Last updated: April 2026
Looking for afternoon tea in the Yorkshire Dales?
In the mid-Victorian era, Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, introduced her own devised dining concept to her aristocratic peers. During the 19th Century, the upper classes tended to eat their evening meal at 8 pm or later, and the Duchess would often find herself feeling hungry long before. She began requesting trays of bread & butter and cakes to be served with tea and sent to her room at around 4 pm. Anna would regularly invite friends and acquaintances to join her for tea, and what began as a personal preference ended up being one of the most popular ways to socialise among the Victorian upper classes.
The dining concept was soon adopted by high-end hotels, and the elite of British society would venture out to enjoy tiered silver platters of delicate finger sandwiches and petit fours. Although not something we enjoy on a daily basis, afternoon tea is still very much part of British life. No longer accessible only to the elite and the wealthy, it’s widely available and regularly enjoyed as a treat or for special celebrations.
This luxurious and quintessentially British dining concept is best enjoyed in beautiful surroundings, and few places in the UK are as picturesque as the Yorkshire Dales. This part of God’s Own Country is home to numerous country hotels, gastropubs and quaint cafes offering splendid afternoon teas, and they vary drastically in both price and composition.
If you’re visiting the Yorkshire Dales and fancy an afternoon of refined indulgence, we’ve saved you the job of trawling through search results and numerous websites to find your perfect venue. Here, updated for 2026, are some of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in the Yorkshire Dales…
Where to Get Afternoon Tea in The Yorkshire Dales
The Fell Hotel (formerly The Devonshire Fell)
Where: Burnsall, Skipton BD23 6BT
Price: £27.50 per person
The Fell Hotel – known to many as The Devonshire Fell before its recent rebrand – is situated on a hillside in Burnsall, overlooking the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Originally built as a gentlemen’s club, it operated as a hotel for many years before being taken over by the Bolton Abbey estate. The Duchess of Devonshire restored the hotel, and it is now one of the area’s most popular wedding and hospitality venues, offering excellent service, beautifully decorated spaces, and quality food in its on-site restaurant.
The Fell Hotel is in a remarkably picturesque location, and afternoon tea is served in their conservatory so guests can soak up panoramic views of the Dales as they dine. A traditional affair with all the expected components, such as finger sandwiches, small savoury bites, freshly baked scones with preserves and an array of miniature desserts. Available seven days a week; must be booked in advance online or by telephone.
The Gamekeeper’s Inn
Where: Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5PN
Price: £24.95 per person
By far one of the most popular and most recommended afternoon teas in the Skipton area is this contemporary offering at The Gamekeeper’s Inn. Housed in what was once a gamekeeper’s cottage, The Gamekeeper’s Inn is a charming and characterful country pub with eleven elegantly decorated guest rooms. It’s situated in Long Ashes Park, which is home to many self-catering accommodation options and some gorgeous glamping pods too. Perhaps, treat yourself to a weekend away in the glorious Yorkshire Dales and enhance your experience with some of the hearty and delicious home-cooked grub available at The Gamekeeper’s Inn.
Their Alternative Afternoon Tea is so much more than sandwiches and cake! If you’re tired of the traditional and fancy something a little different, then this one’s for you! You’ll indulge in a delicious selection of hot and cold savoury treats, alongside satisfying your sweet cravings with homemade cakes and desserts. A vegetarian alternative afternoon tea is also available. Booking is essential with at least 24 hours’ notice – please check the Gamekeeper’s Inn website for current pricing.
Visit The Gamekeeper’s Inn website
The Traddock
Where: Austwick, Settle LA2 8BY
Price: £24.95 per person
Set in a gorgeous Georgian manor house, this small yet perfectly presented hotel has been owned and managed by the Reynolds family since 2002. It’s located in the pretty village of Austwick near Settle, so is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of The Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The team at The Traddock have added a contemporary twist to their traditional afternoon tea, so, although at first glance it may seem similar in composition to most, it differs greatly when it comes to flavour. Foodies will delight in the attention to detail and culinary creativity that has gone into this delightful afternoon tea in the Yorkshire Dales.
Of course, the menu changes with the season as the team here are passionate about local produce and have partnered with numerous local artisan suppliers. Savoury treats have included Pastrami, Red Cabbage, Black Pepper & Miso sandwich and Truffle Egg Mayonnaise & Spring Onion sandwich. Desserts are equally impressive, with seasonal treats that consistently delight and surprise, such as the Passionfruit, Kaffir Lime & Baked White Chocolate Tart.
Grantley Hall
Where: Grantley Hall, Ripon HG4 3ET
Price: £80
Situated around 4 miles from Ripon on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is a magnificent 17th-century country house hotel set in acres of sweeping gardens. A truly stunning period building that oozes Downton Abbey vibes and offers guests a luxurious and memorable experience. Since 2022, it has also been home to Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant that has firmly placed this remarkable property on the map for serious food lovers.
One of the more traditional afternoon tea offerings in the Dales, afternoon tea at Grantley Hall is served in the elegant Drawing Room and features a spectacular array of dainty treats created by the expert pastry team. Enjoy afternoon tea as it was originally designed to be enjoyed – served upon delicate fine china, in a grand yet sophisticated setting. The menu changes with the seasons, but diners can expect traditional finger sandwiches alongside beautifully crafted and immaculately presented miniature desserts.
It’s one of the more expensive afternoon teas in the Yorkshire Dales, but Grantley Hall undoubtedly delivers on their promise of decadence, making this one perfect for a celebratory treat. Smart/casual dress is required, and bookings are essential.
Beck Hall
Where: Beck Hall Hotel, Cove Road, Malham BD23 4DJ
Price: £24 per person
This gorgeous boutique hotel is situated in the centre of Malham and is just a 20-minute walk away from the magnificent Malham Cove. Originally built as a yeoman’s cottage in 1705 and eventually becoming a wayfarers’ hostel during the 1930s, it’s a delightfully characterful building. In recent years, Beck Hall has made national headlines for becoming England’s first fully plant-based hotel, bar and restaurant – a distinction that hasn’t dimmed its appeal one bit. If anything, the acclaim it has received for its thoughtful, seasonal plant-based cooking has brought even more visitors through its doors.
Afternoon tea at Beck Hall is served daily from noon until 5pm and includes loose leaf teas, a chef’s selection of fine sandwiches, warm homemade scones with plant butter, jam and cream, and a selection of indulgent cakes – all entirely plant-based. Whether dining inside or out, afternoon tea can be enjoyed with a view of the stream which flows alongside Beck Hall, adding a sense of tranquillity to an afternoon of indulgence. Dogs are welcome as always. The perfect way to end a walk around one of the most scenic areas of the Yorkshire Dales.
Tea on The Green
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
Price: £20 per person
Tea On The Green in the beautiful village of Bolton Abbey is a local favourite! The friendly and welcoming independent tea room serves all manner of tasty home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and light bites, but it’s definitely best known locally for serving phenomenally good afternoon teas. Rated number one restaurant in Bolton Abbey on TripAdvisor, it is consistently praised by visitors for the quality, generosity and warmth on offer.
Served Thursday to Sunday and requiring advance notice, the traditional afternoon teas at Tea On The Green can be enjoyed in the tea room or the garden if the weather permits. The offering includes finger sandwiches, mini wraps, miniature savouries, fruited scones with jam and cream, a selection of small desserts and the obligatory pot of Yorkshire Tea.
Tea On The Green’s afternoon teas are also available for collection, so you can enjoy them as a picnic in the Yorkshire Dales. What a way to spend an afternoon!
Visit the Tea on The Green website
Betty’s Vintage Hut
Where: Hesleden Lodge, Litton, Skipton BD23 5QL
Price: £22 per person
Of course, most of us have had afternoon tea in hotels and restaurants but have you ever had afternoon tea in a shepherd’s hut in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales? Betty’s Vintage Hut is a beautifully decorated mini tea room situated in a talented home baker’s garden in Litton.
Served upon pretty china and comprising a vast array of utterly delicious sweet and savoury treats, all made and baked by Ann herself, afternoon tea at Betty’s Vintage Hut is an absolute delight! It is one of the best afternoon teas in the Yorkshire Dales for those who want to really immerse themselves in the beauty of God’s Own Country as the views from the garden are spectacular.
Afternoon tea at Betty’s Vintage Hut must be booked in advance and is available for groups between 2 and 10 people. Ann is a fantastic baker so expect rich brownies, moist cupcakes, fluffy scones, perfect pastries and much more. Priced at £22 per person, the small shepherd’s hut setting makes this one ideal for intimate gatherings such as birthdays, hen nights and baby showers. This is, without question, one of the most unique afternoon tea experiences in Yorkshire.
Please call 01756 770069 to book. 24 hours’ notice required.
Find Betty’s Vintage Hut on Facebook
The Coniston Hotel
Where: Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA
Price: £25 per person
The Coniston Hotel is the ultimate country retreat! It’s set in a 1,400-acre estate near Skipton and offers spectacular views of the Yorkshire Dales. The hotel itself is superb with chic interiors, an award-winning spa and an excellent onsite restaurant. The estate is also home to one of the best shooting grounds in the UK and the fantastic Land Rover Experience. With a range of outdoor pursuits on offer, a wide range of spa facilities and both hotel and self-catering accommodation on options available on the estate, it’s one of the best places in the area for a relaxing weekend getaway.
There are two very different afternoon tea experiences available at this wonderful spa hotel in Yorkshire. Firstly, there’s the traditional offering comprising sandwiches, scones and miniature desserts, made and served in 1 AA Rosette restaurant, The View. Available Wednesday to Saturday between 2 pm and 3 pm, this one is priced at £25 pp and, on warmer days, is best enjoyed on the terrace which boasts panoramic views of the Dales.
If you’re looking for a quirky afternoon tea, then their Asian-inspired afternoon tea, which is also priced at £25 pp, is one worth considering. In addition to the obligatory scones and preserves, you get a creative array of sweet and savoury treats, all packed with Asian flavours and served in a traditional bento box. Think Vegetable Spring Rolls, Bao Buns and Matcha Blondies! This one is available in the Blossom Kitchen daily between 2 pm and 4:45 pm.
Visit The Coniston Hotel website
Grassington House
Where: 5 The Square, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5AQ
Price: £32.50 per person
In the heart of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales village of Grassington, you will find an award-winning independent restaurant with guest rooms. This welcoming and elegantly styled family-run restaurant has quite deservingly been awarded numerous accolades including 2 AA Rosettes. Owner and chef, John Rudden, is no stranger to industry recognition either, having been regularly named AA Chef of the Year. He and his talented kitchen team create mouthwatering menus of dishes which focus on locally sourced seasonal produce.
Afternoon tea at Grassington House must be booked in advance. It’s one of the more contemporary offerings on our list as regards composition – a glorious combination of classic British flavours and globally-inspired treats. Begin with savoury sensations like Pateley Ham Hock with Nanna’s Pease Pudding Fritter, before treating your taste buds to sweet delights crafted with the same care and precision that has earned this kitchen its awards. It’s a yes from us!
Visit Grassington House website
The Old School Tea Room, Hebden
Where: Main Street, Hebden, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5DX
Price: £24.95 per person
Just a mile’s walk from Grassington along a beautiful riverside path, The Old School Tea Room in the pretty village of Hebden is a genuine Yorkshire Dales gem that has quietly earned national recognition. In April 2024, The Times named it one of the top seven afternoon teas under £30 in the UK – remarkable for a charming independent tea room in a tiny Dales village, but entirely understandable to anyone who has visited.
Afternoon tea here is served on genuine vintage china and is a real labour of love. The homemade menu typically includes finger sandwiches with fillings such as Yorkshire ham, cream cheese and cucumber, roast salmon salad and chicken salad, alongside a savoury course, beautifully made scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of utterly irresistible homemade cakes and pastries. Many special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
It’s served from 3:30pm and must be pre-booked online or by email. For walkers doing the Grassington to Hebden circular, this is the most wonderful halfway reward imaginable. A takeaway afternoon tea is also available for picnics.
Visit The Old School Tea Room website
The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AJ
Price: £39.50 per person
If you’re seeking a grand, special occasion afternoon tea in the Yorkshire Dales, look no further than the magnificent Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa on the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s Bolton Abbey estate. A classic country house hotel of the finest kind, it has everything you’d hope for – blazing fires, gleaming silverware, beautifully appointed rooms, and afternoon tea that genuinely lives up to the setting.
Afternoon tea is served in the conservatory, Monday to Sunday between 1pm and 5:30pm, and features sweet creations made by the pastry chef alongside delicate finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones with clotted cream and home-made preserves, all accompanied by freshly brewed tea, speciality infusions or coffee.
Bookings are essential, and the experience is understandably popular, so advance planning is strongly recommended.
Visit The Devonshire Arms website
As with all our articles of this nature, we will be reviewing and updating this list as and when we discover or are introduced to other businesses and products. If you would like to make a recommendation or discuss advertising options, you can do so by emailing us at business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
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