From elegant manor houses to quirky themed cafés, Staffordshire is brimming with fantastic afternoon tea spots perfect for a little indulgence.
Staffordshire offers a wonderful array of afternoon tea experiences, from timeless settings in historic venues to charming Alice in Wonderland afternoon-themed teas. Whether you’re after a classic cream tea, something a little fancier, or an afternoon tea with a twist, we’ve rounded up some of the very best spots across the county.
So grab a scone (jam or cream first, we won’t judge!) and dive into our top picks for afternoon tea in Staffordshire.
1. The Rabbit Hole Tea Room, Stoke-on-Trent
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The Rabbit Hole Tea Room is a cosy, family-run spot inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. This charming tea room offers a truly whimsical experience, complete with upside-down clocks, giant books, themed quotes, and beautifully mismatched teacups and teapots. It’s a magical setting that’s perfect for families and anyone looking to enjoy afternoon tea with a twist.
Afternoon tea is served on a traditional three-tiered stand. The bottom tier includes sandwiches, salad, chutney, and crisps. The middle tier features freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a three-layer cake or cupcake. On the top tier, you’ll find an assortment of sweet treats, desserts, and buttery shortbread biscuits. We even left with a takeaway bag for round two at home!
Opening hours:
Thursday to Friday: 11:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:30am – 4:30pm
Prices:
Shrink Me Children’s Afternoon Tea – from £13.95
Rabbit Hole Adult Afternoon Tea – £24.95
Booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
2. Afternoon tea at The Three Horseshoes Inn
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The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa is one of the best restaurants in Staffordshire, and their traditional afternoon tea certainly lives up to the venue’s excellent reputation. I took my lovely mum along for a treat, and it didn’t disappoint.
You can choose the classic afternoon tea, which includes a selection of sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and fruit, and a variety of desserts, all served with freshly brewed tea or coffee. If you’re celebrating or just fancy something extra, you can upgrade to the Afternoon Tea with Bubbles, which includes a glass of Sparkling Durello wine.
Prices:
Traditional Afternoon Tea – from £19.50
I booked our experience through Buyagift and managed to grab a great deal; definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to treat someone or yourself. You can even combine your tea with a relaxing spa day here for the full pampering experience.
3. Afternoon tea at the Cake Shack, Whitmore
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The Cake Shack at Cudmore Fisheries is one of our favourite spots for coffee, cake, and relaxed lakeside vibes. Emma, the friendly face behind the counter, bakes the most delicious homemade cakes that keep us coming back time and again.
You can cosy up indoors by the log burner or enjoy the fresh air outside on a picnic bench overlooking the water; it’s a lovely setting all year round.
The Cake Shack is also one of our top picks for dog-friendly places to eat in Staffordshire, with well-behaved dogs welcome on leads inside the café. It’s the perfect post-adventure pit stop; we often swing by after a wild swim or paddleboarding session at Whitmore Lakes.
Alongside sweet treats, there’s a great selection of hot and cold food, light lunches, and indulgent afternoon teas available to order.
Afternoon tea must be pre booked by messaging them on Instagram.
4. Steam Train Afternoon Cream Tea at Churnet Valley Railway
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If you’re looking for an afternoon tea with a vintage twist, the Cream Tea Train experience at Churnet Valley Railway is a real treat. Departing from Froghall Station in Staffordshire, this experience combines the nostalgic charm of a 1960s first-class train journey with a classic English afternoon tea.
On board, you’ll enjoy unlimited hot drinks, freshly baked scones with locally sourced jam and cream, and a delicious selection of cakes, all while taking in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside.
Details:
Tickets: £25.00 per person (includes food and all-day train travel)
Free parking at Froghall Station
Children over 12 are welcome on Cream Tea Trains
If you’re after something simpler, you can also opt for the Coffee and Cake Train, which includes a hot drink and a slice of cake for just £15.00 per person.
5. Luxury Afternoon tea at World of Wedgwood
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A visit to the World of Wedgwood is always a fantastic day out in Staffordshire, especially with kids in tow. You can get hands-on in the creative studios by throwing your own pot or head to the decorating studio to paint and glaze your own ceramic masterpiece.
For a luxurious treat, make your way to the elegant Wedgwood Tea Room for their iconic Wedgwood Afternoon Tea. The restaurant is family-friendly and also offers a delightful Little Gardeners Afternoon Tea for younger guests.
Prices:
Afternoon Tea with Prosecco – £37.50
Classic Afternoon Tea – from £32.50
(vegetarian and vegan options available)
6. Classic Afternoon Tea at the Moat House, Stafford
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Settle in with a cup of tea and a slice of something sweet while soaking up the tranquil lakeside views at The Moat House in Stafford. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Orangery Restaurant from Thursday to Saturday.
The Moat House is a stunning Grade II listed manor house hotel nestled in the Staffordshire countryside, just four miles from Stafford and easily accessible from the M6, a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon or overnight stay. Indeed, this is one of Staffordshire’s best hotels.
You’ll enjoy a selection of loose leaf teas or hand-roasted coffee, a range of sandwiches, and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam.
Prices:
Classic Afternoon Tea – from £28
Booking is essential.
7. Afternoon Tea at Whitmore Tea Rooms
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Whitmore Tearooms is a family-run, traditional English tea room set in the peaceful Staffordshire countryside. The tearoom is housed in a former coach house, complete with solid oak beams and lead-lined windows, offering a warm and quintessentially English setting for tea and cake lovers.
Their traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and preserve, a choice of homemade cakes, and your choice of tea or cafetière coffee.
Prices:
Traditional Afternoon Tea – £21.95 per person
Afternoon Tea with Prosecco – £25.95 per person
Bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
8. Afternoon Tea at Emma Bridgwater Stoke on Trent
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A visit to the Emma Bridgewater factory is a must when you’re in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s a wonderful venue for enjoying coffee with family and friends, exploring the decorating studio, and indulging in their delightful afternoon tea served on beautiful cake stands.
Spending an hour or two at the decorating studio is a fun activity, and their afternoon tea is the perfect treat. Served on elegant cake stands, it includes a selection of tasty sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones, and a pot of your favourite tea. It’s a lovely day out, whether you’re with friends or treating mum.
They offer Traditional, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Afternoon Teas; simply mention your preference when booking.
Prices:
Afternoon Tea – from £22.50 per person
Advance booking is required.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
BEST things to do in Staffordshire
BEST places to eat in Staffordshire
BEST hotels in Staffordshire
BEST campsites in Staffordshire
