Check out our top picks to enjoy afternoon tea across the network.
Whether you’re struggling with what to do during a UK staycation or just fancy an outing at the weekend, we have come up with some delicious ideas that are bound to whet your appetite for train travel (and afternoon tea!).
With over 70 stations across our network, spanning from Liverpool to London and Wolverhampton to Bedford, you’re spoiled for choice on places to visit this Summer, just in time to celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week. Will you choose a quaint little town, Britain’s second city or the Capital?
Afternoon tea in Liverpool
To give you some ideas, we’re travelling the length of the network from Liverpool Lime Street to London’s Euston station in search of the best afternoon teas. Opened in August 1836, Lime Street is the oldest still-operating grand terminus mainline station in the world, and it is an impressive building. The perfect start to a visit is the equally impressive Titanic Hotel which serves an indulgent afternoon tea in its Stanley Bar overlooking the Stanley Dock waterfront.
Photography: @titanichotelliverpool (Instagram)
Afternoon tea in Crewe
The stately Crewe Hall is a must for afternoon tea if you depart the train in Crewe. Just over 30 minutes from Liverpool, the station itself is well worth a visit. Originally opened in 1837, this grade II listed building is one of the most historically significant railway stations in the world, with impressive 19th-century platform architecture.
Photography: @kthombarks (Instagram)
Afternoon tea in Birmingham
Further down the line is Birmingham. Plan a day of shopping or a visit to the theatre and if you’re feeling flash with cash treat yourself to an award-winning afternoon tea at The Edgbaston styled by acclaimed pastry chef Olivier Briault. For a more affordable afternoon tea treat, the trendy Malmaison at The Mailbox is wonderful (and you can enjoy that champagne because our train is taking you home!)
Afternoon tea in Northampton
A short stroll from the station in Northampton is The Orangery , a lovely tea room on the grounds of Delapré Abbey. Keen historians shouldn’t miss a visit to the Althorp Estate and you can enjoy tea in the Stables block, built by Roger Morris in 1733 in the Anglo-Palladian style.
Afternoon tea in Bletchley
Just 40 minutes by train from London is Bletchley, home to the famous Bletchley Park . Alight here for not only a day of code-breaking and history but also the best afternoon tea in the iconic mansion once used by the World War Two code breakers.
Photography: @jeanpaulr (Instagram)
Afternoon tea in Hemel Hempstead
The next stop on our tea tour is Hemel Hempstead. With Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London at less than £20, the short 30-minute trip offers an affordable day out. The appropriately named Tea Tree in the High Street is a great choice for afternoon tea and if you can’t manage to eat all your cakes, the staff will box them up and you can eat them later on the train home!
Photography: @totalbalanceclinic (Instagram)
Afternoon tea in London
Ending our train journey in London leaves you spoiled for choice for afternoon tea venues. Choose from 5* hotel options to cute little cafes. Near the station is the modern Savannah restaurant offering a £17 afternoon tea and also close by is the plush Bloomsbury Hotel where afternoon tea was created by the Head Pastry Chef, and Afternoon Tea of the Year Finalist, Chris Dodd, is served on the Dalloway Terrace.
So, if you are travelling with us to enjoy a brew, a scone, or a cream cheese sandwich, remember you pay less and do more with our savings and discounts !