When the Duchess of Bedford found herself feeling peckish mid-afternoon, she came up with the idea of afternoon tea to tide her over until dinner. Little did she know how popular the tradition would become.
Scotland offers some fabulous locations to enjoy afternoon tea. From drawing rooms of country house hotels, to traditional tearooms and sunny outdoor terraces with fabulous views. What better way to spend an afternoon than indulging in finger sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked scones laden with jam and cream and sumptuous cakes?
Here is our round-up of our favourites within easy reach of our holiday parks.
Blairgowrie & Corriefodly
Ballathie House Hotel
Ballathie Country House Hotel and Estate is situated on the banks of the River Tay. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the comfort of the Drawing Room overlooking the lawns and river. The menu includes delicate sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, cakes and a good range of teas and coffee.
Dunkeld House Hotel
Located on the River Tay, in 280 acres of picturesque Scottish countryside, Dunkeld House offers suitably grand surroundings to enjoy afternoon tea. Served in the stylish Orangery, their decadent afternoon tea menu includes classic sandwiches such as coronation chicken, fresh baked food such as game sausage roll, as well as a range of wonderfully crafted patisserie.
Murrayshall Hotel
Set in 365 acres of Perthshire countryside, you’ll find Murrayshall Hotel, built in 1664. Indulge in a range of sweet treats and savoury delights, with a wide range of speciality loose-leaf teas and coffees. Enjoy Slow Roast Scotch Beef & Grain Mustard, Black Pudding Sausage Roll, Carrot Cake with candied pecans and Orange & Polenta Cake.
The Kinloch Arms Hotel, Meigle
This hotel in the village of Meigle offers an afternoon tea on a Sunday from 12.30 – 5pm. It includes a tasty selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and homemade fresh on the day scones. You can also pre-order afternoon tea for two to take away. Call 01828 640251 to book a table or place an order.
The Wee Coffee Shop (Blairgowrie)
If you would prefer to enjoy afternoon tea in the comfort of your lodge or holiday home, perhaps sitting out on your decking, then why not order afternoon tea in a box to take away from The Wee Coffee Shop in Blairgowrie? Or you can, of course, enjoy afternoon tea at the coffee shop. Please give 48 hours’ notice for both sit in an takeaway by calling 07878 839128.
Lomond Woods
Café Zest – Loch Lomond Shores
Located within Jenners at Lomond shore, Café Zest is very handy for Lomond Woods guests. Their new afternoon tea is the ultimate treat. To make sure it’s perfect, you need to book at least 24 hours in advance by calling Café Zest directly. A selection of Gluten-free options is available.
Cameron House Hotel
The Lobby Bar, Cameron House, offers a very special location for afternoon tea. The menu includes delicious finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, home-made fruit preserves and intricately prepared pastries. Or alternatively, opt for the Boat House overlooking the marina.
Colquhoun’s Restaurant
Treat yourself to a scrumptious Afternoon Tea at Colquhoun’s Restaurant, Luss and enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the Loch and Ben Lomond. Housed inside the charming Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, Colquhoun’s Restaurant is a tranquil setting to relax, unwind and indulge in the great British tradition of afternoon tea.
Duck Bay – Bobby’s Cafe
Eponymously named after the founder of Duck Bay, Bobby’s is a very stylish licensed café on the west shore of Loch Lomond. As well as light meals and drinks, they offer an ultimate afternoon tea experience!
Caulders Garden Centre
Loch Lomond Garden House restaurant at this popular local garden centre is a great value option for afternoon tea. Call ahead to book, as this is a particularly busy restaurant.
Coach House, Luss
The Coach House coffee shop is a popular establishment, serving a wide range of soups and snacks, incorporating much local and other Scottish produce. They offer a good selection of home baking and light meals, featuring eggs from their own free-range flock of Black Rock Hens.
Deeside
The Mains at Drums
This family-owned and run garden centre is set in beautiful landscaped grounds on the A93 between Peterculter and Banchory, just beside the village of Drumoak. Their restaurant is incredibly popular, and they serve afternoon tea daily from 1.30pm – 3.30pm. It includes a round of sandwiches, mini scones, traybake tasters and more, so be sure to go with an empty stomach!
The Registry Guest House
Located in Peterculter, this venue offers afternoon tea with a seasonal selection of sandwiches and homemade baking (shortbread, tray bake, cakes) and a selection of fine teas and coffees, optionally served with a glass of prosecco (though you must bring your own bottle*), all served in fine vintage cups and saucers. Plan ahead as two days’ notice is needed.
The Maryculter House Hotel
Nearby, Maryculter House is one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic hotels. Their afternoon tea is a sumptuous celebration of seasonal savoury and sweet treats. It is the ultimate indulgent experience. Add a glass or two of bubbles, and what better way is there to spend an afternoon?
The Marcliffe
The Marcliffe at Pitfodels is a luxurious, relaxed and ultra-elegant five-star Scottish country hotel set in its own picturesque grounds on the outskirts of the historic city of Aberdeen. Afternoon tea is served in their lovely drawing room. Their afternoon tea menu has options to add champagne, prosecco or bellinis. This is the ultimate afternoon tea experience.
Castleton Farm
Castleton Farm is a fantastic local farm shop. Their café and conservatory offer a friendly welcome, serving up homemade food, freshly prepared with locally sourced produce (some from their own farm). Afternoon teas can be pre-ordered for eating in or for takeaway.
Callander Woods
The Roman Camp Hotel
The Roman Camp in the centre of Callander was originally a hunting lodge. Afternoon tea here, served in the drawing room or library, has been renowned for generations. The three-course menu begins with your choice of tea or coffee, followed by a tasty starter, then pastries and sandwiches and finished with a luxurious selection of desserts, cakes and scones.
