Looking for afternoon tea in Skipton?
The quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea has surged in popularity during recent years. Once a treat reserved for the upper classes and associated only with high end hotels, this late afternoon dining concept which dates back to Victorian times is now affordable and accessible to most.
The historic market town of Skipton with it’s charming cobbled streets, impressive castle and picturesque canal basin forms the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated afternoon of delicate dining. Home to numerous independent cafes, award-winning hotels and excellent restaurants, there’s a venue to suit every budget. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to get afternoon tea in Skipton. On our list you’ll find an eclectic array of venues offering superb afternoon tea menus, quirky tea rooms, scenic country retreats, pretty Parisian style parlours and family-friendly pubs.
Where to get Afternoon Tea in Skipton
Alexander’s
4-6 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JZ
In a prime location at the top of Skipton’s award-winning high street, this large cafe bar and restaurant is hard to miss with it’s stylish exteriors and elegant entrance.
Alexander’s only opened a few years ago but it quickly established itself as one of the town’s top foodie destinations. With numerous dining options available including brunch, lunch, small plate sharing, evening fine dining and even exclusive supper clubs and festive pop-ups, it boasts an enviable reputation.
Afternoon tea at Alexander’s is their own unique and contemporary take on the traditional. Served Wednesday to Saturday between 1pm and 3pm, this delightful afternoon tea in Skipton is bound to impress and is ideal for special occasions and celebrations. Prices start at £27.50 pp and their stylish 3-tier platters are piled high with decadent treats.
Krafty Kitchen
Keighley Road, Skipton BD23 2TA
Krafty Kitchen is one of the newer venues in Skipton offering afternoon tea and it is one of our favourite places to eat.
Krafty Kitchen offers a multitude of dining options too. Enjoy a romantic meal for two in their contemporary Tomato Dip restaurant, unwind in their stylish bar area, share tapas dishes on their sun soaked terrace or celebrate with friends in one of their amazing party pods.
Afternoon tea at Krafty Kitchen is a casual affair and includes mini versions of their bestselling hot dishes rather than cold sandwiches. For just £15 pp you get Mini Fish & Chips, Mini Beef & Ale Pie, Beef Sliders and much more. For an additional £3 pp you can enjoy it with a glass of Prosecco rather than the standard tea or coffee.
The Cake’Ole
Craven Court Shopping Centre, High St, Skipton BD23 1DG
It’s no secret that Skipton is home to many, many cafes, however, The Cake’Ole is one of our favourites by far. Boasting quirky, colourful interiors and serving a changing daily selection of delicious homemade cakes, it’s a venue that will be loved by the whole family if you choose to visit.
The cakes at The Cake’Ole are ridiculously good and they have a few different flavours available each day. You get a free scoop of ice cream with every slice too! A firm favourite with us is their Salted Caramel Cake. Moist sponge, velvety buttercream and generous drizzles of salted caramel sauce combine to make it one of our favourite sweet treats in town.
Their afternoon tea is one of the most reasonably priced in Skipton and you get plenty for your money! A selection of sandwiches, a handful of crisps, enormous fruit scones with the expected accompaniments, a few of their most popular sweet treats and a whopping great slab of one of their brilliant cakes. Brilliant!
‘The Parlour’ by No. 62
The Parlour, 53 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1QY
Situated on Skipton’s Belmont Bridge, The Parlour is as pretty as a picture with it’s pink and mint green exterior decor. The intimate tea room only seats a small number of people but it’s certainly one of the most Instagrammable places to eat in the town.
The afternoon teas at No. 62 are equally as pleasing on the eye. Expect 3 tiers of soft rolls and flaky croissants packed with delicious fillings, homemade buttery scones topped with lashings of jam and cream plus their signature pink cream-filled meringues. The little ones don’t have to miss out either! No.62 do a brilliant afternoon tea for kids too. If you can’t get a table or you’d prefer to sample their delicious treats in the comfort of your own home, their afternoon teas are available to click and collect.
The Coniston Hotel
Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA
The Coniston Hotel is one of the most popular wedding venues in the area. Offering spectacular views of the Yorkshire Dales and exceptional service to guests and diners, this gorgeous hotel is a must-visit!
Their stylish on-site restaurant, The View, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows so diners can immerse themselves in the unrivalled beauty of the local countryside whilst tucking into quality, homemade food.
Afternoon tea at The Coniston Hotel is available daily from 3pm until 5:30pm and costs £21.95 per person. For this rather reasonable price, you get a selection of finger sandwiches with traditional fillings such as Egg Mayo, Coronation Chicken and Smoked Salmon plus Mini Pork Parcels, fresh scones and some truly beautiful mini desserts.
There are numerous alcoholic upgrades available but we recommend opting for their Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea which is priced at £35.00. With views like that to take in, this is not an experience you’ll want to rush.
The Devonshire Arms
Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD23 6AJ
No round-up of where to take afternoon tea in Skipton would be complete without the fantastic Devonshire Arms. With a long history, dating back to the 17th century, there are many fascinating stories which have come out of The Devonshire Arms.
It is said that during the 19th century, the Royal Family would visit the Devonshire Arms for their famous hospitality, which evidently has continued to this day.
Their afternoon tea is something of a celebration and they often welcome families, couples and more to indulge in their delicious afternoon tea menu whilst celebrating a special occasion.
On their menu, you’ll find a wide range of teas, coffees and cakes, as well as a selection of home-made sandwiches and other tasty treats. Afternoon tea is served every day from 1:30pm until 3pm and is priced from £30 pp.
Three Sheep Tea House
78 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JJ
Would Skipton be Skipton without a sheep-themed tea room? Absolutely not! This lovely cafe is run by passionate locals who always offer the warmest of welcomes.
Set over two floors and with a small amount of outdoor seating, this deceptively spacious central cafe is always packed with locals and tourists. The menu features everything you would expect to find at a quality cafe including hot & cold sandwiches, jacket potatoes, salads, breakfasts and more.
Priced at just £14.95 pp, there are two afternoon teas to choose from at The Three Sheep Tea House – sweet and savoury. The sweet version is your more traditional offering with sandwiches, a scone and a slice of homemade cake. Instead of the sweet treats, their savoury version comes with a cheese scone and a pork pie from celebrated local butchers Drake and Macefield. Definitely one of the most popular places for afternoon tea in Skipton!
Helene’s Tea Room
21A Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LH
Helene’s Tea Room is yet another great place to enjoy afternoon tea in Skipton.
Taking afternoon tea at Helene’s is like having tea in your friend’s sitting room! They have created an environment which promotes nostalgia and comfort and they enhance this through the music that they play.
As well as this, the cakes are truly delicious and everything is served on delicate china. It really is like stepping back in time at this homely and welcoming town centre tea rooms.
The Gamekeeper’s Inn
Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5PN
The Gamekeeper’s Inn at Threshfield is a traditional pub serving homemade food prepared with the finest locally sourced produce. Their afternoon teas are pretty legendary so this list wouldn’t be complete without including them.
Afternoon tea at The Gamekeeper’s Inn is priced at £19.95 pp and it is so much more than cakes and sandwiches. Their alternative afternoon tea really showcases the talents of their kitchen team and includes a tasty array of savoury dishes alongside a selection sweet treats. Instead of sandwiches, you’ll be served Smoked Salmon Bagels, Battered Fish & Chips, Lamb Kofta, BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders and more! Incredible!
Cobble Kitchen
Fancy afternoon tea in but would rather enjoy it at home or whilst enjoying a scenic stroll through The Dales? Cobble Kitchen is a catering company that offers delicious afternoon tea and other tempting treat boxes. These guys were an absolute God send during the lockdowns and provided locals with treats they were so dearly missing.
Their catering van has had a full time plot on the Broughton Hall Estate for some time now and it was this which led to them securing a superb reputation. Available to order via their Facebook page, their simple yet delicious afternoon tea boxes are priced at £14.50 each.
