Best Places for Afternoon Tea

There’s no setting quite like this: Afternoon tea in the splendour of the ballroom at Goodwood House. Surrounded by incredible portraits and paintings, you'll have tea at immaculately dressed tables using fine bone china and savouring delicate sweet treats and delicious dainty sandwiches. For a terrific treat, book this, complete with a tour of the state apartments where you'll learn some of the stories of Goodwood's heritage and discover incredible treasures including art, furniture and ceramics.

Afternoon Tea at the The Ivy is a stylish affair with friendly, efficient service to complete your memorable experience. Delectable cakes and sweet treats sit upon towering cake stands which sit on immaculate white table cloths. The menu changes regularly, with occasional specially themed afternoon teas. What doesn't change is the quality of your experience, and there's even the chance to add a glass of West Sussex sparkling wine.

Refuel after exploring the extensive collection of modern British art at Pallant Café at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester.  For an extra treat, enjoy your afternoon tea with a glass of Tinwood Sparkling Wine - the grapes are grown just outside Chichester.

Surrounded by glorious Sussex countryside, Darcy's Tea Room is a quintessentially English location for your afternoon treat. Enjoy a pot of Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea with a delicious Westbourne Bakery fruit scone and extras.

Savour a traditional afternoon tea in the warm and welcoming surroundings of The Millstream Hotel in Bosham - one of West Sussex's most picturesque and photographed locations. Follow your tea with a stroll around the village, enjoying views of the harbour and learning why Bosham is historically significant.

Exquisite afternoon tea served on beautiful white linen, in opulent sage and pink surroundings glittering with chandeliers: it must be Joanna’s. Open seven days a week but also available for private hire, Joanna’s are on hand to help you celebrate a birthday, hen party, baby shower or any other event with an afternoon tea to remember.   

Take to the water on a two-hour Cream Tea Cruise down Chichester Canal*. Admire local wildlife and unique views of the cathedral and South Downs as you glide past the canal’s wildflowers and reed beds.
*Selected dates during spring and summer.  

Spa'fternoon Tea at Midhurst's Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa is a truly relaxing experience where you'll enjoy a spa treatment, a glass of Sussex sparkling wine and a delicious full afternoon tea. In addition to a treatment of your choice - from the Express Power facial, Media Drift Away massage, Windows of the Soul or Aaahhh! Leg and Foot Energiser - you'll be able to make use of the indoor swimming pool and spa facilities. Is this the ultimate indulgent afternoon tea treat?

Enjoy afternoon tea in the delightful Walled Garden at Cowdray Estate in Midhurst (summer months) where you’ll be treated to exquisitely made sweet treats surrounded by the heavenly scents of the garden. Vouchers make great Mother's Day gifts.

After hitting the antique trail or after a visit to Petworth House, Tiffins of Petworth is on hand with a locally sourced cup of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea to accompany your savoury and sweet treats.

Step back in time as you enjoy afternoon tea in the Waiting Room at The Old Railway Station, immersed in the romantic and glamorous period of Pullman rail travel.

Pastry chef Yeili's sweet creations are a sight (and flavours) to behold at The Ship at Chichester Harbour Hotel. Stop in after a day of retail therapy.

Enjoy a splendid afternoon tea in the grade two listed dog-friendly Swanbourne Lodge, overlooking Arundel’s beautiful Swanbourne Lake. Make it an extra special occasion, and add a bottle of Prosecco to your order and while away the day watching boats take to the lake.

Spring 2026 sees the arrival of a magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG at Chichester Festival Theatre. Come and enjoy an extra delicious treat with a special BFG Afternoon Tea. Full-sized human beans and their little ones will have a wonderful time enjoying snozzcumber finger sandwiches, wobble-tastic rainbow jelly, strawbunkle tarts, gloriumptious fruit macarons and even your very own glass of Frobscottle Juice at the Minerva Bar.  Prices start from £19.95 and you're encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.