There’s always so much to do in the run up to Christmas… from sorting the tree, Christmas present shopping, preparing for the Christmas lunch, attending the kid’s festive activities and the the list goes on… so the thought of a sit down for a few hours to indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea seems like the perfect festive pick me up. So here are a a few places in Northumberland that are offering festive afternoon tea and whilst I’ve not personally visited them all I would be more than happy to visit the ones that I haven’t yet.
ALNWICK GARDEN, ALNWICK
Having just recently reopened after Storm Arwen the Alnwick Garden in addition to lots of other festive activities such as the Light Trail are offering festive afternoon tea in their Pavilion Cafe or events room, please note that you have to pay for entry into the Alnwick Garden in order to visit
Cost: £19.95 for adults £9.95 children
When: Between 1-3pm (booking requires
48hr notice) 27 Nov - 3 Jan 2022
Menu and how to book: https://www.alnwickgarden.com/afternoon-tea/
MATFEN HALL, MATFEN
Another beautiful venue in Northumberland and another to add to my growing list to visit is the gorgeous Matfen Hall. Afternoon tea is served in the opulent Drawing Room by their cosy fire. Walwick offer variations on the timeless tradition on their festive afternoon tea including a champagne upgrade and locally inspired Noveltea version. So if you’re looking for a festive afternoon with indulgence, elegance and an escape to the Northumberland countryside this seems a perfect combination to enjoy hand-crafted savoury and sweet delights
Cost: from £24.95
When: Monday to Saturday between 1-4pm (24hr notice required)
Menu and how to book: https://walwickhall.com/dine/afternoon-tea/
CHARLTON HALL, SOUTH CHARLTON
Charlton Hall have a series of festive events to enjoy this Christmas from tasting events to creative crafts and workshops, but they are also offering a Festive inspired Afternoon Tea & Bottomless Afternoon Tea to celebrate and get into the Christmas spirit this year, all served in the fabulous Looking Glass restaurant from 12.30pm you can upgrade to the Bottomless Afternoon Tea which includes 2 hours of free-flowing Prosecco.
When: 19 December (booking required)
Cost: From £35.00 includes a glass of Prosecco or the Bottomless upgrade is £60pp inc 2hr of green-flowing Prosecco
COOKIE JAR, ALNWICK
The Cookie Jar is an independent hotel (formerly the Convent of Mercy) in Alnwick known for its elegant style, good food and luxurious rooms. It is one of my regular places to visit for afternoon tea and I will definitely be visiting this year to try their festive afternoon tea which includes turkey sandwiches of course, Brie and cranberry tarts and warm mince pies with brandy butter all to be enjoyed in the beautifully designed bistro overlooking the hotels gardens, a real festive oasis in the centre of town.
Cost: £16.50 pp or upgrade to fizz or G&T for £22.50
When: Thur - Sat from 12-3.30pm
SLALEY HALL, SLALEY
When you go for festive afternoon tea of course you are going for the food but also the setting is just as important I think and really adds to that Christmas experience. Slaley Hall is such a lovely old mansion but always feels so homely. Whilst I have experienced afternoon tea over the years here I’ve not tried the festive one which has festive nods with cranberry and Brie sandwiches and mince pies and is one to add to my festive list.
Cost: £25 pp
When: Daily through December (except Christmas Day) between 1 -3pm
Menu and how to book:
RUNNING FOX FELTON, LONGHOUGHTON & SHILBOTTLE
Located at various venues across Northumberland The Running Fox are offering a festive version of their already famous afternoon tea and if you would like to treat someone too they also offer gift vouchers. Booking is advised at all venues and note the Shilbottle and Longhoughton venues are both dog friendly (again worth mentioning when booking). Your Foxy festive cake stand will be adorned with your choice of festive treats (I love that you can choose your own) including scones, sandwiches, pie and quiche, even a Christmas cracker! Takeaway is also available.
When: daily (booking advisable)
Cost: From £16.50pp
Booking: https://runningfoxbakery.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1qBaI2vax0nqJidtBDL6BzVw4NhvwPt920wT9cjj72enVodN7LHYjX7-A
LORD CREWE ARMS BLANCHLAND
Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland is a country hotel in a medieval priory nestled in the village of Blanchland, on the southern edge of Northumberland a perfect festive setting with plenty of surroundings to enjoy or walk off your festive treats if you feel like it. Christmas has been a big occasion in Blanchland since the monks first sang their carols in the 12th-century cloisters that now form their lovely gardens. This year will be no different… so expect roaring fires, and cosy corners to enjoy your festive delights which may include Fennel & Northumberland free range sausage rolls, freshly baked scones (which are amazing and one of my personal favourites) served with local Ringtons Tea or Ouseburn Coffee
Cost: £17 pp or Prosecco upgrade £23.50 booking required
So a few suggestions for you to indulge in festive afternoon tea in Northumberland in the run up to the Christmas festivities and great way to have time to yourself or catch up with friends and families. So if you try any I would love to hear from you or let me know if you think there are any that deserve to be added 🎅🏻🎄