Festive afternoon teas have become one of the UK’s most beloved Christmas traditions: a way to slow down, savour seasonal flavours, and soak in the holiday atmosphere in some of the country’s most beautiful hotels and landmarks. From botanical-inspired patisserie in London to Scottish flavours in Edinburgh and sky-high tea aboard the London Eye, this year’s offerings are more creative, luxurious, and immersive than ever. Whether you’re planning a winter treat, a family outing, or a Christmas gift experience, these are the 10 best festive afternoon teas in the UK right now.
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The Coral Room Festive Afternoon Tea
Location: The Bloomsbury, London
Price: £75 per person (includes a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve)
Step into The Coral Room and you’re met with warm coral hues, Art Deco touches, and a festive menu built around refined seasonal flavours. Enjoy roast turkey with cranberry and sage-onion mayonnaise on soft onion bread, a shareable pistachio Christmas wreath, and a rich Black Forest délice made of dark chocolate and cherries. Warm scones keep tradition alive, paired with Ronnefeldt teas or sparkling alternatives. With plant-based and children’s options available, this is an elegant, feel-good choice for festive gatherings in central London.
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The Register Club Grand Festive Afternoon Tea
Location: The Edinburgh Grand, Edinburgh
Price: £60 per person; £73 with Champagne
Inside the timeless surroundings of The Edinburgh Grand, The Register Club delivers a festive afternoon tea rooted in Scottish flavours. The menu combines heritage and innovation with homemade bubble & squeak, heather honey and whisky cranachan, and a range of Scottish-inspired sweet treats. Seasonal touches and interactive elements keep the experience playful yet refined. A perfect choice for those seeking a distinctly Scottish Christmas experience in a sophisticated setting.
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A Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea
Location: Royal Lancaster London, Hyde Park
Price: £59 Monday–Friday | £64 Saturday–Sunday | £95 Christmas Day (Champagne included)
Royal Lancaster’s festive afternoon tea takes inspiration from British flora and fauna, the Natural History Museum’s gardens, and the beauty of winter nature. Seasonal sandwiches, warm scones, and botanical-inspired pastries are beautifully presented and paired with bespoke teas from Camellia’s Tea House. Overlooking Hyde Park, the experience feels serene and celebratory. A charming children’s menu makes it ideal for families looking to enjoy a festive day out in London.
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Hotel Gotham Festive Afternoon Tea
Location: Manchester
Price: from £45 per person
Hotel Gotham’s festive tea blends Manchester cool with nostalgic Christmas flavours. Enjoy turkey and cranberry sandwiches, roasted pumpkin tartlets, smoked mackerel with cucumber, and a gourmet “pig in blanket.” The desserts are playful and indulgent: chocolate Yule log, chestnut mousse, strawberry tart, and a whimsical mince pie Christmas tree. Presented with charm and paired with champagne or tea, this is a fun, stylish choice for festive afternoons in Manchester.
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Festive Afternoon Tea on The London Eye
Location: The London Eye, Southbank, London
Price: £75 per person
The London Eye offers one of the most unique festive afternoon teas in the UK — enjoyed inside a beautifully decorated pod with panoramic views across the capital. Over two full rotations, guests enjoy seasonal sandwiches, savoury snacks, festive pastries, and warm scones with tea or coffee. A dedicated host highlights landmarks and photo spots, making it as informative as it is indulgent. With VIP check-in and lounge access, it’s an unforgettable Christmas experience for visitors and locals alike.
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Festive Afternoon Tea at Straits Kitchen
Location: Pan Pacific London, Bishopsgate
Price: £68 per person
Pan Pacific London brings refined craftsmanship to its festive tea, served in the tranquil Ginger Lily Lounge. The experience begins with spiced parsnip velouté and a pork & apricot sausage roll, followed by sandwiches featuring roast turkey, smoked salmon, truffled egg, and dry-aged beef. Scones come in plain and gingerbread, while desserts include a chocolate-sea-salt Bobble Hat mousse, Santa’s Sleigh sable, and a mulled wine cremeux. A luxurious, flavour-forward choice for those seeking an elevated Christmas treat.
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The Stafford London Festive Afternoon Tea
Location: St James’s, London
Price: £78 per person
The Stafford offers a classic and beautifully polished festive afternoon tea in one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods. Delicate savouries range from smoked salmon to truffled egg brioche, while warm scones arrive with whipped clotted cream. Pastries include mulled wine choux, raspberry and white chocolate mousse, and hazelnut rocher. It’s intimate, elegant, and ideal for anyone wanting a quintessential London Christmas moment.
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Circus Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer
Location: Vintry & Mercer Hotel, City of London
Price: £54.50 per adult; £69.50 with Champagne; £74.50 with Rosé
Vintry & Mercer’s Circus Afternoon Tea turns festive dining into a colourful, theatrical experience. Savour roast beef Yorkshire puddings, truffled egg brioche, coronation chicken with mango chutney, and smoked salmon blinis. Pastries bring the circus theme to life with a raspberry-lemon Big Top mousse, Carousel Macarons, clown-inspired cheesecake, and a popping-candy apple dessert. It’s fun, playful, and perfect for groups, families, and festive celebrations with personality.
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A Very Merry Afternoon Tea at Sopwell House
Location: Sopwell House, St Albans
Price: from £46 per person (£59 with Taittinger Champagne)
Sopwell House’s festive afternoon tea blends warmth, comfort, and elegance. Expect classic finger sandwiches, gingerbread scones, and patisserie such as cherry petits gâteaux, clementine meringue tarts, and pistachio macarons. Served in vibrant surroundings, it’s a joyful option for families, celebrations, or relaxed festive outings. Generous portions and seasonal flavours make it a welcoming, satisfying experience.
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Molton Brown Christmas Afternoon Tea at Pennyhill Park
Location: Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Price: £59 per adult; £29.50 per child 12 & under
Pennyhill Park partners with Molton Brown to create a multisensory festive tea inspired by fragrance and winter indulgence. Guests enjoy seasonal sandwiches, elegant pastries, and an exclusive Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold Christmas cake inspired by the luxury scent. Twinkling lights and refined interiors set a magical tone, and adults receive a Molton Brown travel perfume as a keepsake. A standout choice for anyone who appreciates spa luxury and festive refinement.
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From sky-high views on the London Eye to Scottish-inspired flavours at The Register Club and botanical artistry at Royal Lancaster London, these are the best festive afternoon teas in the UK for 2025. Each one offers something enchanting: exquisite patisserie, seasonal sandwiches, immersive settings, and thoughtful touches that elevate the traditional tea experience into something unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a Christmas outing, gifting a winter treat, or simply want to enjoy the holiday spirit in style, these ten afternoon teas capture the very best of the season.
