Best Afternoon Tea in York – 11 Places for Afternoon Tea in York

6 – 8 St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP

Nestled in the heart of York’s historic St. Helen’s Square, Bettys is highly regarded for their afternoon tea. Bettys isn’t just a place to eat, it’s an experience and continues to stay true to that tradition. Bettys offers a Traditional Afternoon Tea and a Bookable Afternoon Tea, both served on elegant silver-tiered stands.

Set in the beautiful Belmont room, the Bookable Afternoon Tea includes a lavish selection of dainty sandwiches, specially selected teas and irresistible miniature cakes and scones, all made with the finest ingredients. Serenaded by a pianist as you enjoy a lavish selection of treats, it is the sparkling start to an indulgent afternoon. Afternoon Tea and Yorkshire Cream Tea are served all day in the café tea room too, served with a teapot of Tea Room Blend Tea, with pink champagne and prosecco available too.

Station Road, York, YO24 1AA

Located near York Station, The Milner offers a unique chocolate-themed afternoon tea which is a nod to the city’s rich chocolate heritage. Served in the Garden Room, this indulgent treat includes flavours inspired by some of the nation's favourite chocolates. It's a delightful twist for chocolate lovers seeking something a little different. Guests can enjoy picturesque views of the landscaped gardens as they tuck into smoked salmon and chive crème fraiche sandwiches, Wensleydale cheese and caramelised onion tartlet and a fruit scone with clotted cream and preserves. Prices start from £34.95 per person, with a lovely children’s afternoon tea available too.

St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 8QP

The Ivy offers a refined afternoon tea experience with a sophisticated ambience and an elegant setting. Within easy reach of the city’s most iconic sights and attractions, The Ivy offers a combination of delicious treats, glamorous surroundings and impeccable service. Enjoy slight seasonal tweaks from your classic dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes, all accompanied by a choice of coffees, teas or infusions or even a glass of champagne.

Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD

Situated within York’s only five star hotel at The Grand, The Rise Restaurant provides an excellent afternoon tea at York’s most luxurious address. Take in stunning views of the city walls only minutes from York Minster as you delve into a fine selection of sandwiches, fruit scones, and delicious pastries. With optional English Sparkling and Champagne upgrades available, The Grand offers an afternoon tea experience that epitomizes elegance and indulgence.

Image credit: The Grand, York

2 Rougier Street, York, YO90 1UU

Enjoy a classic British tradition with a twist at Malmaison. Served in the stylish Chez Mal Brasserie, the menu features savoury items like beef brisket bites with smoked tomato chutney and buttermilk fried chicken with steak sauce, alongside sweet treats such as banoffee cheesecake, passion fruit profiterole and vanilla crème brulee. Complementing the food is a selection of teas and infusions, offering blends like English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Lemon and Ginger. As well as their standard offering, there are menus available for vegetarians and vegans, and for those with gluten allergies too.

1 Clifton, York, YO30 6AA

Afternoon tea at No.1 Guesthouse offers a luxurious dining experience with a delightful blend of British tradition and modern sophistication. Set within a beautifully restored Grade II listed townhouse, The Marmalade Lounge where afternoon tea is served is both relaxed and polished, making it an ideal spot for indulging in a classic afternoon tea. The menu features an assortment of sweet and savoury treats alongside loose leaf teas, coffee or a glass of English sparkling wine. Afternoon tea is served Monday – Saturday from 12:30pm to 5pm.

Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 2GB

Experience the grandeur of the historic Middlethorpe Hall and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in serene surroundings. The best of both city and countryside, you are instantly transported to classic country house living steeped in tradition and elegance providing a picturesque and tranquil setting to enjoy an afternoon treat. Highlights on the sandwich offerings include smoked salmon and cream cheese, along with a delectable assortment of both savoury and sweet treats. Enjoy an afternoon tea at Middlethorpe Hall from £42 per person.

2 Rougier Street, York, YO90 1UU

Take your afternoon tea experience to new heights at Sora with the most incredible panoramic views of York’s skyline. Sitting above the city on the seventh floor, their afternoon tea includes small plates of an irresistible selection of sushi, Robatayaki and pan-Asian style tapas dishes. This is not your average afternoon tea, featuring savouries like tempura prawns with sweet chilli, sticky pork belly with burnt apple puree and salmon maki with cream cheese. The sweet selection includes matcha chocolate slices, matcha scones and miso caramel chocolate tarts. Vegan afternoon tea is also available.

Cromwell Road, York, YO1 6DS

Found inside the city walls, Middleton’s offers a quintessentially British afternoon tea in the heart of York. Nestled in secluded courtyard gardens, this beautiful independent hotel provides an idyllic escape from the city’s bustling streets. Middleton’s presents a couple of different packages to delight the senses. Traditional afternoon tea is priced at £31.50 per person, which includes a selection of traditional sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and a collection of sweet treats.

2 St Mary’s Square, York, YO1 9WY

Located within Fenwick department store, Coppergate Kitchen offers a stylish setting for afternoon tea, featuring traditional sandwiches, scones, and handmade pastries. Think contemporary décor, stylish interiors and generous natural light which make it a relaxed venue for afternoon tea. Prices range from £21.50 per person for traditional afternoon tea to £35 with champagne. If you’d like something a bit smaller the Cream Tea which includes two scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam and a pot of tea is £11.50.

89 The Mount, York, YO24 1AX

Housed within a grand Georgian townhouse which dates back to the early 19th century, Hotel Du Vin offers a relaxed and attentive atmosphere making it a welcome retreat at the end of a busy morning exploring the city. Afternoon tea is priced from £29.95 per person with menu highlights being their chicken and tarragon Dijonnaise finger sandwiches, Mini croissant with ham and gruyere and smoked salmon with chive crème fraiche on brioche. All of this among a selection of plain and fruit scones and sweet delights such as Crème brulee, apple tarte tartin, and La Profiterole with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. If you’re celebrating, why not add champagne to mark the occasion? Prices start from £29.95 per person.