Some of Cumbria's best afternoon tea spots

Cumbria, especially in the Lakes, has no shortage of places to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea, and most often in areas where you’ll be surrounded by the county’s natural beauty.

We’ve put together a list of just some of the places that offer afternoon tea in North and West Cumbria that may be worth a try if you haven’t already.

Orient Express at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The Restaurant Carriage at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Café (Image: Erin Wallace)

A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served with unlimited tea, fruit juice, squash or filter coffee amid 1930s elegance aboard the Orient Express carriage café.

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of this stunning Agatha Christie carriage café make this a truly unique dining experience not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike.

The Bistro at The Distillery, near Bassenthwaite

Afternoon tea at The Bistro (Image: Visit Lake District)

Regional ingredients are used where possible, with a key focus on freshness, flavour, and simplicity at this restaurant.

The Bistro provides handmade cakes from patisserie chefs, and gin-fuelled afternoon tea, benefitting from its high reputation thanks to menus created under the guidance of renowned Michelin star chef Terry Laybourne.

It has been consistently awarded OpenTable’s Best Restaurant in Cumbria since 2015 as well as featuring in the Michelin Good Food Guides 2016 and 2017.

Having maintained an average TripAdvisor score of 4.5, it was rewarded with a 2021 Travellers’ Choice award.

The Borrowdale Hotel, Keswick

Afternoon tea at The Borrowdale Hotel (Image: Visit Lake District)

Nestled in the corner of Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel might be the perfect place to indulge in sweet treats and savoury bites.

There are multiple lounges on offer, a conservatory, and vibrant gardens, so patrons can decide how they want to enjoy their afternoon tea.

Dalemain Tearoom, Penrith

Afternoon tea at Dalemain (Image: Visit Lake District)

Here, you can soak up the feeling of days gone by sitting in the beautiful barn which houses the Dalemain Tearoom.

Try a delicious selection of hot and cold homemade food, speciality coffees using Farrer’s coffees from Kendal, freshly-baked scones, and the famous Dalemain marmalade ginger cake.

Look out for the selection of delicious Dalemain Marmalades, along with their Marmalade Award winners, exclusively available for to buy at Dalemain and Fortnum and Mason, London.

Afternoon Tea in the VIP PODs at Cafe Hope

Afternoon tea in the VIP PODs at Cafe Hope (Image: Visit Lake District)

Just set to the side on the edge of the pitch and putt course you will find the café’s two ‘VIPODS’, completely transparent domes with views across Hope Park to the Catbells.

Each of their exclusive domes seats from four to six people at a time and are styled elegantly in white linen perfect to share your special occasion.

Thorne Tree Bistro, Carlisle

Afternoon tea at Thorne Tree Bistro (Image: Visit Lake District)

The Thorne Tree, on Cecil Street, Carlisle, has a slogan of ‘where amazing food meets a cosy home environment’.

So if you’re looking for something homely and are in the city, The Thorne Tree may entice with sumptuous food in a comfortable ‘home away from home’ environment.

The family-run bistro serves up breakfast, lunch, evening meals, afternoon tea, milkshakes, mocktails, and cocktails.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa (Image: Visit Lake District)

A selection of delicate savoury finger sandwiches and pastries, followed by a mouth watering selection of sweet cakes, pastries and a choice of plain or fruit scone and tea or coffee – what more could you want?

Vegan and coeliac menus are available for afternoon tea with prior notice at this stately hotel and spa.