If you are looking for a delicious afternoon teas and relaxing experience, look no further than Durham! This charming city is home to some of the best tea houses in the area, each with their own unique spin on this beloved British tradition. Here are our top three picks for the best afternoon teas in Durham:
Tealicious – Afternoon Tea Durham
88 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AG

Tealicious Tea Room is a great place to enjoy afternoon tea. The owner, Theresa, is passionate about tea and takes great care in selecting the perfect blends for her teas. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the food is delicious.
What makes Tealicious Tea Room so special is that it offers a variety of unique tea blends that you can’t find anywhere else. Theresa takes the time to experiment with different flavor combinations to create unique blends that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cup of tea to wind down after a long day or an invigorating cup to wake you up in the morning, Tealicious Tea Room has something for everyone.
In addition to its great selection of teas, Tealicious Tea Room also offers a variety of homemade food items. The cheese scones are my personal favorite, but there are also a number of other delicious options to choose from. Theresa is always coming up with new and exciting menu items, so there’s always something new to try.
Treats Cafe & Tea Room
27-28 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RD

Treats Cafe & Tea Room is a unique afternoon tea spot located in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. This charming cafe is nestled in an old Victorian house and offers a variety of delicious teas, sandwiches, and pastries. The beautiful setting and friendly staff make Treats Cafe & Tea Room the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Chapters of Durham Tea Rooms
16 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH1 3AA

The first thing anyone notices upon entering Chapters of Durham Tea Rooms is the overwhelming smell of fresh baked goods. It’s a family-run business, and they take great pride in serving only the finest teas and homemade scones, cakes, cream cheese, and pastries. The decor is cozy and inviting, with comfy armchairs and sofas arranged around low tables.
The walls are lined with shelves full of books, and there’s a small fireplace in one corner. It’s the perfect spot for spending a leisurely afternoon with friends, enjoying good conversation and lovely tea.
Chapters of Durham Tea Rooms is famous for their wide selection of teas, which they source from all over the world. They have everything from classic English Breakfast and Earl Grey to more unusual varieties like Rooibos and Hibiscus. They also offer a variety of different tea-based beverages, such as iced teas, lattes, and hot chocolate.
And of course, no afternoon at Chapters would be complete without one of their delicious scones. They offer both sweet and savory options, and they’re all made fresh daily.
Brambles Coffee Shop
Poplar Tree Garden Centre, Hall Lane, Shincliffe DH1 2NG

Brambles Coffee Shop is a hidden gem in the city of Durham. Tucked away on a side street, this quaint little shop is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.
What makes Brambles Coffee Shop so special? For starters, the selection of afternoon teas is impressive. They have everything from classic black teas to more unusual herbal blends. And the scones! They are delicious, fluffy, and come in a variety of flavors. The Brambles team takes great care in preparing each cup of tea and every scone with love.
The atmosphere at Brambles is also perfect for an afternoon tea. It’s cozy and charming, with plenty of natural light streaming in through the large front window. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they make sure each customer feels right at home.
Ramside Hall Hotel
Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD

Ramside Hall Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy an Afternoon Tea. The Hotel is located in the stunning County Durham countryside, just a short drive from both Newcastle and Durham city centres.
Ramside Hall Hotel offers a range of different Afternoon Tea options, all of which are served with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries.
The Classic Afternoon Tea is served with a choice of teas, while the Champagne Afternoon Tea includes a glass of champagne for each guest. For something a little different, the Ramside Hall Hotel also offers an Afternoon Tea with a twist, which includes a cocktail or mocktail instead of tea or champagne.
CoHo
Freeman’s Pl, Durham DH1 1SW

CoHo is a unique afternoon tea spot located in the heart of Durham. What makes it so special? For starters, the teahouse is set in an old Victorian home which has been carefully renovated to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. The afternoon tea menu features a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary tea offerings, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with friends.
In addition to the wonderful tea selection, CoHo also offers a delicious array of pastries and sandwiches. The scones are particularly noteworthy – they are made fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, and lemon. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find an afternoon tea at CoHo that suits your taste.
Hatter’s cake designs, tearoom and gifts
51 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

Hatter’s will make you feel as though you have been transported to a delightful Alice in Wonderland world. This is not your typical afternoon tea. Hatter’s offers an array of fantastical teas, each with their own special blend of ingredients.
The menu changes monthly, so there is always something new to try. They also have a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, all of which are made in-house. If you’re looking for a truly unique afternoon tea experience, Hatter’s is the place to go.
Hatter’s is located in the heart of Durham, just a short walk from the cathedral. The tearoom is small and intimate, with only eight tables. This makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet moment with a good book. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming, and they will make sure you have everything you need.
National Trust – Crook Hall Gardens
Frankland Ln, Sidegate, Durham DH1 5SZ

National Trust and Tea Room is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea. The house and gardens are beautiful and well-maintained, and the tea room offers a delicious selection of sandwiches, smoked salmon, scones, lemon mayonnaise, cakes, and pastries.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. This is a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience.
The Honest Lawyer Hotel
Croxdale, Bridge, Durham DH1 3SP

Honest Lawyer Hotel in Durham is one of the most unique afternoon tea places I’ve ever been to. Located in an old Victorian-style building, it has a really cozy and charming atmosphere. The service is also excellent – they make sure everything is perfect before serving it to you.
The afternoon tea itself was delicious, with a great selection of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. The highlight for me was the chocolate lava cake, which was absolutely amazing. Overall, I had a great experience at the Honest Lawyer Hotel and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique afternoon tea place in Durham.
Vennels Café
UK, 71 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP

Vennels is a great place to relax with a cup of tea and a book. The owner, Elizabeth, is passionate about providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for her customers.
The café has a range of teas on offer, as well as fresh scones and cakes. It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends or take some time out for yourself.
Elizabeth’s love of afternoon tea began when she was a child, and she’s spent years perfecting her recipes. Her scones are light and fluffy, and her cakes are always moist and delicious.
Maple Patisserie
Unit 25, The Riverwalk, Durham DH1 4SL

Maple Patisserie is a delicious afternoon tea place located in Durham, North Carolina. What makes it unique is its focus on providing fresh, handmade pastries and desserts. Maple Patisserie also offers a wide variety of loose leaf teas, coffees, and other drinks to enjoy with your sweet treat.
In addition to its delicious food, Maple Patisserie has a beautiful setting with an outdoor patio for enjoying the sunny days. If you’re looking for a special place to enjoy afternoon tea, Maple Patisserie is the perfect spot.
The Cellar Door
41 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU

Cellar Door is a hidden gem in the heart of Durham. This tea room is tucked away in an old basement, and it has a charming atmosphere that makes it perfect for afternoon tea. The Cellar Door is known for its delicious scones, and it also offers a variety of other baked goods and sandwiches. If you’re looking for a unique afternoon tea experience, The Cellar Door is the perfect place for you.
The first thing you’ll notice when you step into The Cellar Door is the cozy atmosphere. The tea room is decorated with antique furniture and there’s a fireplace in the corner. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a pot of tea. The scones at The Cellar Door are some of the best you’ll ever have.
They’re made with fresh ingredients and they’re served warm with butter and jam. If you’re looking for something sweet, try one of the tea room’s homemade cakes. The Cellar Door also offers a variety of savory sandwiches if you’re not in the mood for sweets.