A selection of pink macarons with chocolate filling.

Best afternoon tea in London in 2025

Our top picks

"Here We Go Again" afternoon tea bus

Enjoy afternoon tea and London's iconic landmarks to the backdrop of ABBA tunes

Afternoon tea cruise on the Thames

Admire London from the water on a traditional afternoon tea cruise.

Afternoon tea at the British Museum

Enjoy afternoon tea under the iconic Great Court roof.

Afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of London

Spot top attractions and tuck into delicious afternoon tea.

This quintessentially British tradition is a must-do – perfect for creating envy among those back home. Go as gooey as a macaron over traditional treats, try something quirkier such as joining an afternoon tea bus in London, or seek out a wallet-friendly cheap afternoon tea in London... Here are our naughty-but-nice afternoon tea ideas.

If you purchase via visitlondon.com, we may receive commission which supports our work creating jobs for Londoners.

Find more afternoon tea in London inspiration

Seven small, colourful cakes on a green-and-white-striped plate.

Best traditional afternoon tea

Find the best venues to enjoy afternoon tea.

A dining table with display boxes full of cakes and candy floss, scones on plates, glasses of champagne and a teapot, cup and saucers

Themed afternoon teas

Explore fun and unusual afternoon tea experiences.

Afternoon tea tours

Spot top attractions and tuck into delicious afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea cakes and scones displayed on two multi-tiered cake stands, with cups of tea and flowers in the foreground.

Cheap afternoon tea

Enjoy the quintessential British tradition for less.

Best afternoon tea in London

Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Tuck into mouthwatering treats on board a doubledecker Routemaster bus.

From £60.00

Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea

Solve a mini mystery and tuck into delicious afternoon tea treats.

From £39.00

Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

Spellbinding afternoon tea experience with magical surprises.

From £84.00

Afternoon tea sandwiches, cakes and scones, with glasses of champagne and tea on table with white tablecloth and white seating with pink cushions in the background.

Champagne afternoon teas

Savour indulgent champagne afternoon tea at some of the finest venues in the city.

an afternoon tea stand on a table with small plates of sandwiches and scones, and teapots and saucers either side, set in a museum space

Afternoon Tea at the Cutty Sark

Sit beneath the iconic copper-clad hull and dine on a traditional afternoon tea.

From £47.00

The National Gallery Official Highlights Tour with Afternoon Tea

See some of the world’s finest artwork and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.

From £49.00

Explore by category

Afternoon tea at hotels

Grosvenor House London champagne afternoon tea*

St James's Hotel & Club Mayfair afternoon tea*

Champagne afternoon tea at The Kensington Hotel

Cheap afternoon tea in London

Afternoon tea at Marco Pierre White's New York Italian

Traditional afternoon tea at Inamo*

Afternoon tea at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel*

Themed afternoon tea in London

Science afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel*

Afternoon tea at Burger Bites*

Jurassic-themed afternoon tea at The Ampersand Hotel

Afternoon tea with a view in London

Afternoon tea at The Library at Marriott County Hall*

Afternoon tea aboard floating pub The Tattershall Castle

Botanical afternoon tea at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane*

Traditional afternoon tea in London

Afternoon tea at The Langham*

Afternoon tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane*

Afternoon tea at The Royal Horseguards Hotel*

Posh afternoon tea in London

Champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz

Champagne afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace*

Champagne afternoon tea at The Georgian at Harrods

Afternoon tea in London for families

Paddington Bear afternoon tea bus

Peter Pan family afternoon tea at Aqua Shard

Family afternoon tea at The Langham London*

When should I have afternoon tea in London?

The quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea is traditionally enjoyed between 3pm and 5pm, with 4pm often cited as the best time to indulge in afternoon tea in London.

While the tradition was originally invented in the 19th century to be served as a refreshment for the upper classes between lunch and dinner, today it can be enjoyed at pretty much any time! Some people prefer to have tea served in a pot, scones topped with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and decadent sweet treats in lieu of lunch, while others go later and have it as an early dinner.

Is there a dress code for afternoon tea in London?

The dress code for afternoon tea experiences in London are usually relaxed smart-casual.

This may change however depending on the type of afternoon tea you have booked and the venue it is hosted in. Be sure to check the dress code for your afternoon tea before attending the experience.

Tickets, hotels and offers

Theatre tickets

Attraction tickets

Sponsored