There are many popular activities to be enjoyed in and around Rutland, but one of the most popular questions I get asked (and it's on my most popular blog posts) is 'where shall I book for afternoon tea?'...
So here it is! Your 2022 version of where you can enjoy afternoon tea in and around the Rutland and Stamford area and make the perfect gift ideas for family members.
Barnsdale Gardens, Exton Lane, LE15 8AH
A delightful afternoon destination where you can enjoy afternoon tea followed by a stroll around 38 of Britain's latest collection of individually designed gardens by Geoff Hamilton. If booked in advance, you can even enjoy a vegetarian or even vegan afternoon tea at the Helenium Tea Rooms, which caters for all.
Welland Vale Garden Centre, Glaston Road, Uppingham, LE15 9EU
Following a browse around Uppingham's garden centre, enjoy afternoon tea with all the family at The Orchard Café. Described as a 'decadent afternoon tea', which also caters for vegans and vegetarians. The garden centre and café have ample parking for all and even have a children's soft play area at the rear of the café too.
6 Mill Street, Oakham, LE15 6EA
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea collaboration between two award-winning Oakham-based businesses. Indulgent cake, artisan sandwiches from Kavanagh's and the bonus of cocktails and Champagne from Orbis - with gluten-free options too!
4 Catmos St, Oakham, LE15 6HW
Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade plain/fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Yum! Not forgetting a tier of homemade cakes with loose leaf tea or coffee from local coffee roasters, Two Chimps Coffee - with Prosecco and G&T options available too!
Lyndon Road, Manton, LE15 8RN
Rutland Nursery is renowned for its home-baked scones and cakes, so it's the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea, especially if you'd like to combine it with a trip around the garden centre, homeware and gift shop located a stone's throw from Rutland Water.
6. The Falcon
7 High St E, Uppingham, LE15 9PY
One of my favourite places for lunch! The Falcon is a 16th Century Inn where you can wine and dine with afternoon tea in the heart of Uppingham's Market Place. With cosy comfortable seating throughout. The Falcon also has its 'snug' which is perfect for the evening overlooking the Market Place.
Park Stapleford, Nr. Mowbray, Stapleford LE14 2EF
A country house and hotel located near Melton Mowbray and offers everything from dining experiences, spa and fitness, golf - and of course, afternoon tea!
8. The Orangery
Burghley House, Burghley Park, Stamford, PE9 3JY
The Orangery is located at Burghley House in Stamford and is open daily is a lovely spot for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea! With the large 18th-century windows providing bright light in the day and intimate and elegant in the evening.
Oakham Road, Hambleton, LE15 8TL
A 17th-century country inn situated in the heart of Hambleton peninsula on Rutland Water. With beamed ceilings, cask ales and an elegant garden room with stunning views over the water, it's the perfect place to relax for a spot of afternoon tea.
10. George Hotel
71 High Street St Martin's, Stamford, PE9 2LB
One of England's finest coaching inns, The George is unique and features an oak-panelled restaurant, log fires, garden room restaurant, afternoon tea, courtyard, bars and lounges. It really is a gem located in the heart of Stamford.
11. Gates Nursery
Somerby Rd, Cold Overton, LE15 7QB
A family-run business for over 50 years and features a garden centre and restaurant with a very popular Christmas display and grotto in the winter season, it's also a very popular location for shopping in the area with a huge farm shop, café and restaurant where you can also enjoy afternoon tea.
Rutland Water, Normanton Park Rd, Normanton, LE15 8RP
Situated on the shores of Rutland Water right next to the famous, Normanton
Church. Normanton Park Hotel is a popular destination and wedding venue in the county and the perfect spot for afternoon tea after a walk around Rutland Water.
13. Barnsdale Lodge
The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH
Barnsdale Lodge is located close to Oakham and has been in Thomas Noel's family since 1760. Formerly a farmhouse and hunting lodge, Barnsdale Lodge was converted in 1989.
The lodge was named 2nd in The Telegraph's "20 Top Places for a Warm Welcome" and is also a spot where you can be sure to enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea.
If your establishment offers afternoon tea and is location in and around Rutland and Stamford and you would like to be added to this list, please email: charlie@rutlandblog.co.uk
