Afternoon tea
From scones with cream and jam to Champagne afternoon teas in the the grandest of settings, this quintessentially English tradition is a must on any short break. Homemade jam, freshly baked cakes and smoked salmon sandwiches - trust us, you won't be able to resist this selection.
It really wouldn't be a short break in England without an afternoon tea, complete with scones and jam. Along your travels you'll hear many a discussion as to whether the clotted cream or jam should be spread first, but trust us, when it taste this good, it really doesn't matter.
If you haven't got time for a full afternoon tea, you'll find many of our top tearooms have a sensational selection of freshly baked cakes and biscuits - the perfect accompaniment to beautiful gardens.
Do not miss the chance to stop off at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop - the place where the iconic Bakewell Tart was first created.
No afternoon tea is complete without scones, cream and jam, so make sure that jam is local! Essex's Tiptree jam is the perfect accompaniment.
Hertfordshire boasts many luxurious manor houses and five star hotels, all boasting the finest afternoon tea in the area - try them all and decide for yourself.
See and do
Planned itineraries
Whether you want to see the castles and seafood of the coast or the rugged beauty and manicured gardens of the countryside, it’s time to start your gourmet garden adventure.