Afternoon tea is a British staple, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy a sweet treat and a cuppa than surrounded by the quaint countryside scenes of the New Forest!
The New Forest boasts an abundance of charming tearooms and places to stop for refreshments after winding woodland walks and seaside strolls. Here are some of our favourite afternoon tea spots across the New Forest.
Surrounded by tranquil woodland scenes, Lime Wood Hotel offers the perfect secluded afternoon escape. Enjoy a classic spread of finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet treats and scones, complete with New Forest jam and decadent clotted cream.
For an extra special bite, order the G&Tea, where you’ll get the full afternoon tea selection along with a handpicked gin to accompany your food. Or, opt for the Sparkling Tea for a glass of bubbly with your treats.
Another favourite spot is Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa. Escape to this picturesque 18th-century country house to bask in the peaceful ambience of the grounds and soak up the general atmosphere.
With impeccable silver service, delicate savoury bites, warm scones, freshly- made cakes and a range of British Tregothnan teas to choose from, you have everything you need for a heavenly afternoon tea experience. Afternoon tea is served in the endlessly elegant dining room.
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa makes yet another beautiful setting for your afternoon tea adventures. Exuding ultimate relaxation and the chance to get away from it all, a visit here to sample the food is a must if you’re visiting the area.
Indulge in a perfectly curated selection of sandwiches, speciality cakes and fresh scones with local New Forest jam and clotted cream. To accompany this, you have your choice of Birchall tea, Fair Trade coffee or even a few glasses of Prosecco if you fancy their Bottomless Afternoon tea option!
Another Brockenhurst mainstay is Balmer Lawn Hotel, a charming country house in the heart of the forest. After a morning of countryside walks and taking in the fresh air, retreat here for some well-earned refreshments.
Sumptuous savouries like sausage rolls, sweet delights – from chocolate gateau to fruit tarts to scones with homemade jam – and Birchall tea combine to create an unforgettable afternoon tea to enjoy with all the family.
For something extra special, you can also go for the Champagne Afternoon Tea, which is served in the cosy lounge or lovely front terrace.
The Montague Arms is a country house retreat that embraces timeless traditions and a cherished heritage for a quintessential New Forest experience. Located in the sleepy riverside village of Beaulieu, this is the perfect backdrop for a traditional afternoon tea.
Enjoy a classic three-tier selection, with perfectly-sliced sandwiches, delicate pastries and jam and cream-laden fresh scones. They also do a kids’ afternoon tea menu, so the whole family can get in on the action.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a beloved family attraction that’s well worth visiting in its own right. Offering over 200 acres of formal gardens and woodland to explore, Exbury Gardens boast some magical sights and provide the perfect way to get back in touch with nature.
If you want to pair your flower-filled day out with a delicious afternoon tea, then you’re certainly in the right place. The on-site restaurant and cafe, Mr Eddy’s, serves afternoon tea all day, with a great selection of cakes, scones and traybakes.
If it’s a charming waterside sit-down you’re after, The Captain’s Table in the stunning little village of Buckler’s Hard is a must. Once you’ve explored the sights offered by the Beaulieu River and the historic shipbuilding village, including the immersive museum, head to the tea rooms to relax.
Order the traditional afternoon tea for tasty scones with lashings of clotted cream and jam – the perfect accompaniment to tranquil views across the river and the surrounding countryside.
The central location of The Old Station Tea Rooms makes this the ideal place to stop after a long day of walking and exploring woodland trails, particularly if you’re planning on enjoying the nearby Wilverley Inclosure.
As the name suggests, the quirky tea rooms used to be part of the old railway station. While you may no longer be able to catch a train here, you’ll certainly be pleased with the selection of tasty homemade food and drinks, including fresh cream teas and The Old Station Afternoon Tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones, patisseries/cakes and either tea or coffee.
No matter if you prefer your scones with cream or jam first, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to a delicious New Forest afternoon tea!
For even more tasty local fare, check out our foodie guide with restaurant and pub recommendations.
Still planning your perfect break? Discover our handpicked selection of luxury accommodation in the New Forest, where you’ll never be too far from countryside adventures and charming spots to eat, relax and make memories.
