An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Suffolk

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Suffolk

Best places for an afternoon tea in suffolk

The quintessential Afternoon Tea is a hallmark of English culture and harks back to the early 1800s, when the Duchess of Bedford got, understandably, hungry in the mid-afternoon. Suffolk has no end of excellent establishments serving tasty finger sandwiches, warm scones and homemade cakes, all accompanied with refreshing teas. Take a look at our list, divided by town, of the best places in Suffolk to enjoy an Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea in Aldeburgh

A beautiful coastal town, famous for its colourful houses lining a popular, pebbled beach. Aldeburgh has many great places where you can enjoy an afternoon tea and weโ€™ve selected one such option for you here.

Afternoon Tea at the Wentworth Hotel

Located only a stones-throw from Aldeburgh beach, afternoon tea at the French Cuisine-inspired Wentworth Hotel is a great way to spend an afternoon after exploring the town. Their extensive afternoon and cream tea menus can be picked from individually, or you can enjoy their set menu with the option to add sparkling wine or champagne on a celebratory occasion. Included in the set menu are a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, fresh fruit tartlets, flavoured macaroons, cakes and brownies, served with a tea or coffee of choice. Available between 3:00pm โ€“ 5:00pm and requiring a booking at least 24 hours in advance.

Price Guide

Full afternoon tea starts at ยฃ19.50 per person for the set menu, not including champagne. Selecting individual items from the menu is also possible.

Accessibility Assistance

A free car park is available outside the hotel for up to 30 cars and while the hotel doesnโ€™t have unassisted disabled access, they have an assisted access system in place and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are welcomed.

Call 01728 452 312 to book.

Afternoon Tea in Bury St. Edmunds

Suffolk ruined abbey

Bury St. Edmunds is not only home to a wealth of history and scenic abbey ruins, but also boasts some great places to enjoy some sandwiches, scones and refreshing teas. Once youโ€™ve finished exploring the bustling town centre, abbey ruins, or nearby National Trust property, make your way to one of our favourite afternoon tea locations.

Harriet's Tea Room

One of two tea rooms in the wider region, Harrietโ€™s is renowned for its afternoon tea sections, with several different styles to choose from. Located in the heart of Bury’s town centre, you can choose between an original afternoon tea, a miniature afternoon tea (perfect if you have a smaller appetite), or more special afternoon tea options for that are ideal for a celebration. Harrietโ€™s has an extensive range of loose leaf and specialty teas to accompany their menu and is set within an old Cornhill building with a grand entrance and chandeliers on high ceilings.

The restaurant is open from 9:30am – 5:00pm in the week, 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturdays and 10:00am – 4:30pm on Sundays.

Price Guide

Miniature Afternoon Tea starts at ยฃ14.95, Original at ยฃ18.95 and their special Afternoon teas start at ยฃ19.75.

Accessibility Assistance

Harrietโ€™s is wheelchair accessible and they are happy to do everything they can to accommodate their guests.

Call 01284 756 256 or book online through their website.

Afternoon Tea at Ickworth Hotel

If you need a break in a long day of exploring the National Trust-owned and managed estate, featured on our Cultural Gems in Suffolk list, Ickworth Hotel has an exceptional afternoon tea menu served across four rooms, or within their atmospheric, walled garden. Special Seasonal menus are also often on offer, for example, a Beatrix Potter-inspired โ€˜edible gardenโ€™ afternoon tea has previously been available for a limited time, featuring Mr McGregorโ€™s stolen vegetables and Jemima Puddle-Duckโ€™s mini eggs โ€“ we canโ€™t wait to see what they come up with next! Afternoon tea is served from 12pm-4:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 2pm โ€“ 4:30pm on the weekend.

Price Guide

Due to these Special Seasonal menus, the prices of afternoon tea at Ickworth can fluctuate. We recommend you take a look at the current menu to see what is on offer today!

Accessibility Assistance

Ickworth Hotel is a short drive out from the centre of Bury St. Edmunds and has plenty of parking available. The accompanying National Trust property is very accessible to those who are less mobile and Ickworth Hotel strive to do everything they can to make their afternoon tea as accessible as possible โ€“ they ask that you mention your accessibility requirements when booking so that they can best accommodate your needs.

Call 01284 735350 or book via their website.

Afternoon Tea in Ipswich

While taking in what Suffolkโ€™s main town has to offer, exploring the harbour or visiting the shops, what better to break up the day than a hearty afternoon tea? Weโ€™ve listed a few superb options for you to consider sipping away an afternoon at.

Afternoon Tea at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Ipswich harbourLooking over the Neptune Marina and located close to the town centre, The Salthouseโ€™s Inhouse Eaterie serves a well-reviewed afternoon tea daily from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. There are several packages to choose from, including one with champagne. Their afternoon tea includes a selection of cakes and macaroons, homemade sausage rolls and sandwiches and a variety of teas from around the world to choose from. They advise that you book at least 24 hours in advance.

Price Guide

The standard Afternoon Tea is priced at ยฃ24.00/person which can be upgraded to a Luxury Afternoon Tea at ยฃ34.00/person.ย 

Accessibility Assistance

The hotel is wheelchair accessible and dogs are welcomed in the lounge area โ€“ ring ahead with accessibility requirements so that the hotel can best accommodate you for example, by serving you in the lounge area and allowing access to the on-site car park, usually reserved for staying visitors only. There is also a small pay and display car park with two disabled bays located a 4-minute walk away, Fore Street Car Park.

Call 01473 226 789 or visit the website for booking and more information.

Applaud Coffee

If you are looking for a more relaxed setting to enjoy a platter of home-made cakes, sandwiches, flavoured scones and a pot of tea (or coffee) look no further than the afternoon tea served at Applaud Coffee. This family run cosy little tea-room is located at the bottom of St. Peter Street among the independent and artisan retailers of Ipswich. Given the small nature of their venue they ask that you book at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. Afternoon tea is served Tuesday to Saturday, from from 2pm onwards.

Price Guide

ยฃ18 per person.

Accessibility Assistance

Some seating is up a small step, however, if you let them know of your accessibility requirements when booking they will work hard to accommodate your needs. There are several car parks in the area, at least 5 minutesโ€™ walk from the cafรฉ including Turret Lane and Cromwell Square Car Parks.

Call 01473 808 142 or in person, 48hrs in advance, to book.

Afternoon Tea at the Suffolk Food Hall

Afternoon Tea and macaroonsJust south of Ipswich, on the banks of the river Orwell, Suffolk Foodhall offers a rustic, local-produce centric afternoon tea within Suffolk Food Hall. While you take in the panoramic countryside views, sit back and enjoy a beautifully crafted menu. Afternoon tea is served Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm. Booking 24 hours in advance is essential, through the number: 01473 786 610.

Price Guide

Afternoon tea costs ยฃ17.95 per person.

Accessibility Assistance

The Suffolk Food Hall has onsite parking facilities and good accessibility throughout.

Afternoon Tea in Lowestoft

Once youโ€™re done enjoying the sights and sounds of Englandโ€™s most easterly point, enjoy an afternoon tea at one of the many delightful venues across Lowestoft.

Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Victoria

Beach and then afternoon teaThis beachside hotel has great views from which to enjoy an extensive afternoon tea selection. Their classic menu features 5 varieties of finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones and a selection of cakes and sweet tarts. If youโ€™re feeling particularly boozy, you can replace tea with gin for an additional ยฃ6. The Hotel Victoria also adds a seasonal twist to their menu with their Festive Afternoon Tea in December. Served from 12:00pm โ€“ 5:00pm every day.

Price Guide

Their set menu is priced at ยฃ16.50 person with a ยฃ5.00 deposit required to secure your booking.

Accessibility Assistance

The hotel has free onsite parking and disabled access through the restaurant. Ring ahead with any further requirements to allow The Hotel Victoria to fully accommodate your needs.

Callย 01502 574 433ย to book.

The Flying Fifteens

Located near the Hatfield Hotel, The Flying Fifteens cafรฉ has a homemade and cosy feel to its afternoon tea and boasts great reviews on sites like TripAdvisor for the homey feel and delicious food. Walk in off the beach and enjoy lunch, scones and cakes or a full afternoon tea including a selection of sandwiches, savouries and sweets. The Flying Fifteen has a large range of speciality loose leaf teas to enjoy with your food.

Price Guide

Traditional afternoon tea starts at ยฃ18.95 per person.

Accessibility Assistance

The outside of the venue is accessible from the beachside promenade and has seating facilities, although there a few steps leading up into the main cafรฉ. There is no onsite parking but Royal Green Car Park is just 3 minutes away and has disabled parking available.

Call 01502 588 422 for further enquires and to book.

Afternoon Tea in Newmarket

Whether youโ€™re enjoying the horse racing, exploring the historic town, or enjoying the scenic countryside, Newmarket is a great place to stop and have an afternoon tea at one of their many venues throughout the town. If you donโ€™t fancy one of our listed options donโ€™t worry as Newmarket is packed full of excellent places to fill your riding boots with afternoon tea.

Nancy's Vintage Tea Shop

Newmarket race course

What else should a good afternoon tea stem from if not a love of all things tea, including in-house, uniquely blended teas. Nancyโ€™s Vintage Teashop is famed for its afternoon teas and is a must visit if youโ€™re in the area. Located in the centre of Newmarket, a variety of menus are available for you to enjoy downstairs in their cafรฉ or in upstairs in their Afternoon Tea Lounge. Served from 11:00am on everyday except Monday. Please make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

Price Guide

Get a Classic Afternoon Tea for ยฃ18.50/person, a Savoury version for ยฃ19.50/person and the Prosecco Afternoon Tea for ยฃ25/person. View their full menu and prices on their website.

Accessibility Assistance

Nancyโ€™s Teashop is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. There is no onsite parking facilities although there are parking facilities a 5 minute walk away, including Rous Road Car Park with Blue Badge holder priced at 60p for 4 hours.

Callย 01638 667 064ย to book.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

If youโ€™re looking for a more luxury option, the Bedford Lodge serves several variants of afternoon teas at their Squires restaurant, Roxana Bar, or in the sun terrace with views of the hotel rose garden. The menu is available from 2:30pm โ€“ 4:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Price Guide

Prices vary depending on the type of afternoon tea that takes your fancy. Standard afternoon tea starts at ยฃ28 per person.

Accessibility Assistance

The hotel has free onsite parking and is wheelchair accessible. Ring ahead of time to allow the hotel to fully accommodate your needs.

Callย 0800 6252 991ย or visit their website to find out more.

Afternoon Tea in Southwold

One of the best seaside towns in the UK, midway down the Suffolk coast, Southwold is a great place to enjoy the sun on the beach, stroll through the old market town or explore RSPBโ€™s flagship reserve at Minsmere. Weโ€™ve picked two places where you enjoy some of the best afternoon teas Southwold has to offer.

The Boardwalk Restaurant

Southwold beach huts

Situated on the Southwold pier, the Boardwalk Restaurant allows you to be as close to the sea as possible while enjoying a comforting and cosy selection of sweet and savoury goodies. Their afternoon tea consists of homemade sausage rolls, fish-finger finger sandwiches (among others), warm cheese scones and a variety of cakes and tarts. They ask that you book at least 48 hours in advance and let them know if you have any dietary requirements. Afternoon tea is served between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Price Guide

ยฃ17.50/person.

Accessibility Assistance

The entrance to the restaurant is wheelchair accessible and Southwold Pier Car Park is a very short walk away, with 12 disabled parking bays.

Call 01502 722 105 and use EXT 1 to book.

Afternoon Tea in Sudbury

Flatford, near sudbury

Sudbury is perfectly placed for you to enjoy the beautiful, surrounding countryside, including Flatford and the views that inspired Constable many years prior. Not only does Sudbury boast its fair share of artists, Thomas Gainsborough lived and painted here, but also has lots to explore, including the old market town, Quay Theatre and ancient architecture. It also isnโ€™t short on great places to enjoy an afternoon tea either!

Afternoon Tea at The Mill Hotel

It is estimated that a mill has stood on this site for over 1000 years. This beautiful conversion has beautiful unrestricted views over the River Stour while you enjoy their well renowned afternoon tea selection. Included in the menu are freshly baked fruit scones, a wide selection of homemade cakes andย  4 different finger sandwiches all accompanied by fine loose-leaf teas. Served from 12:00pm onwards.

Price Guide

ยฃ18.95 per person with tea or coffee, ยฃ23.95 with champagne.

Accessibility Assistance

Although the hotel is listed as not accessible, there is a ramp leading up to the entrance and the restaurant is located on the ground floor. Parking is available a short walk from the entrance.

Call 01787 375 544 or book online.

The Strawberry Teapot

If youโ€™re longing for that more homey feel, The Strawberry Teapot tea room should be right up your street. This localโ€™s secret is located a short walk from Gainsborough House and has a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy a freshly made afternoon tea including all the classic constituents of sandwiches and homemade scones accompanied with vintage crockery and music and a friendly environment. Booking is required and dietary requirements should be stated at the time of booking. ย 

Price Guide

The Classic Afternoon Tea can be purchased from ยฃ16/person and upgraded to include Prosecco for ยฃ3.50/person.

Accessibility Assistance

The tearoom is on the ground floor and there are no steps leading up from the street. Town centre is about a 3-minute walk but can get busy during peak times.

Call 01787 881 999 or book online.

Afternoon Tea in Woodbridge

Just out from Ipswich, Woodbridge is a short drive from the beach and cultural landmarks like Sutton Hooโ€™s ancient Viking burial ground. We have one favourite place for a quintessential afternoon tea in this area.

Afternoon Tea at Seckford Hall

Afternoon tea, floral crockery This stunning ivy-covered hotel and spa offers the perfect place to enjoy their full afternoon tea, including a quality selection of finger sandwiches, homemade savoury items like scotch eggs or fruit scones and the Chefโ€™s choice of freshly baked cakes. Afternoon tea is served between 2:00pm and 5:00pm and 48 hours advance booking is required.

Price Guide

A simple Cream tea is priced at ยฃ9.95/person and the Classic Afternoon Tea starts at ยฃ28/person.

Accessibility Assistance

Seckford Hall has a wheelchair accessible entrance and onsite parking. Tell them of your accessibility requirements when booking to ensure they are able to fully accommodate your needs.

Call 01394 385 678 or book online.