a glass of lovely bubbly.

Afternoon Tea is the perfect accompaniment to a meet up for so many reasons. For starters, it takes place well after lunch, giving you the morning to enjoy a walk in the New Forest, admiring the new baby foals and the spring flowers.

Tea can often be taken in a cosy sitting room so you can really relax, and when the sun is shining, many of our favourite locations offer Tea in their stunning gardens and grounds too.

Thanks to the variety of wonderful Afternoon Teas on offer in the New Forest, you’ll find a tea to suit every person and every occasion.

Here are a few of our favourites :

For tea with pomp and circumstance – try the Marryat afternoon tea at Chewton Glen Hotel

If you like your Afternoon Tea with pomp and circumstance, then look no further than this world-renowned 5* hotel at New Milton. Named after the celebrated naval officer Captain Marryat, Chewton Glen’s Afternoon Tea uses local ingredients for its sandwiches, cakes and scones although it’s willing to admit its salmon comes from the crystal-clear waters of Scotland. Afternoon Tea is served between 3pm and 4.30pm in The Dining Room, or, in fine weather, on the terrace.

For tea with a gourmet twist – The Montagu Arms Hotel

Served in the sitting room, dining room or terrace of this Beaulieu hotel, this tea is the creation of Head Chef, Matthew Whitfield. This course-by-course tasting journey travels from thinly-sliced finger sandwiches to delicate pastries and warm scones smothered with fruity homemade jam and thick clotted cream. Sandwich fillings including thinly sliced cucumber with cream cheese and organic whisky smoked salmon with lemon and dill. The heavenly, home-made fruit scones are the epitome of Afternoon Tea, finished with a fine selection of cakes and sweet treats from the patisserie, including summer berry tartlet and chocolate choux bun with pistachio cream and crumble. And, if you fancy something a little less sweet, check out their savour option, too.

For tea with fashionable edge – Lime Wood

Fashionable hotel; fashionable Afternoon Tea. And would you expect anything else from this discreet, celebrity haunt near Lyndhurst? Take your pick from sticky éclairs, choccie flower pots, home-smoked salmon sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches and a Lime Wood wellie biscuit. Gluten free Afternoon Teas are also on offer or why not upgrade to a ‘G&Tea’ - Afternoon Tea with a gin and tonic!

For a location renowned for their quali-tea experience - Balmer Lawn Hotel

With a truly delicious choice of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, home-baked cakes and robust fruity scones, Balmer Lawn Hotel makes for a perfect place to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion over Afternoon Tea. Tea is served from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in their relaxing lounge or on their wonderful front terrace.

For an enchanted afternoon in the magical New Forest - Forest Park Hotel  

A charming, forest themed traditional Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant restaurant or beautiful garden at Forest Park Hotel in Brockenhurst. Enjoy a traditional experience, with premium teas or Illy coffee, or choose champagne, gin tasters or whisky tasters to accompany your tea.

For tea with nostalgia – The Wind in the Willows tea at New Park Manor

This hotel near Brockenhurst loves its little customers as much as the grown-up ones and has lavished love and care on their two new teas, inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic, Wind in the Willows. The teas feature a scrummy twist on some of the favourite food of Grahame’s characters including Mr Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole. 

And finally…We have so many wonderful places to take tea in the New Forest that we can’t possibly include them all here. So can we direct you to a few of our other favourite spots, including tea at Careys Manor Hotel or Thatched Cottage Hotel, both located in Brockenhurst, The Old Station Tearooms near Holmsley, Captain's Cabin Tea Rooms at Buckler's Hard and Furzey Gardens Tea Rooms in Minstead are great spots too. Make a trip to one of our lovely towns and villages, where there are lots of other cafes and tea rooms where you can enjoy an afternoon or a cream tea.