Whether you’re craving scones with cream and jam or hankering after something sweet, fear not, there are some great places for afternoon tea in Ilkley.
Afternoon Tea is one of those quintessentially English ways of spending an afternoon, and with a host of delightful cafes, restaurants and eateries in Ilkley offering an eclectic range of experiences, you’re spoilt for choice. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to decide where to visit. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to the best afternoon tea in Ilkley, so you can get the best experience for your money. If you’re looking for something different, read our best restaurants in Ilkley guide.
Where to Get a Great Afternoon Tea in Ilkley
Betty’s Tea Room
Betty’s Tea Room, 32 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EE
Something of a Yorkshire institution, Betty’s Tea Room has firmly established itself as the go-to business for Afternoon Tea in Ilkley. In 2019, they’re celebrating their 100th year in business. Afternoon Tea at Betty’s is highly customisable and includes a wide range of cakes, sandwiches and rare teas.
One of the most popular destinations in Ilkley, Betty’s Afternoon Tea is legendary. You can choose from their Luxury Lady Betty Afternoon Tea, which is a special menu in an intricately presented setting. As if their creative, eclectic menu wasn’t enough, a pianist will serenade you! Their Traditional Afternoon Tea is served all day, every day and is famous the world over. It’s been refined since they first opened and they aim to set the standard for great afternoon tea.
Prices vary, so it’s worth taking a look at their website for the latest price. We would also advise pre-booking as this is the most popular place for Afternoon Tea in Ilkley.
The Clevedon
The Clevedon, Clevedon House, Ben Rhydding Drive, Ilkley, LS29 8AQ
The Clevedon is a beautiful restaurant and bistro found a little out of the centre of town. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s a sophisticated, elegant venue with a contemporary yet traditional feel.
Afternoon tea includes an array of delicious sweet and savoury treats and can be enjoyed whilst taking in views of the Yorkshire countryside from their delightful terrace – perfect in the summer. Available from 12pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Sunday the treats include delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream as well as homemade cakes. Wanting to indulge further? Why not bolster the experience by adding some bubbles or a Gin and Tonic.
The experience ranges in price from £17.95 a head, £22.95 including Prosecco and must be booked ahead.
The Craiglands Hotel
The Craiglands Hotel, Cowpasture Road, Ilkley LS29 8RQ
Many travelling into Ilkley will have noted the impressive Victorian Hotel which is beautifully draped in foliage. Not only is it a popular wedding venue, but it’s also one of the best places to get Afternoon Tea in Ilkley. Found within 7 acres of landscaped grounds and woodland, Craiglands Hotel is a tranquil setting which with an exceptional afternoon tea experience available for those that way inclined.
Including a choice of cakes, scones, clotted cream, fresh sandwiches and an eclectic selection of teas and coffee their afternoon comes with a glass of Champagne. You can enjoy afternoon tea at the Craiglands Hotel every day from 1pm to 5pm. It must be booked ahead and is available within their modern restaurant area.
In terms of price, afternoon tea here ranges from £17.50 per person – but it’s worth checking the price before you book.
The Little Teahouse
The Little Teahouse, 27 The Grove Promenade, Ilkley LS29 8AF
A charming, family-run tea room in the heart of Ilkley, The Little Teahouse serves Afternoon Tea every day from 2pm-4pm. Advance booking is required and their afternoon tea costs £14.95 per person. For special occasions, they also offer a Sparkling Afternoon Tea £17.95 which includes bubbles.
On the roster, you’ll be treated to a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade quiche, dainty homemade cakes, a homemade scone with whipped cream and Rosebud Strawberry Jam. It’s all served in their beautiful Susie Watson Crockery. What’s more, you can enjoy unlimited Yorkshire Tea or filter coffee. They can cater for most dietary requirements, so just give them a call and see if they can facilitate your needs.
Tiplings Tea Room & Gift Shop
Tiplings Tea Room & Gift Shop, 6 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EG
Tiplings is a quirky, independent tea room and gift shop situated on The Grove in Ilkley. The shabby chic interiors and the extensive selection of unusual gifts available to browse, make Tiplings a big hit with both local residents and visitors to the town.
They are open 7 days a week and serve a variety of freshly made sandwiches, homemade cakes (served in generous portions) and delicious scones served traditional with jam, cream and lashings of Yorkshire tea. All in all, it’s a great little place to stop off and refresh after a day of exploration. The range of novelty and shabby chic gifts available to purchase onsite, mean there’s no excuse for forgetting those promised souvenirs and mementoes from your trip to this Victorian spa town.
Banyan
Banyan, 12-13 Brook Street, Ilkley LS29 8AA
Banyan is a trendy bar and restaurant in the centre of Ilkley. Open 7 days a week from breakfast time until late, they have a different menu for each time of the day. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal, Banyan has something to suit everyone.
Their Afternoon Tea is priced at £14.95 per person with options to upgrade and include a glass of prosecco or a G&T. If one glass of prosecco isn’t enough to see you through the day, you can upgrade your afternoon tea to include free-flowing prosecco for an additional £15.95. Tuck into sandwiches with traditional fillings such as Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese, Wiltshire Ham and Mustard, and Egg Mayonnaise & Cress before sinking your teeth into sweet treats like Raspberry & White Chocolate Brownies and traditional jam and cream scones.
