Welcome to my local’s guide to the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in Norfolk. Ever since Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, invented the ritual, afternoon tea has become a quintessential part of a British holiday or day out and is a great opportunity to indulge your taste buds.
Although I’m lucky enough to travel for a job, Norfolk will always be home and I have a special love for the beautiful county. Couple that with my love of afternoon tea and all things sweet, and you’ll know I’ve tried and tested many of Norfolk’s tea rooms!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed and fun afternoon tea experience, or something more formal for a special occasion, you’ll find the best afternoon tea in Norfolk here.
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In a hurry? Our top afternoon tea picks…
- Best afternoon tea Norfolk is Heydon Village Tea Shop in Heydon.
- Best afternoon tea North Norfolk is Folly Tearoom in Holt.
- Best afternoon tea Norwich is The Assembly House.
- Best afternoon tea King’s Lynn is Congham Hall Hotel in Congham.
- Best afternoon tea Great Yarmouth is The Cliff Hotel in Gorleston
- Just looking for the best afternoon tea near you? Scroll down for our map
The Best Places for Afternoon Tea Norfolk
The Assembly House
Afternoon tea in The Assembly House Hotel in Norwich is a real treat and is considered the best afternoon tea in Norwich by many. Their regular themed teas are served in a beautifully decorated Georgian dining room with classic tiered stands, fine white china and traditional offerings making this a perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion.
A mouth-watering menu includes all the afternoon tea favourites like delicate finger sandwiches, delicious savouries, fruit and plain scones with strawberry jam and cream, and a fantastic selection of cakes and sweet pastries. You can also enjoy a glass of fizz with your choice of tea.
All Assembly House afternoon teas can be ordered as a vegetarian or vegan option, just make sure to mention this when booking.
There are also regular themed afternoon teas covering all the major high points of the year including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween and Christmas.
Or try the unique ‘Beforenoon’ tea menu which features breakfast with a cake stand full of breakfast treats like granola, yoghurt fruit compote shots and mini blueberry muffins.
Theatre St, Norwich NR2 1RQ
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Biddy’s Tea Room
One of my favourite places, Biddy’s Tea Room is a vintage cafe with a warm and welcoming vibe and plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs. Named after the owner’s dog, Biddy’s is a riot of Victoriana and specialises in afternoon and high tea. All the cakes and produce are made in their bakery in Aylsham, where there is also a second tea room.
With over 50 blends of loose leaf tea and a unique ‘build your own afternoon tea’ menu, this is a perfect spot for post-shopping relaxation in Norwich with a freshly brewed pot of tea.
Choose from two or three tiers with your choice of afternoon tea goodies including delicious sandwiches, traditional scones and an array of sweet treats, or pick the Halfternoon Tea if you’re building up to dinner out later in the day. You can even choose a sweet or savoury afternoon tea if your taste buds are particular!
15-15a Lower Goat Ln, Norwich NR2 1EL
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The Orangery Tea Room
Located in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, The Orangery Tea Room is set in the stunning grounds of the historic Ketteringham Hall.
This unique position means that The Orangery is able to utilise the fresh and seasonal produce grown by the Norfolk School of Gardening in the Walled Garden of the Hall.
Their traditional afternoon tea includes freshly-made finger sandwiches, mini plain and fruit scones and a selection of sweet treats.
Choose the savoury afternoon tea, my favourite, for delicious savoury items like homemade sausage rolls, goat’s cheese tartlets, beetroot hummus and savoury herb shortbreads.
You must book 48 hours in advance for afternoon teas.
Ketteringham Hall, Church Rd, Hethersett, Wymondham NR18 9RS
Byfords
Byfords is in the heart of Holt, a pretty Georgian market town in North Norfolk. As well as serving scrummy afternoon teas, Byfords also offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and up-market B&B accommodation.
The full afternoon tea includes all the goodies you usually expect, and high tea will spoil you with additional savouries – this is the one to book if you’re celebrating a special occasion like Mother’s Day, or a special birthday or anniversary.
You can enjoy your treat in front of a cosy fire in winter or outside in the sunshine in summer.
On the first Sunday of every month, Byfords also serve an afternoon tea extravaganza, with traditional sandwiches, grazing dishes and a delicious selection of desserts on their sweet treat buffet.
You must book 24 hours in advance for all afternoon teas.
1-3 Shirehall Plain, Holt NR25 6BG
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Congham Hall Hotel
Beautiful Congham Hall Hotel is a secluded white-painted Georgian manor house, tucked away down country lanes in the Norfolk countryside, between King’s Lynn and Royal Sandringham.
It’s a perfect spot for an indulgent afternoon tea, taken in one of the gorgeous lounges or on the terrace, where peace and tranquillity reign.
The full monty includes a selection of delicate sandwiches and savouries like cheese straws and crostini. There are also delicious scones with homemade preserves and some of the best afternoon tea sweet goodies I’ve ever tasted – the dark chocolate brownie is a thing of absolute beauty!
You can also enjoy a glass of champagne with your afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Lynn Rd, Congham, King’s Lynn PE32 1AH
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The Cliff Hotel
Commanding fantastic views of Gorleston Beach, The Cliff Hotel is the best place for afternoon tea around Great Yarmouth.
The Cliff Hotel gives its luxurious afternoon tea the focus it deserves, with a perfect spot to enjoy the occasion on the terrace and in the gardens overlooking the sea.
A delicious selection of sandwiches, canapes, scones, petit fours and cakes like Victoria Sponge are served on a modern oblong cake tier.
Afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Cliff Hill, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR31 6DH
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The Norfolk Mead
Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads on the banks of the pretty River Bure, between Norwich and North Walsham, The Norfolk Mead Hotel is a haven of peace and relaxation, with a handful of culinary excellence awards.
Afternoon tea is taken seriously here, with traditional locally sourced and made offerings, including their mouth-wateringly good strawberry jam and my all-time favourite lemon drizzle cake.
You’ll also enjoy bottomless tea and perhaps a glass of fizz – champagne or prosecco – if it’s a special occasion.
You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy all it has to offer. Afternoon tea guests can take afternoon tea on the terrace in the walled garden, or in one of the lounge areas where you’ll find candles and roaring log fires in winter.
You can also combine tea with a bespoke spa treatment, or go for a relaxing stroll through the eight acres of beautifully kept grounds right down to the banks of the River Bure.
For a really special occasion, take your afternoon tea picnic style on the hotel’s English Harbour Yacht and enjoy an afternoon of boating on the Norfolk Broads.
Afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Church Loke, Coltishall, Norwich NR12 7DN
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Hatters Tea Shop
Set in an old Victorian building in Cromer which has been restored, Hatters Tea Shop offers cosy corners and relaxed seating, and they also have a gift shop where you can buy beautiful handicrafts and gifts from Norfolk to take home with you.
Their afternoon tea is perfect for a celebration or party. Beautifully served with mismatched vintage china, afternoon tea includes a selection of savoury finger sandwiches like egg and cress and smoked salmon and cream cheese, homemade scones and mini cakes.
You can also enjoy your afternoon tea with a bottle or glass of Prosecco for an extra special treat.
Afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance.
Woolwich House, 34 Prince of Wales Rd, Cromer NR27 9HS
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Bank House Hotel
Located in a beautiful square in historic King’s Lynn, the Bank House Hotel is a stylish establishment with a warm and welcoming feel.
Their classic afternoon tea has a leaning towards the savoury, with the second scone being cheese, not fruit. This makes a delicious change, especially if you don’t have a sweet tooth – and, really, who doesn’t love a cheese scone?
Cakes are traditional and homemade, as befits the hotel’s historic location. For a special occasion, or just because you can, choose the champagne afternoon tea and enjoy a glass of bubbly!
Afternoon teas are served every day and are also available to take away on Saturday and Sunday.
King’s Staithe Square, King’s Lynn PE30 1RD
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Barnham Broom
Barnham Broom is a luxury resort near Norwich, set in 300 acres of grounds, with a spa, gold club with two 18-hole courses and fitness club.
It’s a wonderful place for afternoon tea, with a real sense of occasion and indulgence. Afternoon tea served in classic style is a sumptuous celebration of the British custom.
Choose from their extensive blends of tea and pick from the traditional offer or go to town with a chocolate lovers afternoon tea (why not?), or add your favourite tipple with a G&T, Pimms or cocktail afternoon tea.
Barnham Broom also serves gluten-free options for their afternoon tea and caters for most special dietary requirements. Just let them know what you need when booking.
Honingham Rd, Barnham Broom, Norwich NR9 4DD
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The Ivy Brasserie
The perfect afternoon tea venue for shoppers, The Ivy Norwich is located in the heart of the Norwich Lanes. Beautifully decorated with a colourful art deco vibe, afternoon tea here under the crystal chandeliers is stylish and decadent.
Afternoon tea includes all the usual items, with scrumptious sandwiches being upscaled to mini-filled brioche rolls and dainty double-deckers.
Served on elegantly set tables with ornate cake stands and silver teapots and creamers, this feels like a well-deserved treat after a hard day of shopping!
30 London St, Norwich NR2 1LD
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Heydon Village Tea Shop
Located in the delightful village of Heydon, between Norwich and Holt (and perfect for a post Blickling Hall recharge) is the Heydon Village Tea Room.
A quintessential English tea room, bow-fronted and overlooking the village green, this traditional and independently-run tea shop serves a very pretty afternoon tea.
Almost everything on the generous afternoon tea menu is homemade by the owners on the premises and ingredients are sourced locally. Shabby chic interiors, farmhouse tables, mismatched crockery and the very friendly welcome make this a wonderful place to relax over an afternoon cuppa.
It’s no surprise that Heydon Village Tea Shop was awarded Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice in 2023 and was a winner in the Norfolk Magazine Best Food and Drink Awards 2023 along with The Old Store in Snettisham.
Booking is essential with 24 hours notice as space is limited.
The Street, Heydon, Norwich NR11 6AD
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Folly Tearoom
The quirky and delicious afternoon tea at the Folly Tea Room in Holt is not to be missed. Tucked away in Hoppers Yard, this hidden gem is a homage to vintage romance throughout the interior and the pretty secret garden.
Choose from the Folly Tradition, the Sparkling Folly and the Gentleman’s Folly afternoon teas. Each offers the traditional elements of afternoon tea, with the addition of bubbles or delicious savouries in the form of homemade quiche and to-die-for sausage roll. Or, go wild, and build your own folly afternoon tea tiers!
Another Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice for 2023, pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Unit 4 Hoppers Yard, Bull St, Holt NR25 6LN
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Bernie Beans
The quirky Berni Beans in Hunstanton is well worth a visit. Their VIP vintage afternoon tea experience is served in a traditional tea room environment, at beautifully set tables with gorgeous bone china (which you can also hire for your own events!).
The staff make every visit feel like an occasion, making this a perfect place to celebrate a special event or day.
Afternoon tea is very generous, with large portions of delicious soft home-made sandwiches, freshly made light-as-air scones which can be warmed to your preference and delicious home-made cakes – the coffee and walnut is excellent.
2 High St, Hunstanton PE36 5AF
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Petals Tea Room
A great rest stop after walking the pooch at Sandringham or Snettisham Beach, Petals Tea Room is dog friendly and staff will even welcome your four-legged friend with a doggie biscuit!
Because they serve a wide range of high teas including the English Rose, the Rosehip, the Forget-Me-Not, the Primrose and the Hollyhock, you’ll find something to suit.
There is even a Candytuft children’s afternoon tea which includes dainty sandwiches and a selection of sweet treats served with pink lemonade.
61 Manor Rd, Dersingham, King’s Lynn PE31 6LH
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Green Pastures Plant Centre
A newcomer to this guide, Green Pastures Plant Centre was recently awared gold at the Garden Centre Catering Awards, and I’m not surprised.
Their afternoon tea is innovative, with savories like mini pasties, slides and terrines, as well as freshly baked scones and cakes. The afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons, and produce often comes from the on-site farm shop.
Mill Road, Bergh Apton, Norwich NR151BQ
Other Norfolk Tea Rooms
If you just fancy a quick stop without fuss or want to avoid the £15+ per person costs of full-on afternoon tea, many of the establishments mentioned above also serve tea or coffee with a cake or scone, or a Norfolk cream tea.
We also have a few favourite Norfolk cafés for you to try…
Prima Rosa Tea Rooms & Crafts, 82 Lower St, Salhouse – home-made cakes, crafts and gifts made by local artisans, in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
Apple Cafe at West Acre Gardens, Tumbleyhill Rd, King’s Lynn – fabulous cream teas and delicious cheese scones in beautiful walled West Acre Gardens, which is also a plant nursery that gardeners will love. Open from Easter until the end of October.
Camellia Cottage, 1 Station Rd, Sheringham – homemade cakes, tasty scones and savouries in a lovely modern environment in a traditional flint cottage.
Horsey Windpump Tearoom, Horsey, Near Great Yarmouth – National Trust run tea room next to Horsey windmill.
Alchemista Coffee Co, 4 St Gregorys Alley, Norwich – great coffee and cake in central Norwich.
Old Town Beach Cafe, 50 Sea Ln, Old Hunstanton – coffee, tea and delicious cakes on the beach at sunny Hunny.
Elmham Tea Post, 62 Holt Rd, North Elmham – a lovely gem of a tea room with fantastic homemade offerings!
Doggie Diner, 16 Mount Street, Limetree Court, Cromer – sadly this one-of-a-kind canine cafe for humans and hounds has now closed permanently.
Map of Afternoon Tea in Norfolk
How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.
Have I missed your favourite afternoon tea spot in Norfolk? Leave a comment below so I can include it in this post!
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Holt Garden Cafe – afternoon tea must be booked really great for the price and fab service
Thanks for letting me know, I’ll check it out next time I’m in Holt!