The best places to have Afternoon Tea in Salisbury
It’s National Tea Day, which gives us the ideal excuse to take time out for a cuppa and slice of cake!
Our modern medieval city has a variety of scrumptious afternoon tea options, from historic hotels to a 1920s inspired parlour.
If you’re having trouble picking where to take tea in Salisbury, we have some ideas:
Salisbury Cathedral Refectory and Bell Tower Tea Rooms
If you want your tea with a view, head to Salisbury Cathedral. Their Refectory Restaurant has a glass roof which gives spectacular views of the famous spire. You can enjoy afternoon tea here daily or why not try the Bell Tower Tea Rooms (spring/summer months only) which are located on the cathedral lawns. Although they don’t have a formal afternoon tea menu, they have a selection of hot drinks and sweet treats.
Cream Tea at Salisbury Cathedral's Refectory
The Rifleman’s Table
Also, in the Cathedral Close is The Rifleman’s Table. You’ll find them in the grounds of The Wardrobe – the Rifle’s Museum. They have afternoon tea for two with the obligatory finger sandwiches, scones and cake. If that’s a bit too much food for you, they also have a smaller cream tea option. Make sure you check out their beautiful secret garden too.
Caboose
From the traditional tea options to something a little more unique – Caboose. This is a stunning 1920s inspired parlour which offers a luxury afternoon tea with loose leaf tea (or coffee), sandwiches and cakes, including a delicious sounding mini Victoria sponge. Their afternoon teas are available on Saturdays and Sundays only. Book in advance.
Tea at Caboose in Salisbury
Dinghams
This is a hidden gem in Salisbury. Head up to the first floor of Dinghams Cookshop and you’ll find a café which, among other things, offers a full afternoon tea with a scrumptious selection of sandwiches, frittata, scones, cakes and a chocolate for each person. You can also add some fizz for an extra treat!
The Red Lion
Take tea in what is thought to be Europe’s oldest purpose-built hotel, The Red Lion. On a warm sunny day, sit outside in their picturesque courtyard or, if it’s a little chilly, inside by an roaring fire. Their afternoon teas are served every day, with vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options available. As well as the full Afternoon Tea they also have Cream Tea's and High Tea.
The courtyard at The Red Lion Hotel
Milford Hall Hotel and Spa
The elegant surroundings of the Milford Hall Hotel make for an indulgent setting for their Afternoon Tea. Choose from a selection of teas from Birchall to go with your finger food. If you’re looking for something a little special try tea with Prosecco or the local sparkling wine from Bluestone.
If you want a good cuppa but without the full afternoon tea food menu try these great independent cafés:
The Yard is a quirky café located in a renovated warehouse just a short walk from the train station.
For tea with an historic outlook try one of the cosy cafes situated on the Market Place. Stones Kitchen Café, Henderson’s Artisan Bakery, Pick-up and Reeve The Baker can all be found here.
Tea and scones at Stones Kitchen Cafe, Salisbury
On the high street is one of Salisbury’s newest independent cafés, Sonder Coffee. As well as two floors given over to their café, you’ll also find the top floor set out as a dedicated co-working space where you can have your tea and get on with your work! Boston Tea Party, which has a wide variety of teas, can also be found on Salisbury High Street.
The Salisbury Orangery is also one of the newer cafés to be found in Salisbury. The building, next to the River Avon on Crane Street, is a beautiful Tudor property and well worth a look.
For something for exotic try tea at Arman's Turkish coffee shop in the Maltings or, for the more adventurous, there’s CUPP Bubble Tea on Silver Street.
If you want to make a day of it, be sure to add extra time for a spot of shopping. With over 200 independent businesses, Salisbury offers a unique shopping experience you won't find on any other high street.