Where to enjoy afternoon tea in and around Whitby

Afternoon tea was introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It started as a light meal to keep hunger at bay until the evening meal around 8pm.

Afternoon tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into ‘fingers’), scones with cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Not forgetting a large teapot of tea.
The concept was initially developed as a private social event for ‘society’ ladies and Queen Victoria was a big fan of the afternoon tea ritual.

Nowadays, we tend to enjoy afternoon tea as an occasional treat or to celebrate a special event such as a birthday or a ‘get together’ with a group of friends. Being on holiday in Whitby is a good enough reason to treat yourselves, so we would like to offer you some suggestions.

E Botham & Sons. Bakery and Tea Room. – Skinner Street, Whitby
A traditional, family run bakery and Tea Room first established in 1865. Offering afternoon tea, cream teas and celebration afternoon teas with the addition of a bottle of fizz!

The Willow Branch – 5A Golden Lion Bank, Whitby
A licenced coffee lounge & gift shop serving afternoon tea including fresh homemade scones, pastries and cakes and the choice of 15 loose leaf teas. Please note: accepts well behaved dogs.

Click here to visit The Willow Branch website

If you are looking for something a little more romantic or celebratory, then venture to the North Yorks Moors and pay a visit to Falling Foss Tea Garden – Midge Hall, Sneaton Forest.
This is a small but enchanting tea garden in the grounds of Midge Hall. Surrounded by woodland and set nestled next to the 30ft waterfall this is a truly magical setting. Indulge in a cream tea of freshly baked scones, jam and whipped cream and take in the scenery. If you over-indulge a little you can always walk it off! Please note: dogs are welcome at outside seating area.

Click here to visit the Falling Foss Tea Garden website

For a more indulgent or celebratory afternoon tea why not travel back in time on the Great Western Saloon, North Yorks Moors Railway’s Dining Car from Goathland. Unfortunately, this will only run on the following dates: 21st June 12th & 19th July, 9th August, but will certainly be an unforgettable experience.