Gone are the days when the English tradition of afternoon tea was reserved for prim and proper grown-ups. With fanciful treats, itsy-bitsy mini sandwiches, and lashings of tea (or squash for the little’uns), afternoon teas for kids are having a moment. Throw in a fun theme to spark your child’s interest (think Wonka, Beauty and Beast and Peppa Pig, to name a few), and you’re onto a winner.
Image credit: One Aldwych
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, London
Bring to life Roald Dahl’s chocolatey world with a kid’s afternoon tea at London’s One Aldwych, right in the heart of theatre land. Brave the not-quite-what-it-seems beetroot and salmon macaroons and snozzberry jam-filled scones. All washed down with lemon sherbet tea – and fizzy lifting champagne for the grown-ups, naturally.
A dreamland for… Roald Dahl and Wonka fans. Thanks to its theatreland location, it makes a great pitstop for any family day trips combining a show too.
Image credit: Hey Little Cupcake
2. Beauty and the Beast Afternoon Tea, Hey Little Cupcake, Manchester
Bring a little bit of Disney magic to the table (without the hefty Disneyland price tag!) with a Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea for children. Sip your drink from Chip’s cup or pour your tea from Mrs Potts while you feast on delicious Belle-themed cupcakes, macaroons, scones with cream, and jam.
A dreamland for… Disney lover’s young and old. One of the more reasonably priced experiences at £18 per adult and £12 per child (smaller portion), this is a great option for anyone watching the pennies.
3. Betty’s Teashop, York
Around since 1936, Betty’s Teashop has been quite an institution. The fat rascal teacakes are legendary alone. While there’s no theme here per se, the beautiful interiors inspired by the Queen Mary ocean liner will spark interest for little ones and the ‘Little Rascals’ menu for children under 12 will keep them busy. There’s also a branch in nearby Harrogate, should you struggle to get a land a table booking in York.
A dreamland for… any sweet-toothed tweens that are past ‘themed’ days out but are still very partial to chocolate and cakes!
4. Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, London
As Peppa Pig celebrates its 20th anniversary (how old does that make us feel!), a trip on this repurposed Routemaster Bus is a must for all those Peppa Pig fans out there. There’s all the finger sandwiches, mini pizzas, scones, cupcakes, and macaroons little ones could muster. And if you’ve got older children in tow, you can always keep them busy with the lure of sightseeing along the way. This bus tour ticks off all the London must-sees, including Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson’s Column, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Be warned though, the Peppa Pig music may start to grate ears after a while. But we’ll take that for the love of the kids!
A dreamland for… Peppa Pig fanatics and sightseeing enthusiasts.
5. Cadbury’s World
Dive into a chocolatey world and treat your little un’s to afternoon tea at Cadbury’s World. Meet Mr Cadbury’s Parrot, Freddo, Caramel Bunny and their friends while you feast on Cadbury-inspired cakes. Think rocky road, chocolate muffins, mini-donuts with chocolate dipping sauce and fruit skewers. As part of the package, you’ll also have entry to the 4D Chocolate Adventure cinema, Green Screen experience and the African Adventure play area. That should keep them busy when the sugar rush kicks in.
A dreamland for…anyone mad about chocolate. Which translates to pretty much any kid, right? There are products for anyone with dietary requirements, too.
6. Kitty Cafe
Share afternoon tea with your little ones AND some furry friends at Kitty Café. While not all cat cafes welcome children, Kitty Café with branches in Birmingham, Leicester (soon to open), Leeds, and Nottingham happily allow little ones, too for family fun. Watch a gang of adorable rescue cats parade about as you tuck into afternoon tea of oh-so-decadent cakes and finger sandwiches. And you won’t have to share your scones and tea – the café provides nifty food covers to keep any greedy felines at bay.
A dreamland for…anyone crazy about cats – and cake.
7. The Savoy’s Children’s Afternoon Tea
Take things up a notch with a afternoon tea for kids at London’s iconic Savoy overlooking the mighty Thames. Quite an institution, the Savoy has been hosting tea parties since 1889. Despite its highbrow heritage, there are no airs and graces here when it comes to the children’s menu. Banana s’mores with toasted marshmallows and chocolate chip cookies keep things very much about the kids (and big kids).
A dreamland for…anyone looking for a spot of luxury in historic surroundings.
8. Charnwood Alpaca Afternoon Tea
Make a day of it with an alpaca walk followed by afternoon tea for kids in Charnwood. This ninety-minute trekking escapade will take you around a 110-acre farm, offering idyllic countryside views along the way. Then after all the fun of the alpaca walk, take your seats for an afternoon tea platter and well-earnt rest. Due to the long walk and rough terrain along the way, the alpaca walk experience is not suitable for children aged 4 and under. Though children under the age of four are welcome to join the fun in a carrier.
A dreamland for… any doctor do-littles in the making and nature lovers.
Keen for more family day trip inspiration from Stay Play UK? Check out our other blogs here.