The best places to enjoy afternoon tea in Cambridge

Apparently English afternoon tea has its origins in Bedfordshire but fortunately its popularity has spread across the country. There are some particularly tempting places for afternoon tea in Cambridge as well as plenty of excellent tea rooms in nearby Grantchester and other towns in Cambridgeshire. I’ve put together a guide to the best places for afternoon tea by the river in Cambridge as well as quirky afternoon tea destinations and rural spots for tea and cake near the city.

Thanks to Poet’s House Hotel for the lovely cover image

If you’d like to learn about the history of English afternoon tea, check out my guide to afternoon tea in Bedfordshire and if you’re after a cuppa and a slice of something sweet a little closer to London, I’ve also put together a guide to afternoon tea in Hertfordshire.

Prices change so I’ve given an indication of whether you’re looking at a budget-friendly afternoon tea – which is denoted with one “£”, mid-priced “££” or the full-on luxury option which is represented with “£££”. I have also detailed whether the venues have a licence to serve a glass of fizz with your afternoon tea.

Looking for other attractions nearby? Check out my article on things to do in Cambridgeshire or my guide to swimming outdoors in Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge afternoon tea with a view

Afternoon tea at the Varsity Cambridge

If you fancy a afternoon tea with a view, Six – part of the Varsity Hotel – looks like a good bet with vistas of the city’s rooftops. Note that prices increase on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Modern hotel restaurant
• Central Cambridge with rooftop views
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Six Cambridge

Afternoon tea in Cambridge city centre

Parker’s Tavern

Formally a coaching inn, this historic Cambridge brasserie is found in the University Arms Hotel overlooking Parker’s Piece. If you’re looking for luxury afternoon tea in Cambridge, this is the one for you.

• Stylish restaurant and cocktail bar
• City centre setting
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Parker’s Tavern

Afternoon tea at the Ivy Cambridge

If you can’t get a table at one of the independent cafes and tea rooms in Cambridge, I expect this local branch of the Ivy will deliver on style and taste.

• Modern brasserie-style restaurant
• Central Cambridge
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Ivy Cambridge

Afternoon tea at Browns Cambridge 

Another popular chain restaurant in central Cambridge.

• Modern brasserie-style restaurant
• Central Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Browns

Clayton Hotel afternoon tea Cambridge

• Modern chain hotel restaurant
• Central Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Gonville Hotel

• Traditional hotel restaurant
• Central Cambridge
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Gonville Hotel

Quirky afternoon tea in Cambridge

Fitzbillies afternoon tea Cambridge

There are two branches of Fitzbillies in Cambridge – the original and larger venue on Trumpington Street – where you’ll find the afternoon teas, and the smaller café on Bridge Street (no afternoon tea).

Fitzbillies is a lovely quirky Cambridge afternoon tea destination. The Trumpington branch has been around since the 1920s and serves cakes made in their local bakery.

• Traditional tea room
• Central Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Fitzbillies

The Orchard Tea Garden

If you’re looking for an al fresco setting for your afternoon tea, the Orchard Tea Garden sounds perfect. Tea is served amid the apple trees at this historic establishment – frequented by the likes of Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes to name a few. This bucolic spot in Grantchester will take some beating.

Visitors can retreat to the Rupert Brooke Room for their afternoon tea if the weather isn’t suitable for tea in the orchard.

• Traditional tea room
• Rural setting near Cambridge
• £££
• Outdoor and indoor seating available

Find out more about the Orchard Tea Garden

Carriages of Cambridge

Located midway between Cambridge and St Ives, this is a rather unique take on the traditional afternoon tea experience. There’s a choice of dining in one of the four-seater compartments or in the open carriages. It looks like a really fun experience.

• Vintage rail station
• Rural setting near Cambridge and St Ives
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Carriage of Cambridge

Afternoon tea in Cambridge by the river

Garden House Cambridge

This looks like a lovely venue – it’s certainly in a great location overlooking the River Cam but it gets rather mixed reviews so I’m wondering if it relies too much on the setting and doesn’t make enough effort with the food.

• Modern hotel restaurant
• Central Cambridge riverfront
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Garden House

Quy Mill Hotel and Spa

Can’t handle all that sweet stuff? At the Quy Mill, you have the choice of marmite and crumpets instead of cakes – but don’t worry, cake is on the menu too.

• Spa hotel
• Riverside setting east of Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Quy Mill Hotel and Spa

Afternoon tea near Cambridge

The Rupert Brooke

This Grantchester staple looks like a lovely stylish location for afternoon tea – a good alternative to eating out in Cambridge.

• Contemporary style tea room
• Rural setting near Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about the Rupert Brooke afternoon tea

Duxford Lodge Hotel

• Modern hotel
• village setting south of Cambridge
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• Indoor and outdoor seating available

Find out more about afternoon tea at Duxford Lodge Hotel

Afternoon tea in Ely

Peacocks Tea Room

This well-regarded tea room is set in a pretty B&B close to the River Great Ouse in Ely. There’s a good selection of afternoon tea variations too – which should keep the whole family happy!

• Traditional tea room
• Town centre setting
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• Indoor and outdoor seating

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Peacocks Tea Room

Poets House Hotel

This centrally located hotel has views over Ely Cathedral – an ideal spot to enjoy a short break or an afternoon tea!

• Modern hotel in listed buildings
• Town centre setting
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• Indoor and outdoor seating

Find out more about afternoon tea at Poets Corner

Sophie’s Afternoon Tea and Cakes

I really like the look of this little tea room. The talented owner – Sophie – has built up her business from mobile cake shop to independent tea room – a good back story in this world of big chains and luxury hotels.

• Independent tea room
• Town centre setting
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• £

Find out more about Sophie’s Afternoon Tea and Cakes

The Almonry Restaurant and Tea Room at Ely Cathedral

Visitors to Ely are rather spoilt by the wonderful choice of settings for afternoon tea. If you prefer your surroundings to be circa 13th century, this is the one for you.

• Ely Cathedral tea room
• Town centre setting
• £

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Almonry tea room at Ely Cathedral

Afternoon tea in Huntingdon

The Old Bridge

This 18th century townhouse hotel sits on the River Great Ouse so you’re assured a lovely location for your delectable afternoon tea.

• Stylish historic hotel
• Riverfront town centre setting
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• Indoor and outdoor seating

Find out more about the Old Bridge afternoon tea

The Willows in Brampton

Set in the village of Brampton on the edge of Huntingdon, this well-regarded tea room is popular with locals. Everything is homemade by mother and daughter team Claire and Megan.

• Independent tea room
• Village setting
• ££
• Indoor and outdoor seating

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Willows

Afternoon tea in March

The Exchange

I’m never one to turn down a slice of cake, but I am rather tempted by the Exchange Cheese Lovers Afternoon Tea – what a brilliant idea! Don’t worry, they also offer the traditional spread of cakes and scones too along with a reasonably priced kids’ menu and a vegan menu – all bases are covered here.

• Modern restaurant and cocktail bar
• Town centre setting
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Exchange

Afternoon tea in Peterborough

The Chalkboard

I like the concept at this riverside restaurant – you can choose what goes into your sarnie and which cake ends up on your plate. This is another afternoon tea venue which gives you the option of going for a more savoury menu.

The Chalkboard is attached to Peterborough’s Key Theatre in the heart of the city.

• Modern independent restaurant
• Town centre riverside setting
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about the Chalkboard afternoon tea

Tea at 18 in Thorney

This village tea room gets really good reviews. It offers a good value afternoon tea and the cakes look delicious!

• Independent tea room
• Village centre setting
• £

Find out more about Tea at 18

Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford

• Hotel restaurant
• Village centre setting
• £££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about the Haycock Manor Hotel afternoon tea

Afternoon tea in St Neots

Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Room

This Cambridgeshire vintage tea room offers good old fashioned afternoon teas.

• Vintage tea room
• Town centre setting
• ££
• Option to pay extra for bubbly

Find out more about afternoon tea at Betty Bumbes

Have you enjoyed afternoon tea in Cambridgeshire? Let me know if you have a favourite spot among this list or an afternoon tea location which I haven’t included.

If you’re looking for other attractions in the region, check out my guide to Cambridgeshire.