When it comes to indulging in the quintessentially British treat of a scone with fresh cream and jam and tiny finger sandwich, Wales has plenty of places at which you can tuck in to lush afternoon tea. From creamy cakes and crumbly scones to savoury sandwiches whose sizes are too cute to handle, you are spoilt for choice for where to spoil your loved one with a foodie treat this spring.
From tearooms and hotels to delis and cafes, we've searched high and low for just some of Wales most beautiful, idyllic or even quirky settings in which to have an afternoon tea in style as well as those which have the best tea, the finest baked bread and the most intricate sweet treats that will have you drooling just thinking about it.
And yes, afternoon tea is usually an activity you do when you're looking to celebrate a birthday or Mother's Day - for example - but these afternoon teas just go to show that you really shouldn't wait for a special occasion to treat yourself to an afternoon tea.
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To give you some delicious inspiration, here are 33 brilliant afternoon teas (in no particular order) where you can spoil yourself with fancy cakes and even a glass of fizz.
1. Pettigrew Tea Rooms
Where? In the Victorian gatehouse at the entrance to Bute Park in central Cardiff - right next to the castle. Can you get a more magnificent setting?
What do you get? There's a choice of menu at Pettigrew so you can enjoy a bespoke afternoon tea that you know you'll really enjoy. You choose your sandwich fillings when you arrive and you can request your warm speciality scone with or without fruit as it arrives with Welsh butter, clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Cakes are chosen from the cake cabinet. The tea room uses locally sourced produce and it's all home-baked.
They cater, too for vegetarians, vegans and those on a gluten or dairy-free diet too. And if you don't get through it all you can take home whatever's left. You can also add some fizz to your afternoon tea for an addition £5.50.
Price: £22 for one, £40 for two
2. Palé Hall
Where: The historic country home near Bala that has been transformed into a luxury five star destination hotel with fine dining. Steeped in rich history - Queen Victoria once stayed there - and standing on the edge of Snowdonia National Park the Grade II listed Palé Hall has been redeveloped by its new owners.
What do you get? Quality tea, scones with jam and cream, plus a stacked platter of cakes and sandwiches, served with vintage china, in the exceptional setting of a grand country house. Served between 3 and 4.30pm, it's a pretty delicious - and swanky - way to spend the afternoon.
There isn't just one option of afternoon tea either. There is the full afternoon tea - served with the previously mentioned selection - which can be upgraded to a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Or you can opt for just a cream tea, Welsh tea or a cakes and pastries selection.
Price: £30.00 per person for the Full Afternoon Tea
3. The Angel Hotel
Where? A grand hotel right in the heart of Abergavenny, just down the street from the town's bustling market.
What do you get? Choose between afternoon tea, which involves sandwiches, scones, fresh cakes and pastries, and your choice of teas, infusions or coffee, or high tea, to which you can add a selection of warm savoury pastries. The hotel is one of the very view holders of a Tea Guild Award of Excellence outside London.
4. Celtic Manor, Newport
Where? The hotel overlooks the M4 at Junction 24 to the east of Newport, and traditional afternoon tea is served either in the main hotel's Olive Tree Garden Room - which also offers a children's afternoon tea - or the original Manor House, just down the hill from the main complex.
What do you get? There's a variety of choices when it comes to which afternoon tea to indulge in at the Celtic Manor. Its 'The Rib Afternoon Tea' involves a delicious medley of American and heritage-inspired savoury delights, mouth-watering handmade sweet treats and freshly baked savoury herb scones. Meanwhile its winter warmer afternoon tea includes an array of seasonal sweet treats - that features a baked winter berry and vanilla scone - as well as finger sandwiches.
Afternoon tea is also available at its sister hotels The Parkgate in Cardiff and Ty Milford.
Price: £28 Monday - Friday, £34 on Saturdays
5. Lanelay Hall, Talbot Green
Where: Luxury, Instagrammable spa hotel in Pontyclun that is picture-perfect.
What do you get: At a luxury spa like this, it's no surprise that the afternoon tea on offer is also one that exudes luxury. What you get with the beautiful hotel's Luxury Afternoon Tea is a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh warm scones and seasonal sweet treats in the surroundings of the beautiful Georgian tea room. Celebrating a special occasion? Upgrade with a sparkling glass of prosecco.
Please be aware that afternoon tea should be booked 24 hours in advance due to high demand and dietary requirements must be noted. Its chefs do try and cater for all allergens with a plant-based and gluten-free version available upon request.
Price: £27 per person. For sparkling, £32
6. Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno
Where? In 200 acres of parkland just off the A470 about two miles south of Llandudno.
What do you get? Served in the glorious wood-panelled hall, library or dining room, or on the terrace on warm, sunny days, the traditional tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, cakes and pastries and a choice of freshly brewed teas. You can opt for a Welsh afternoon tea - which has items like Caerphilly cheese in sarnies and Bara Brith - or a Champagne afternoon tea.
Price: £30
7. Cobbles Kitchen & Deli
Where? Just a short drive from Ogmore-by-Sea beach, Cobbles can be found in an old stone Grade II listed building on Ogmore Road.
What do you get? This is no ordinary afternoon tea. Oh no, this is bottomless afternoon tea - with copious amounts of tea, coffee or soft drinks. With reuben, egg mayo, brie, fig and sundried tomato, chicken, avo and chorizo open sandwiches on offer, you will also be treated with a lemon curd and blackberry scone with clotted cream and a selection of homemade cakes and patisseries. This bottomless afternoon tea comes presented on a sharing board for a minimum of two people.
This sharing board is available weekends between midday and 4pm. If you want a bottomless prosecco, mimosa, Aperol spritz or gin fizz spread, it's £40 pp.
Price: From £28
8. Chateau Rhianfa
Where? Looking across at Bangor from its position on the banks of the Menai Strait, just along A545 from the town of Menai Bridge.
What do you get? You can choose from a selection of aromatic teas before tucking into dainty finger sandwiches. freshly baked scones with gooey clotted cream and jam and homemade cake. There are also indulgent pastries and deep-filled tarts to sink your teeth into - what a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
9. Llechwen Hall, Pontypridd
Where: Llechwen Hall is a beautiful country house hotel with stunning views, being situated high above the Cynon Valley. You can enjoy your afternoon sweet treat on the sun terrace overlooking the beautiful countryside, or in the Orangery Restaurant with its bi-folding doors opening onto the lawn.
What do you get: Its seasonal and delightfully fresh homemade afternoon teas are served on a contemporary Welsh slate stand and celebrate local Welsh produce. This is Llechwen's own take on the traditional afternoon tea. Sandwich fillings include homebaked ham, cucumber and cream cheese, cheese and chutney and there's a stead and ale mini pie to nom on.
For sweet eaters, raspberry ripple sponge, egg custard slice and candied lemon, chocolate cookie crumb eclair alongside the classic scone and Weklshcake.
There's a luxurious choice of loose leaf teas, and the servers even explain how to brew the perfect cup of tea.
Price: From £15 pp
10. Penbont House, Elan Valley
Where: Penbont House is located in Rhayader in the heart of the picturesque Elan Valley Estate and is right by the Pen y Garreg Dam.
What do you get: Their afternoon tea consists of freshly prepared sandwiches, a choice of teas and coffees from the menu and a delicious selection of cakes and scones. They also offer a prosecco afternoon tea and a special 'Gin Tea' experience, served in a "cheeky teapot".
Available from 2pm everyday, all they ask is 24 hours notice and a £5 deposit per person to secure the reservation.
Price: From £18.50pp
11. Coed Y Mwstwr, Bridgend
Where? An 1888 mansion set on a hillside above Coychurch, on the outskirts of Bridgend.
What do you get? You can choose from a traditional afternoon tea or opt for a High Tea which has a selection of savoury pastries as well as finger sandwiches, cakes and warm scones - served with homemade jam and clotted cream.
There is also a Gentleman's Tea, which consists of a Welsh beef slider, cheese and ham melt, fish & chips, lamb kofta, cheesecake, chocolate brownie, and a half a tankard of beer. (24 hours notice is required).
Price: £22.95
12. Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa, Caerphilly
Where? Afternoon tea at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa is held in the venue’s Blas restaurant, where guests enjoy tranquil views of the golf course and surrounding valleys in the Caerphilly Borough.
What do you get? The Blas restaurant offers a variety of afternoon tea options to suit tastes and seasonal trends. The traditional afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and fruit preserves and a variety of additional sweet treats as well as unlimited tea selection or freshly brewed coffee. Add a smidge of sparkle to your day with a glass of prosecco for an extra cost.
Price: From £22.95
13. Blossom Cafe, Cardiff
Where? On the borders of Cathays and Roath in Cardiff lies Blossom Cafe on Wellfield Road. An Instagrammable eatery which does equally as picturesque afternoon teas.
What do you get? Choose between its standard afternoon tea - that is far from generic with a few exotic additions like macarons and baklava and chocolate mousse or an ultimate afternoon tea which comes with unlimited refills of tea and a mocktail. Parties of more than two will need to book in advance.
14. The Great House Hotel, Bridgend
Where? A sprawling stone Grade-II 16th-century hunting lodge in Laleston, right on the A473 to the west of Bridgend.
What do you get? A selection of finger sandwiches (fillings include coronation chicken, goat's cheese and pesto and white white, spring onion and cherry tomato), homemade scones, cakes - some of which include mini citrus meringue pie, red velvet cookie sandwich, lamington, salted caramel eclair - a choice of fair trade coffees, freshly brewed teas and herbal infusions.
You can also get a vegan afternoon tea, which requires a minimum of four people to book.
Price: From £19.95
15. The Grove, Narbeth
Where? A luxury country house hotel in Pembrokeshire with beautiful views of the Preseli Hills and beyond.
What do you get? If tea is your thing, you really need to come here as the afternoon tea menu offers multiple varieties of loose-leaf tea and infusions, namely Jing. Or if you're more of a coffee connoisseur, try out Grove's blended coffee.
It also has delightful sandwiches, fruit tarts, scones and clotted creams, cakes and desserts. which you can enjoy in front of the roaring fire in one of their luxurious lounges or, weather permitting, on the sunny terrace, gazing out at the view.
Price: From £36
16. Holm House, Penarth
Where? A hotel with stunning view over the Bristol Channel from its position at the head of Penarth's exclusive Marine Parade. It also has a spa to help you make a day of it.
What do you get? The traditional afternoon tea includes a pot of tea or coffee, a selection of savoury treats including a smoked salmon and crème fraiche sandwich, a those for a penchant for sweets with a selection of mini desserts and freshly baked cakes. These will be accompanied with homemade fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. If you want to add a smidge of pizzazz to the tea, opt for a 'Sparkling Afternoon Tea' or a 'Champagne Afternoon Tea'.
Price: From £18.50
17. Park Plaza, Cardiff
Where? A slick and modern hotel right in the middle of Cardiff's busy Greyfriars Road, and backing onto the Gorsedd Gardens and Civic Centre.
What do you get? The Traditional Afternoon Tea includes finger sandwiches, buttermilk sultana scones, Welsh cakes, and miniature cakes and pastries. Or you can upgrade to the Hendrick's Afternoon 'G & Tea', with the addition of a classic Hendrick's cucumber gin cocktail, served in a vintage teapot.
Alternatively, there's the Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea, including mini lamb burgers, chorizo Scotch eggs and sirloin-stuffed Yorkshire puddings in place of macarons and finger sandwiches.
Price: From £23.95
18. Holt Lodge, Wrexham
Where? A modern hotel complex surrounded by fields on the edge of the A534 to the east of Wrexham.
What do you get? A selection of finger sandwiches, warm sultana scones with clotted cream and preserves, a variety of homemade cakes and pastries, plus your choice of English Breakfast, Assam, Darjeeling and Earl Grey teas.
Served between 12 and 5pm, it must be pre-booked.
Price: From £25
19. Lake Country House, Llangammarch
Where? A country house hotel in 50 acres of grounds in Llangammarch Well, in Powys.
What do you get? Three choices: Cream Tea, with fruit and plain scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream; Welsh Tea, with homemade Welsh cakes and bara brith and the Full Tea, with finger sandwiches Welsh cakes, bara brith, fruit scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream and a selection of cakes. To book a full tea, 24 hours notice must be given. Dietary requirements can be accommodated for too.
With a vast selection of teas, too, you can have Winter Dream (Lemon and Ginger), Berries Delight, Rosehip & Hibiscus, Lapsang Souchong, Masala Chai, Strawberries & Mango, Saffron, Chamomile, Rooibos Orange, Green Lemon, Jasmine Blossom, Peppermint - to name just some of what's on offer. Add bubbles for an additional £9.50 per glass (of prosecco) or £39 for half a bottle of Champagne.
Price: From £9.95 pp
20. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Powys
Where? Home to one of the most famous views in Wales, this spa hotel sits on the banks of Lake Vyrnwy, around 19 miles from Welshpool.
What do you get? An amazing panorama as you tuck into finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, plus biscuits, macarons, carrot cake and fruit tartlets. There's also a range of teas and coffees to choose from and hot chocolate, if you're so inclined. They can also add a glass of Champagne to make your experience extra special.
Afternoon tea is available daily and is served 12pm – 5pm, pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Make sure to bring your card as cash is not accepted.
Price: From £9 for cream tea and £22.50 for its full afternoon tea
21. Llanerch Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan
Where? Surrounded by grapevines in the verdant Vale of Glamorgan countryside, just south of the M4 at Junction 34, this afternoon tea will be enjoyed in one of Wales' oldest vineyards.
What do you get? Their popular afternoon teas - traditional, teapot afternoon tea, sparkling and Cariad - include freshly made and seasonal savoury and sweet treats, alongside unlimited house tea and coffee.
A sample menu includes cherry opera cake, hazelnut rocher and lemon meringue tart on the top tier, a scone, Welsh cake and clotted cream with jam in the middle, with chicken and pesto, egg mayo, tuna mayo and cheese and pickle sarnies on the bottom tier. For a savoury side, you can get a leek and Perl Wen quiche tarlet, sausage roll and a chicken and wild mushroom croquette.
It's served with traditional tea, prosecco or Champagne overlooking the vineyard between midday and 5pm Monday to Saturday. One of the main selling points, apart from the scenery, is their impressive range of teas including orange blossom, white peach blossom, Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong, ginger and lime rooibos.
Gluten free? Fear not, because most of the sarnies and cakes can be amended to suit dietary requirements. To book, you must reserve a table at least 24 hours in advance for two.
Price: From £30
22. St David’s Hotel and Spa's Tir a Mor, Cardiff
Where? One of the most distinctive buildings in Wales, the sweep of this landmark hotel looms over the water of Cardiff Bay.
What do you get? An ever-changing selection of seasonal cakes and sweet treats all of which have a Welsh slant, with its sandwiches and miniature desserts having ingredients like laverbread, Perl Wen cheese, Camarthenshire ham, Brecon honey, Black Mountain cherry brandy (used in a tart).
Of course no afternoon tea is complete without a scone with jam and clotted cream and there's always a wonderful selection of teas including Persian pomegranate, citrus chamomile, China rose petal tea and afternoon darjeeling. What's lovely about this menu is that £1 from each afternoon tea will go to St David's Hotel's chosen charity.
Add a glass of prosecco or champagne for an added cost.
Price: From £27.95
23. Llangoed Hall, Brecon Beacons
Where? A country mansion next to the River Wye, just next to the A470 near Llyswen, on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons.
What do you get? The Full Afternoon Tea consists of tea or coffee - served in a beautiful Gold Rose and Butterfly design "fine bone china, exclusively designed for Llangoed Hall", together with sandwiches, homemade fruitcake, cream pastries, trifle, homemade scones, preserves and clotted cream. Turn it into an Afternoon G&T - if you're a gin fan - for an extra tenner.
You could also try The Ashley Afternoon Tea includes a glass of Elderflower Champagne, a selection of floral teas, finger sandwiches, scones and various cakes.
Price: From £28
24. Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin
Where? Dating partly from the 13th century, but mainly from 1826, this stone castle lies on the edge of Ruthin itself.
What do you get? Afternoon tea at Ruthin Castle is something very special… it’s chic, stylish and very tasty. Sneak into the authentic Welsh Castle for an afternoon of indulgence and enjoy the breathtaking views of north Wales' countryside.
In this swanky afternoon tea - for which booking is essential - you'll enjoy a selection of homemade sandwiches, plus pastries, which have previously included white chocolate and pistachio eclairs, carrot cake, fresh fruit tartlets and passion fruit and raspberry cupcake whips.
Available seven days a week between 1 and 4pm.
Price: From £19.50
25. The Wildings Hotel, Llandudno
Where? A newly refurbished seafront hotel (previously known as St Tudno Hotel) in the middle of Llandudno's famous promenade.
What do you get? At Tudno's Restaurant within the hotel, the afternoon tea includes fingers sandwiches whose fillings include smoked salmon and crushed avocado, homemade scones with jam and cream and an assortment of sweet treats that includes bara brith. You can even add a glass of prosecco to start and strawberries and cream to finish for an exta £7.50.
Price: £17.50
26. Hensol Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Where? Situated just three minutes off junction 34 of the M4 and 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre, the afternoon tea is served inside Hensol Castle Atrium.
What do you get? Enjoy an afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of a historic castle that serves up a selection of finger sandwiches, traditional favourites like bara brith, homemade scones - and an option for a chocolate orange scone - and Welsh cakes.
Sweet treats are a little special too with salted caramel profiteroles, tiramisu, hot cocoa cups, macarons and lemon and raspberry pavlova. Imagine that with a hot drink (from Hensol's range of speciality teas)? What bliss.
Hensol also has a special vegan and gluten-free menu so those with dietary requirements do not have to worry about missing out!
Upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea for a treat. If you're a fan of Hensol Castle's gin, you'll be in for a treat here as you can also upgrade to a Welsh Gin Afternoon Tea for an extra cost.
Price: From £25
27. Wolfscastle Country Hotel
Where? The former 1600 cottage was redesigned in 1880 into a seven-bedroom vicarage and now stands proudly in Haverfordwest as a historic luxury venue.
What do you get? Their afternoon tea - named The Stirling Afternoon Tea - menu offers a selection of sandwiches, traditional and fruit scones - with jam and cream, of course, and a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies. Expect items like a 'chocolate garden pot', hazelnut profiterole, fresh fruit tart and carrot cake for those with a sweet tooth. Savoury options include a pork and sausage lattice, scotch egg and a chicken and pesto sandwich.
Price: £29.50
28. Waterloo Gardens, Cardiff
Where? Part of the Waterloo Tea empire, you can find the biggest dining room in Cardiff's Wyndham Arcade, or choose between the original cafe in Penylan, Wellfield Road or Washington Tea in Penarth .
What do you get? A selection of fresh cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, chocolate truffles... and your choice from probably the widest varieties of tea in Wales. The menu has been constructed alongside Thibault Courtoisier - of Great British Bake Off - The Professionals - so you know it's going to be deliciosu. Vegan options are also available here.
Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Price: £20
29. Llety Cynin, St Clears
Where? B&B and leisure club in Carmarthenshire
What do you get? Llety Cynin have previously offered themed afternoon teas - like a Harry Potter-style extravaganza, but currently, in its The Penny Bar and Restaurant, it is offering a selection of filled sandwiches, elderflower and lemon sponge, raspberry blondie, blueberry macarons and cherry Bakewell for its sweet treats while savoury items include quiche lorraine and sausage rolls. Of course we can't forget the classic scones, james and clotted cream.
Price: £16.50
30. Parc Pantry, Malpas
Where? Parc Pantry is a cafe launched by two school friends in Malpas, Newport.
What do you get? Fresh fruit, handmade traybakes, fruit scones and homemade cakes - and a Nos Da bakery chocolate orange Welsh cake - are just some of the treats you can tuck into, while for the more savoury leaning of eaters, you can choose from the Pantry's rustic classic selection which includes bacon, chicken and parmesan and brie and cranberry (among others) on a doorstop white boule. Delightful.
Gluten free options are now available as well as vegetarian. Fancy an even more indulgent afternoon? Pimp your afternoon tea with an espresso martini or glass of fizz.
Want it to take away? You're in luck as Parc Pantry also do afternoon teas to go.
Price: £18
31. St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
Where: Swanky spa hotel with fabulous sea views
What do you get: The view over Saundersfoot Bay is pretty stunning from this modern spa hotel and is a great backdrop for an indulgent afternoon tea.
On the menu, you'll find a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries and scones with jam and clotted cream. There's a choice of leaf teas, too. Add champers or prosecco on for an extra cost.
Price: From £25
32. Miskin Manor, Pontyclun
Where: Historic South Wales grade II listed Miskin Manor is a brilliant place for afternoon tea in Pontyclun.
What do you get: Indulge in a beautiful selection of pastries and cakes made by the hotel's "highly talented pastry chefs" with one of their fabulous afternoon teas. Savoury High Tea and Children's Afternoon Tea (with macarons, profiteroles, swiss roll, shortbread, chocolate and pistachio tart and beetroot cake alongside jam, cheese and ham sarnies) are also available and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can be made up, ready for those with dietary needs.
Because their High Tea is so popular, it’s advisable to book well in advance.
Price: From £15
33. St Fagans, Cardiff
Where: Soak up the history of Wales across the years at St Fagans' Wales' National Museum of History as you indulge in an afternoon tea at The Buttery Cafe.
What do you get: Alongside a slice of history, tuck into a set of small rectangular sarnies (flavours include ham and mustard, cream cheese and cucumbe), sausage rolls (for those with more of an affinity with savoury stuff), Welsh rarebit and leek tartlet alongside your standard freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream as well as mini Welsh cakes - sounds lush.
For those with more of a sweet tooth, expect homemade chocolate brownies, bara brith, mini blueberry cheesecake and strawbs.
What's more is that you don't even need to book this afternoon tea in advance.
Price: £20
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