Where to enjoy afternoon tea in Bedfordshire

It may not be a big county, but there’s certainly a decent selection of places to go for afternoon tea in Bedfordshire. Whether you’re after a vintage tea room for your Bedfordshire afternoon tea, or a more contemporary experience, there’s something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.

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 “£££”.

Please do call ahead to book – some venues hold afternoon tea as a special event from time to time while others have it as a standard feature on their menu.

If you fancy spreading your wings and travelling a little further, I have also written an article about afternoon tea in Hertfordshire.

The history of afternoon tea in Bedfordshire

There is a possibility that the tradition of afternoon tea originates in Bedfordshire. The story goes that in the mid 19th century Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of feeling a bit peckish between lunch and dinner. I’m not sure at which point in the last 200 or so years the tradition of a three course meal to tide you over until dinnertime became a tradition… but apparently it was Anna that started us off. So next time you’re sipping tea and tucking into dainty sandwiches and scones, raise a toast to the Duchess.

Where to go for afternoon tea in Bedfordshire

3 St Peters in Bedford

• Town centre setting
• Part of a private members’ club
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• ££

This private members club opens its doors to the public for regular afternoon tea slots – ensure you book ahead. This is the kind of afternoon tea where you really need to pace yourself. I love the sound of some of the savoury options and the cakes sound delicious. The jazz brunch lunches are also open to the public – not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

Find out more about afternoon tea at 3 St Peters

Back in Time for Tea at the Old White Horse in Hockliffe

• Village setting
• Traditional tea room
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• £

I love the sound of this vintage tea room on the A5 in Hockliffe near Leighton Buzzard. Set in a 17th century coaching house – with some sections dating back to the 15th century – this little tea room is traditionally furnished with lots of character. Guests are given a tour of the property before they tuck into their tea and there’s a toy museum which children will enjoy exploring.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Back in Time for Tea

Bedford Swan Hotel and Spa

• Town centre setting
• Stylish riverside hotel and spa
• Vegan and children’s menus available
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• ££

Afternoon tea is served in Anna’s Tea Room at this stylish riverside hotel in the centre of Bedford. A lot of thought has gone into afternoon tea at the Bedford Swan – there’s the rather fancy Anna’s Afternoon Tea with an impressive spread of savoury options and then a slightly cheaper Traditional Afternoon Tea. There are separate menus for children, vegetarians and vegans as well as a gluten-free menu.

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Bedford Swan Hotel and Spa

Cakestand and Crumb in Ampthill

• Town centre setting
• Vintage tea room
• Children’s menu available
• Bring your own bubbly – check when booking
• ££

This vintage tea room in Ampthill prides itself on its homemade fare – essential for a delectable afternoon tea! You can expect traditional sandwich fillings and some yummy sounding sweet treats.

Everything looks really charming and pretty with beautiful cakes on display. The tea room does themed teas and also offers late night afternoon teas where you can bring your own bubbly – what a great idea!

Find out more about afternoon tea at Cakestand and Crumb

The Kingfisher Bedford

• Riverside location on edge of town
• Pub-hotel with contemporary style
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• Outdoor seating available
• ££

This stylish pub with rooms overlooks the River Great Ouse on the edge of Bedford. The chefs aim to source produce locally – some of the wines are from a local vineyard. Vegans are well catered for with their own menu and in good weather afternoon tea can be taken by the river.

There are some lovely riverside walks if you need to work up an appetite before indulging.

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Kingfisher in Bedford

The Knife and Cleaver in Houghton Conquest

• Village location
• Contemporary style hotel
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• ££

I love the name of the village this little hotel is located in. The Conquest part actually comes from the name of a family who once owned much of the surrounding land. Although their house has now gone, there’s the ruin of a 17th century property managed by English Heritage and opposite the Knife and Cleaver is the village church – dating back to the 14th century.

The characterful Knife and Cleaver offers a good value traditional afternoon tea. Do take a look at their Instagram feed – the food all looks delicious!

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Knife and Cleaver

Luton Hoo

• Country estate location
• Luxury hotel setting
• Various menus available including children’s and vegan’s
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• £££

If you’re looking for a luxury afternoon tea in Bedfordshire, there’s no doubting that Luton Hoo will tick all the boxes – elegant furniture, sparkly chandeliers and a reassuringly expensive price tag!

There are extensive grounds to explore, including walks along the River Lea. Or you could check into the hotel itself and make a weekend of it – there’s a spa, tennis courts and bike hire. Kids are welcome and have their own “Hoo to do List”.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Luton Hoo

Priory House in Dunstable

• Town centre location
• Heritage centre
• Outdoor seating available
• ££

This attractive heritage centre in Dunstable has over 18 teas to choose from. Afternoon tea is only served on certain dates – so check the diary. Some teas are themed around particular events such as St George’s Day and Halloween.

Afternoon tea can be taken in the medieval Undercroft, with its vaulted ceilings or in the Jacobean Room. There’s also a terrace for dining out on during warmer weather with views over the Priory Gardens.

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Priory House in Dunstable

Ridgemont Station Vintage Tea Room

• Set in a train station
• Vintage tea room
• Children’s menu available
• £

Don’t be put off by the less than salubrious surroundings (there’s a giant Amazon depot round the corner). Set in Ridgemont train station, this vintage tea room has bags of charm and character.

There’s a little museum next door – donations welcome – with guided tours from the volunteers. If you’re looking for an unusual afternoon tea in Bedfordshire, this is a great little find.

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Ridgemont Station Vintage Tea Room

Southill Village Tea Room near Biggleswade

• Village setting
• Vintage tea room
• ££
• Outdoor seating available

I like the look of this traditional tea room. Set in the village of Southill, this vintage tea room has lovely gardens – ideal if you’d like your afternoon tea al fresco. The tea room also doubles as the village shop and it receives fresh bread and meat from local suppliers. The homemade cakes look very tempting.

Find out more about afternoon tea at Southill Village Tea Room

Woburn Coffee House

• Village setting
• luxury historic tea room
• Option to pay extra for bubbly
• £££

If you like your afternoon tea to be as beautiful as it is delicious, this might just be the place for you. Everything about the Woburn Coffee House looks exquisite – from the furnishings to the flowers, and of course the delicate cakes. The menu takes afternoon tea to a whole new level.

Find out more about Woburn Coffee House

Woodland Manor Hotel and Restaurant in Clapham

• Village setting
• Country house hotel
• Option to pay extra for cocktails or bubbly
• ££

This country house is located about two miles north of Bedford in the village of Clapham. Afternoon tea at the Woodland Manor Hotel is served in the conservatory. The menu changes with some tasty themes – Easter and Christmas look particularly tempting! As well as the option to pay extra for bubbly, there’s also a cocktail afternoon tea for those looking for a really boozy experience!

Find out more about afternoon tea at the Woodland Manor Hotel and Restaurant

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Looking for swimming locations this summer? Check out my article about where to swim outdoors in Bedfordshire.

Check out my complete guide on things to do in Bedfordshire here.

Have I missed anywhere off the list? If you’ve enjoyed afternoon tea in Bedfordshire, please do get in touch to let me know. And if you offer a Bedfordshire afternoon tea I’d also love to hear from you.