When we think of afternoon tea, it often conjures images of sunny days and garden gatherings. This cherished British tradition—a sumptuous spread of delicate finger sandwiches, indulgent petit fours, and warm scones topped with jam and cream—is undoubtedly a favourite during spring and summer.
But as Christmas approaches, Yorkshire’s finest hotels and tearooms give this classic ritual a festive makeover. Traditional afternoon teas are reimagined with winter-inspired flavours and cosy, Christmassy touches, bringing warmth and seasonal cheer to the table.
In this guide, explore some of the best festive afternoon teas in Yorkshire for 2024. From charming countryside spots to stylish city venues, each has crafted a unique menu packed with seasonal treats, ideal for a pre-Christmas catch-up with friends or a memorable outing with family. These festive afternoon teas in Yorkshire are sure to capture the magic of the season most delightfully!
Festive Afternoon Teas in Yorkshire 2024
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard
Where: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
When: 16th November – 29th December 2024
Prices: From £39.95 pp
This year, North Yorkshire’s most stunning stately home, Castle Howard, is being transformed into a magical wonderland, with theatrical installations and dazzling decorations bringing Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to life for the festive season. As part of the Alice’s Christmas Wonderland theme for 2024, visitors can enjoy a charming Mad Hatter’s Tea Party-inspired afternoon tea from 16th November.
Set against the elegant backdrop of Castle Howard’s Grecian Hall, this promises to be one of the most enchanting festive afternoon teas in Yorkshire. Indulge in a delightful selection of Wonderland-themed miniature cakes and desserts, alongside traditional finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. On selected dates, guests can also enjoy special theatrical appearances by the Mad Hatter himself, adding an extra layer of magic to this unforgettable festive experience. Be sure to add this enchanting afternoon tea to your admission tickets when booking online for an unforgettable Christmas treat.
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Grand
Where: Station Rise, York, North Yorkshire YO1 6GD
When: 14th November – 5th January 2024
How Much: £44.50 per adult or £49.95 with a festive cocktail. £27.50 per child
Being just a stone’s throw away from York’s railway station, The Grand is conveniently situated for those wishing to combine a festive afternoon tea experience with a day of sightseeing or, perhaps, a visit to one of Yorkshire’s finest Christmas markets.
This luxury 5* hotel is subject to a spectacular festive makeover during the weeks before Christmas, with opulently decorated trees, twinkling lights and Christmas garlands adorning its elegant Edwardian interiors. A magical and romantic backdrop for a festive afternoon tea in York!
Festive afternoon tea at The Grand is priced from £44.50 per adult for 2024, and although one of the expensive offerings, it’s worth every penny! Renowned for its top-notch food and even boasting an onsite cookery school, it’s unsurprising that The Grand will be serving a sensational seasonal offering this Christmas. The festive afternoon tea menu features savoury components such as Chicken & Duck Liver Parfait Brioche and a Pork, Pears & Pastry Puff alongside a mesmerising medley of immaculately presented desserts such as the Santa’s Hat, which comprises Speculoos, cranberry, eggnog and marshmallow. Scones are also included and you get both plain and cinnamon versions served with cream and jam.
Christmas Afternoon Tea with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Where: Departs Grosmont Station – Front Street, Grosmont, Whitby YO22 5QE
When: 28th November, 5th, 12th & 19th December
How Much: £85 per person
Forget The Polar Express. The ultimate train journey for foodies this festive season will depart Grosmont Station on multiple dates from 28 November 2024. Travelling towards Pickering, you’ll enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with the NYMR while soaking up the stunning scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. It’s a unique and unforgettable way to kick off the festive season!
Priced at £85 per person, this one includes return travel from Grosmont to Pickering, mulled wine on arrival, a festive afternoon tea and mince pies with tea or coffee. You’ll enjoy your journey and afternoon tea experience in the comfort of the immaculately restored 1940s Great Western Saloon, adorned with festive decorations to enhance those Christmassy vibes further.
The menu for this afternoon tea is simple yet perfectly crafted with finger sandwiches of Roast Beef, Roast Turkey, Smoked Salmon and Brie kicking off the festive feast alongside Local Pork Pie, Cheese & Brocolli Tart and a Homemade Cheese & Chive Scone. For dessert, it’s an indulgent mix of Victoria Sponge Cake, Salted Caramel Profiterole and a Chocolate & Cointreau Tart before ending on a high with a classic Mince Pie!
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Coniston Hotel
Where: The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Coniston Cold, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 4EA
When: 18th November – 30th December 2024
Prices: From £30 per person
Served Monday – Saturday between 3 pm and 4:15 pm in The Coniston Hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The View, this festive afternoon tea is ideal for those seeking a dining experience in the heart of the glorious Yorkshire Dales countryside.
It’s a traditional affair, beginning with finger sandwiches of various seasonal fillings such as Roast Turkey & Cranberry Sauce and Honey-Glazed Ham & Mustard alongside a Chestnut Choux bun and everyone’s festive favourite – Pigs in Blankets.
For dessert, it’s a fluffy fruit scone accompanied by Mulled Berry Compote and clotted cream then a gorgeous selection of Christmassy desserts including Christmas Cake, Mini Mince Pie and Chocolate Orange Brownie. Festive afternoon tea at The Coniston Hotel costs £30 per person. For an extra charge, you can upgrade to include a glass of fizz or Champagne.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Harewood House
Where: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
When: 7th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Prices: £39.95 per adult (£44.95 on peak dates, £21.95 per child (£25.95 on peak dates)
If you haven’t yet visited Harewood House in Leeds, you may recognise it as a filming location for acclaimed period dramas such as ITV’s Victoria and the 2019 Downton Abbey film. This magnificent stately home in West Yorkshire is a joy to explore year-round, but there’s something truly enchanting about visiting at Christmas when it’s beautifully adorned with opulent decorations and twinkling lights.
This year, enhance your visit by booking a festive afternoon tea experience served in the elegant Billiard Room. Priced from £39.95 for adults and £21.95 for children, this delightful treat features a selection of delicate savouries and dainty desserts. For 2024, Harewood House has partnered with renowned English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber, allowing you to upgrade your experience with a glass or bottle of Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage or Cuvée Chérie Multi-Vintage, perfectly complementing your festive afternoon tea.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Oulton Hall
Where: Oulton Hall, Rothwell Lane, Leeds LS26 8HN
When: 29th November – 31st December 2024
How Much: £38 per person (£43 per person with Prosecco). From £19 per child
Part of the QHotels Collection, Oulton Hall Hotel is a Grade II-listed mansion set in 320 acres of beautiful gardens, just outside Leeds. Escape the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy decadent daytime dining in an elegant setting.
Oulton Hall’s festive afternoon tea is a delightful blend of classic components and festive flavours. Sandwiches feature traditional fillings such as Egg & Watercress and Smoked Salmon with Lemon Crème Fraîche alongside some with more Christmassy fillings like Roast Turkey & Caramelised Red Onion Chutney and Soft Brie & Cranberry.
Warm Fruited Scones with Cornish Clotted Cream and Fruit Preserves can be savoured too, before a selection of sweet treats and an extra dose of festive flavour in the form of a Mince Pie served with Brandy Cream.
