If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing afternoon out, look no further than the best afternoon tea spots in York. From historic venues to trendy modern establishments, there’s something for everyone when it comes to enjoying high-quality tea service in the company of friends or family. Here are some of our favorites!
Aldwark Manor
Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF

Aldwark Manor is a beautiful country house hotel set in 12 acres of stunning countryside, just outside the historic city of York. The perfect place to enjoy Afternoon Tea, whether it’s a special occasion or simply to catch up with friends.
Aldwark Manor offers a traditional Afternoon Tea menu including finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries. There’s also a selection of afternoon teas to choose from, as well as Champagne if you’re feeling indulgent!
Afternoon Tea at Aldwark Manor is served in the Orangery, which overlooks the picturesque gardens. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some time out.
Countess Of York
National Railway Museum, Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ

Countess is an elegant tea room situated in the heart of York. They offer a range of loose leaf teas, coffees, and homemade cakes, as well as traditional afternoon tea. The Countess Of York is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some time out with friends or family.
What makes Countess Of York unique is their beautiful setting and excellent service. The tea room is located in an old Victorian building, which has been lovingly restored. The interior is decorated with antique furniture and paintings, giving it a real sense of luxury.
The service at Countess Of York is outstanding; the staff is attentive and helpful, and they really go above and beyond to make sure your visit is enjoyable.
They are open Monday to Saturday from 11am to late, and Sundays from 12pm to late. Afternoon tea costs £22 per person.
Cafe Rouge – Afternoon Tea in York
The Adams House 52 Low Petergate,York,North Yorkshire,YO1 7HZ

Cafe Rouge is a charming French-style bistro located in the heart of historic York. The cafe is nestled amongst medieval buildings and is just a short stroll from the world-famous York Minster.
Cafe Rouge offers a delicious afternoon tea, which includes an assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries and cakes. The tea is served in beautiful bone china cups and saucers, and there is a large selection of teas to choose from.
The cafe has a lovely atmosphere, with dark wood floors and exposed brick walls. The tables are spaced far apart so that you can enjoy your tea in peace, and the staff is very friendly and attentive.
If you’re looking for a charming afternoon tea spot in York, Cafe Rouge is definitely worth a visit!
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-11pm, Sunday: 12pm-11pm
Price: Afternoon tea is £19.95 per person.
The Principal -Afternoon Tea in York
Station Rd, York YO24 1AA

York is a stunning example of Victorian architecture and has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.
Opening times vary depending on the day of the week, but it is generally open from 12pm-12am. Prices start at £18 per person.
What makes The Principal York so special is its stunning setting. The hotel is located in a beautiful Victorian building, and the afternoon tea takes place in the opulent surroundings of the former ballroom. This is definitely an afternoon tea for those who appreciate luxury!
Their vegetarian afternoon tea is also excellent.
Middlethorpe Hall in York
Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB

Middlethorpe Hall is a beautiful place to enjoy afternoon tea. The setting is stunning, with the gardens and estate providing a lovely backdrop. The service is impeccable and the food is delicious. There is a good selection of teas on offer, as well as an impressive menu of sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
Prices start at £19 per person, which I think is reasonable given the quality of the experience.
The address is: Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 2GB
Opening times are: Monday to Sunday 12pm-12am
The Grand – Afternoon Tea in York
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD

Hotel and Spa in York is a beautiful, historic building that has been meticulously restored to its former glory. The afternoon tea here is a real treat, served in the stunning surroundings of the hotel’s dining room.
The tea selection is impressive, with plenty of choices for both black and green tea lovers. The finger sandwiches are all delicate and delicious, and the scones are served warm with clotted cream and jam. The selection of cakes is also wonderful, with something to suit everyone’s taste.
Afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel and Spa is priced at £22.50 per person, or £32.50 with a glass of champagne. It’s definitely worth splashing out on the champagne afternoon tea option, as it makes the whole experience even more special.
The Grand Hotel and Spa is located on Bootham Crescent in York, and afternoon tea is served daily from 12:30pm to 05:00pm. Reservations are essential, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The savoury and sweet treats are both excellent choices.
The Ivy Afternoon Tea York
2 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

Ivy Afternoon Tea York is set within the historic and picturesque setting of The Ivy York, located on St. Helen’s Square. The tea room itself is decorated with an array of beautiful flowers and plants, which creates a truly stunning atmosphere to enjoy your afternoon tea in.
The menu features a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of delicate pastries and cakes. The tea room also offers a wide range of teas to choose from, as well as a glass of Champagne if you’re feeling truly indulgent.
The Ivy Afternoon Tea York is open daily from 12pm until late, and reservations are strongly recommended due to the popularity of this tea room. Afternoon tea is priced at £25 per person.
Lady Betty Afternoon Tea York
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

Lady Betty Afternoon Tea York is a charming tea house located in the historic city of York. The tea house is situated on Stonegate, one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in the city. Lady Betty Afternoon Tea York offers a variety of teas, sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
The tea house has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with beautiful decor and furnishings. The tea house is open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to late, and Sunday from 12pm to 17pm. Prices start at £15 per person for afternoon tea.
Lady Betty Afternoon Tea York is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea. The tea house offers a wide selection of teas, as well as a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
Hilton York – Delicious Afternoon Tea
1 Tower St, York YO1 9WD

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially English tradition and there are few places in York that do it better than the Hilton. Located in the heart of the city, the Hilton York is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.
The afternoon tea at the Hilton York includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries and cakes. The tea menu features a wide range of teas from around the world, including some unique blends that are exclusive to the Hilton York.
The afternoon tea at the Hilton York is priced at £19.95 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the hotel directly. The afternoon tea is served daily from 12:00pm to 05:00pm.
Dean Court Hotel York
Duncombe Pl, York YO1 7EF

Dean Court is a stunningly beautiful place. The architecture is something you would expect to see in France, not England. It’s a smaller hotel, but it’s very well appointed. They have an excellent afternoon tea service. The food is delicious and the presentation is wonderful. If you’re looking for a special afternoon tea experience, I highly recommend Dean Court Hotel York.
The hotel is located at:
Duncombe Pl, York YO1 7EF
Opening times: Monday-Saturday 11AM-11PM, Sunday 12PM-11PM
Afternoon Tea service is available from 12PM-12AM daily.
Prices start at £19.95 per person.
We recommend both sweet and savoury treats.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms is a chain of tea rooms located in Yorkshire, England. The original cafe was opened in 1919 by Frederick Belmont on St. Helen’s Square in Harrogate. Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms has since expanded to six locations, including York, Ilkley, and Northallerton. The company also operates two restaurants, one in Harrogate and one in York.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms is known for its traditional English afternoon tea, which includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries. The cafe also offers a variety of teas, coffees, and other beverages. Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms has a strict dress code for its employees, which includes a black and white uniform for women and a black suit with a white shirt for men.
The York location of Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms is situated on Stonegate, one of the city’s most popular shopping streets. The cafe is open daily from nine in the morning until six in the evening. Afternoon tea is served from noon until five o’clock. A pot of tea for two people costs nineteen pounds ninety-nine, and a glass of champagne is an additional seven pounds fifty.
Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard, Malton, North Yorkshire
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

Castle Howard is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great surroundings. Set in the stunning Castle Howard estate, this is an afternoon tea destination like no other.
The tea room is located in the Orangery, a beautiful glass building which overlooks the formal gardens. Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard includes a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of cakes and pastries.
There is also a choice of teas, including Castle Howard Blend, Earl Grey, and Darjeeling.
The cost of Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard is £27.50 per person, and it must be booked in advance.
Opening times are:
Monday – Thursday: 12pm – last seating at 15:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 12pm – last seating at 16:00pm
Sunday: 12pm – last seating at 17:00pm
Café 21 York
Fenwick Department Store 2 St. Marys Square Coppergate Centre Yorkshire, York YO1 9WY

Café 21 is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. The stunning afternoon tea includes an array of cakes, pastries, and sandwiches, all made fresh on site. Café 21 is located on Micklegate, just a short walk from York Minster. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am until late, and Sundays, 12pm until late. Prices start from £15 per person.
What makes Café 21 so special is the quality of the ingredients used in their cakes and pastries. All of the produce is locally sourced, and you can really taste the difference. The café also has a lovely atmosphere, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe.
Do you have to book afternoon tea at Bettys?
No, you don’t have to book afternoon tea at Bettys. However, we recommend that you do as it guarantees you a table during our busiest times.
Where can I buy tea in York?
If you’re looking for a great place to buy tea in York, there are a few options available to you. One option is the Tea House on Stonegate, which offers a wide variety of both loose leaf and bagged teas.
Another option is Brew & Brownie, which has a more limited selection but also offers coffee and baked goods. Finally, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Co-op on Goodramgate offers a wide variety of tea bags at reasonable prices.
Do you have to book Bettys tea Room Harrogate?
Yes, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially if you want to visit at a popular time like weekends or during school holidays. You can book online via their website or by calling their reservations team.
Can you have afternoon tea at Castle Howard?
Yes, you can have afternoon tea at Castle Howard. You can also have lunch or dinner there. The food is quite good, and the staff is very friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice place to eat.