Looking for afternoon tea in Skipton?
The quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea has surged in popularity in 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 its 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, I’ve put together a guide to the best places to get afternoon tea in Skipton. On my 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 its stylish exteriors and elegant entrance.
With numerous dining options available including brunch, lunch, small plate sharing, evening fine dining and a magical Alpine pop-up during the festive period, Alexander’s boasts an enviable reputation locally.
Afternoon tea at Alexander’s is their unique and contemporary take on the traditional. Served Wednesday to Saturday between 2 pm and 5 pm, this delightful afternoon tea in Skipton is bound to impress and is ideal for special occasions.
This is one of my personal favourites for a celebratory treat. Alexander’s is one of the most aesthetically pleasing dining destinations in the town centre and the food is always top notch. This afternoon tea in Skipton starts at £30 pp but you get a lot for your money. I couldn’t manage it all and had to take much of it home to enjoy the next day!
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 my go-to venues when seeking a sweet treat on a budget. Boasting quirky, colourful interiors and serving a changing daily selection of delicious homemade cakes, it’s a must-visit for all ages.
The cakes at The Cake’Ole are ridiculously good and 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 my guilty pleasures.
This afternoon tea is one of the best value offerings in Skipton at under £15 per person. You get 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! Booking isn’t required but The Cake’Ole does get remarkably busy on weekends and during school holidays.
Nana’s of Skipton
The Parlour, 53 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1QY
Situated on Skipton’s Belmont Bridge, Nana’s is as pretty as a picture with its pink and mint green exterior decor. The intimate tea room only seats a limited number of people but it’s certainly one of the most Instagrammable places to eat in the town.
All the components of the afternoon teas at Nana’s are lovingly made by the ever-so-friendly owner who took over the venue just last year. I had the absolute pleasure of visiting for Mother’s Day and had a truly delightful experience.
The sandwiches were generously filled, the scones were fresh and warm, the homemade quiche was packed with flavour and the miniature sweet treats were superb! It was very reasonably priced at just £17.95 per person too. We weren’t drinking on this occasion but there is the option to upgrade your afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz or one of Nana’s delicious cocktails.
The Coniston Hotel
Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA
For afternoon tea with a view, I highly recommend The Coniston Hotel! This popular hotel with its award-winning spa and brilliant restaurant offers spectacular views of the glorious Yorkshire Dales countryside.
Afternoon tea at The Coniston Hotel’s 1 AA rosette restaurant, The View, is available daily from 3 pm until 4:15 pm Monday to Saturday and costs £30 pp or £37 pp with a glass of fizz. It’s a traditional offering comprising a selection of sandwiches and a medley of indulgent desserts. The menu changes with the seasons but currently includes delightful treats such as Cheese & Onion Focaccia with Balsamic Caramelised Red Onion, Hot Smoked Salmon Dill & Spring Onion Pinwheel and Coffee & Walnut Choux Au Craquelin.
Fancy something a little different? Opt for the Pan-Asian afternoon tea at Blossom Kitchen; the brasserie adjacent to the onsite spa. This one is also priced at £30 pp but it’s remarkably different in composition. Instead of your three tiers of sandwiches and cakes, you get a bento box filled with delicious Asian-inspired goodies. I particularly enjoyed the Bao Buns and Spring Rolls when I tried this one last year.
The Devonshire Arms
Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD23 6AJ
No round-up of where to take afternoon tea in Skipton would be complete without including The Devonshire Arms, nestled in the glorious estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Bolton Abbey.
The setting is breathtakingly beautiful so worth visiting for alone but those seeking decadent delights and exceptional service should most certainly book in for afternoon tea. they often welcome families, couples and more to indulge in their delicious afternoon tea menu whilst celebrating a special occasion.
Served daily from 1:30 pm until 3 pm, afternoon tea at The Devonshire Arms is priced at £39.50 pp or £49.50 pp with Champagne. It’s a traditional affair with the expected finger sandwiches and scones playing a part, however, it’s the exquisite selection of desserts that set this one apart from the rest. Expertly created by The Devonshire Arms’ team of talented pastry chefs, they’re immaculately presented and utterly delicious!
Three Sheep Tea House & Kitchen
8 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. I can confirm that the scones are some of the best in town, particularly the cheese ones!
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. In addition to mouthwatering menus lunches, light bites and mains, The Gamekeeper’s Inn serves an afternoon tea with a contemporary twist.
The Alternative Afternoon Tea is priced at £22.95 pp (pay just an extra £4 for a glass of fizz) and couldn’t be more different to the standard finger sandwiches and scones offerings. This menu for this quirky take on a traditional concept is updated every season but currently, includes a tasty array of savoury dishes such as Mini Chicken Pie, Asian-Style Pork Belly Bites and Mini Oak-Smoked Salmon Fishcakes. If those are not enough to send your salivary glands into overdrive, the desserts are pretty special too! In addition to the obligatory scones and preserves, you get a mesmerising medley of treats including Sticky Toffee Bite, Strawberry Mille-Feuille and a Griottine Cherry and Chocolate Brownie Cup.
