15 Most Unique Afternoon Teas in Yorkshire 

Fancy treating yourself to an afternoon tea in Yorkshire? Whether you’re looking for something luxurious, laid-back or even wizard-themed, one of the best Yorkshire afternoon tea experiences is right up your street. 

When it comes to afternoon tea in Yorkshire, our expectations are sky-high. After all, this is England’s largest county and one of the UK’s most beautiful regions.  

Home to destinations ranging from modern metropolises like Leeds to national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire sets the bar high when it comes to natural beauty and history. It’s only fair that the county’s afternoon tea experiences aspire to achieve the same standard of excellence. 

After trying a few afternoon teas in Yorkshire, we can wholeheartedly say that these experiences more-than-exceeded our expectations. 

So, where are the best afternoon teas in Yorkshire? Here are just some of our favourites. 

Best Places to Go for an Afternoon Tea in Yorkshire 

Whether you want an experience that’s quintessentially British or a combination of local and international traditions, one of these afternoon teas in Yorkshire promises to be a hit. 

1. Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate 

Bettys Café Tea Rooms has been a Yorkshire institution and a Harrogate mainstay for over a century. This iconic café serves a delectable range of Swiss and British inspired delicacies, and its afternoon tea experience frequently has people queueing out of the door. 

You can choose from hundreds of varieties of tea from all over the world at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, which also has branches in Leeds, York and Harlow Carr. Some of our favourite homemade baked goods include the Fat Rascal (Yorkshire scone) and the Chocolate Torte. We also love brunch options such as Chicken Schnitzel and Rösti. 

You might want to reserve your Afternoon Tea at Bettys in advance if you want to avoid long lines, particularly if you want to be seated in the opulent Imperial Room. This historic café is one of the most popular places for afternoon tea in Yorkshire. 

Before your afternoon tea, you might want to work up an appetite by visiting attractions such as the Royal Pump Room Museum on your day out in Harrogate. This historic spa town is one of the best places to visit in North Yorkshire. 

2. The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Coniston Cold 

If you’re planning a trip to the Yorkshire Dales, we highly recommend stopping for a Japanese-style afternoon tea at The Coniston Hotel, which is also home to one of Yorkshire’s top spas. 

At the hotel’s restaurant, the Blossom Kitchen, you can order afternoon tea with a bento box, which is essentially a goodie bag of compartmentalised food. Sweet and savoury treats include soy glazed mushrooms on toast, BBQ chicken wraps, and banana and ginger cake – all of which go down smoothly with your choice of Suki tea. 

If you’re staying at The Coniston Hotel, you might want to embark on some of the most scenic walks across the Yorkshire Dales, one of England’s most picturesque National Parks. 

3. Grand Pacific (Queens Hotel), Leeds 

Situated inside the iconic Queens Hotel, the Grand Pacific is one of the most luxurious places to enjoy an afternoon tea in Leeds. 

The hotel itself was recently given a multi-million-pound facelift, transporting visitors back in time to the golden age of high society. You’ll notice the décor reflects British tradition with Asian influences, and the same applies to the menu. 

Besides delicious tea, menu highlights at the Grand Pacific include Pan Asian-inspired delights such as hoisin sausage rolls, seasoned sashimi and finger sandwiches with traditional fillings. 

Afternoon tea aside, the Queens Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay when visiting Leeds. It’s also right next to the city’s train station, so you can easily embark on many brilliant days out from Leeds. 

4. LIVIN’Italy, Leeds 

For a delicious, Italian-inspired afternoon tea in Yorkshire, reserve a table at the LIVIN’Italy restaurant and deli in Leeds, which is hidden in a former railway bridge arch in Granary Wharf just a stone’s throw from Leeds Railway Station. 

A range of flavourful dishes are included with your afternoon tea at LIVIN’Italy. Savoury dishes include mini pizzas, arancini carbonara and short rib sliders. After those treats, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with the likes of tiramisu and chocolate cake cubes. 

Afternoon tea prices at LIVIN’Italy start at around £20 per person and include one glass of prosecco. You can pay a few extra pounds to upgrade your drink to an Aperol Spritz. 

5. Pearls Tearoom & Patisserie, Bradford 

If you fancy an afternoon tea in Yorkshire with a difference, stop by Pearls Tearoom & Patisserie in Bradford to indulge in an Indian-influenced experience. 

There are a range of afternoon tea experiences available at Pearls, but our favourite Indian-themed version comes with tasty bites ranging from tortilla-wrapped chicken kebab to mint sauce-covered veggie rolls. You’ll also be treated to a selection of sweet delights and specaility teas that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. Visit between noon and 2 pm to listen to the restaurant’s live pianist. 

While you’re in the area, you might be interested in reading about some of the best day trips from Bradford. Leeds, Harrogate and even Greater Manchester are all within easy reach. 

6. Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Leeds 

Located along Victoria Gate in Leeds, Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is the place to go if you want to try a Japanese-style afternoon tea with sprawling views of Leeds’ city centre. 

In addition to a wide selection of hot beverages, Issho serves tasty sweet and savoury dishes such as tuna tataki with wasabi cream, salmon avocado maki, matcha cheesecake, and caramel purin.  

The afternoon tea at Issho takes place on Friday to Sunday from noon to 2.30 pm. If you fancy splashing out, you can add free-flowing fizz to your afternoon tea in Yorkshire. 

Before leaving Leeds, you might want to embark on a few days out in West Yorkshire, particularly since Leeds is one of the county’s best-connected cities. 

7. Palm Court Hotel, Scarborough 

Why not treat yourself to an alternative afternoon tea with fish and chips while visiting one of the best beaches in Yorkshire?  

At the Palm Court Hotel in Scarborough, afternoon tea includes tasty treats such as Atlantic prawn cocktail, smoked Scottish salmon, scampi, haddock goujon and hand-cut chips. For an extra-special afternoon tea in Yorkshire at the Palm Court Hotel, upgrade your experience to include Champagne. 

Afternoon tea at the Palm Court Hotel is served daily from noon to 5 pm. If you’re visiting Scarborough for its beach, you might want to learn about more of England’s best beaches to plan your next coastal getaway. 

8. Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate 

One of the most famous luxury hotels in Harrogate is the Old Swan, which boasts a history spanning more than two centuries. 

This hotel combines contemporary elegance with Victorian splendour, which is showcased by touches such as the glass-ceilinged Wedgewood Restaurant and the main entrance’s revolving doors.  

If you’re looking for a luxurious afternoon tea in Yorkshire, the Old Swan Hotel in the spa town of Harrogate is hard to beat. If you decide to stay here, we highly recommend visiting nearby Knaresborough, which is one of the most interesting towns in England. 

9. The Steel Cauldron, Sheffield 

The Steel Cauldron is a wizard-themed tavern and tearoom in Sheffield, which is one of the best places to visit on a day out in South Yorkshire. 

In keeping with this tea room’s theme, afternoon tea takes on a magical twist. You can sample hot and soft potions, cauldron cocktails, ‘sand-witches’ and a range of Marvello’s Magical Ices. 

The Steel Cauldron is one of the best places to take kids for an afternoon tea in Yorkshire. On top of twists on afternoon tea for youngsters, this restaurant offers a range of upgrades for adults. You can even request for your Wizard’s Tea to be ‘enchanted’. 

If you have a soft spot for witchcraft and wizardry, you might want to read about some of the best Harry Potter-themed days out in England. 

10. No.1 by GuestHouse, York 

Situated inside a Grade II listed Regency townhouse, No.1 by GuestHouse is one of York’s premier luxury hotels, just a short stroll from the mighty York Minster. 

The afternoon tea at No.1 by GuestHouse includes a range of sweet and savoury treats made with British ingredients. You’ll also be treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling or non-alcoholic wine. Best of all, despite being draped in luxury, afternoon tea in Yorkshire at this stately-esque hotel costs as little as £27. 

While you’re here, you might be interested in finding out how to make the most of a day out in York. You can also embark on many amazing day trips from York when you want to get out of the city. 

11. Sweet Little Things Tea Room, Hull 

One of our favourite places to enjoy an afternoon tea in the East Riding of Yorkshire is the Sweet Little Things Tea Room. 

This quaint little tea room serves afternoon tea daily. Breakfast is served all day, and light lunches are available until 4 pm. Keep your eyes peeled for the daily specials. 

On top of afternoon tea, which includes vegan and gluten-free options, Sweet Little Things Tea Room is locally adored for its wide selection of cakes and desserts that are baked fresh daily. 

Before leaving Hull, which was named the UK City of Culture in 2017, you might want to discover more of the top days out in East Yorkshire. 

12. RealiTea, Ripon 

RealiTea is an Anglo-Indian tea room that first opened its doors in 2020. Since then, it’s been one of the best places to enjoy an afternoon tea in Yorkshire’s cathedral city of Ripon. 

At RealiTea, afternoon tea can be served with savoury dishes packed full of flavours inspired by Indian street food. You can also choose from a wide selection of irresistible homemade desserts. 

The British Raj High Tea at RealiTea starts at just £15 per person, though you’ll need to book your table at least 24 hours in advance. 

Did you know that Ripon is believed to be the oldest city in Britain? That’s just one of many fascinating facts about Yorkshire. 

13. Hetty and Betty, Whitby 

Hetty and Betty was one of the first establishments in Yorkshire’s seaside town of Whitby to combine fish and chips with afternoon tea. 

While its alternative afternoon tea may be relatively new, Hetty and Betty has actually been a mainstay of the local dining scene for about a century. 

An afternoon tea in Yorkshire at Hetty and Betty includes a generous portion of freshly battered fish with fluffy chips, mushy peas, and homemade scones for dessert. 

14. Cupcakes 2 Love, Doncaster  

The team members at Cupcakes 2 Love in Doncaster are masters of creating edible art and delectable cakes. Now, this alternative bakery in South Yorkshire offers afternoon tea in any theme you like. 

Whether you want an afternoon tea themed on James Bond, the Lion King or Willy Wonka, Cupcakes 2 Love can accommodate you. 

15. Countess of York at The Railway Museum, York 

Situated inside York’s National Railway Museum, the Countess of York offers one of the city’s finest afternoon tea experiences.  

The café itself occupies a restored rail carriage and offers a range of scrumptious starters, finger sandwiches, and home-baked desserts such as tiramisu, apple crumble tarts and brandy snaps. You can also upgrade your afternoon tea to include Champagne.  

Where’s your favourite afternoon tea in Yorkshire? 

So, there you have it – 15 amazing places to visit for afternoon tea in Yorkshire. Whether you want to enjoy your afternoon tea in a quirky bakery, a 5-star hotel, a stately home or a traditional pub, one of Yorkshire’s afternoon tea experiences has you covered.  

Have we missed any afternoon teas in Yorkshire that deserve a mention? Let us know in the comments below. While you’re here, you might want to read about some of the best afternoon teas in London. 

Quick list of best places for afternoon tea in Yorkshire 

1. Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate 
2. The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Coniston Cold 
3. Grand Pacific (Queens Hotel), Leeds 
4. LIVIN’Italy, Leeds 
5. Pearls Tearoom & Patisserie, Bradford 
6. Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Leeds 
7. Palm Court Hotel, Scarborough 
8. Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate 
9. The Steel Cauldron, Sheffield 
10. No.1 by GuestHouse, York
11. Sweet Little Things Tea Room, Hull 
12. RealiTea, Ripon 
13. Hetty and Betty, Whitby 
14. Cupcakes 2 Love, Doncaster  
15. Countess of York at The Railway Museum, York 

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Josh Saunders

Midlands and North Content Manager at Day Out in England

Josh has worked for many different travel brands, gaining the experience that’s allowed him to fly high with Day Out in England –writing some excellent content for the site. His knowledge of Yorkshire is like no other, given that its proudly his homeland.

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