Where to Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Northumberland
A popular question we’re often asked by guests staying in our cottages is “Where’s a good place to go for afternoon tea?”
Whether it’s a special celebration, a Mother’s Day treat, or simply a relaxing way to spend an afternoon after a walk, the quintessential British custom of afternoon tea – with finger sandwiches, warm scones and pastries – is one of those timeless treats.
Northumberland has so many places that do it well, and we’ve gathered a few recommendations close to our Wooden Star Cottages. From elegant hotel settings to cosy countryside cafés, each offers something slightly different and well worth planning a day out around. We’ve included links to each venue so you can explore the menus at your own leisure.
Here are a few of our favourite afternoon tea spots that guests regularly enjoy.
A Castle Setting for Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking for somewhere memorable, it’s hard to beat afternoon tea in a castle. Just outside of Hexham, Langley Castle is a beautifully preserved 14th-century fortress set in peaceful Northumberland countryside.
Afternoon tea is often served in the castle’s drawing room, where stained-glass windows, historic details such as a knights shining armour and a roaring fire in winter create a wonderfully atmospheric setting. There is a choice of traditional favourites —finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes — all served with plenty of tea or coffee. The 2026 menu also features a ‘Confectioner’s’ afternoon tea focusing on cakes, sweet treats and scones, a Gentleman’s, Children’s and even a dog friendly afternoon tea option.
It’s a lovely choice for a special occasion, and the surrounding countryside makes it easy to combine with a scenic drive or a walk.
Award Winning Afternoon Tea at Northumberland’s 5 star Hotel
For a truly indulgent afternoon tea, Matfen Hall offers a beautifully elegant setting. This recently renovated 5-star country estate blends historic grandeur with contemporary comfort, and afternoon tea is served in refined surroundings overlooking the estate’s parkland.
Guests can expect a classic selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of pastries and cakes, all presented with care and attention to detail. There are options for add-on champagne, so an ideal choice for celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself during a visit to the Tyne Valley.
A Classic Afternoon Tea in the Heart of Hexham
The lovely market town of Hexham is an excellent place to spend a relaxed afternoon exploring independent shops, historic streets, and the beautiful abbey. A popular spot for afternoon tea in the centre of town is The County Hotel, where guests can enjoy a classic afternoon tea experience of freshly prepared sandwiches, warm scones, and a tempting selection of cakes.
One of the best things about choosing Hexham is that you can easily make a day of it. Start with a wander around the town’s independent shops, bookshops and galleries, visit Hexham Abbey, and then settle in for tea and cake as a well-earned treat.
A Countryside Café with 'Capability' Brown Connections
The Running Fox has become something of a Northumberland institution, known for generous portions and delicious homemade baking. Their branch at Kirkharle is especially lovely for a relaxed afternoon tea.
Kirkharle is also notable as the birthplace of the famous landscape designer Lancelot “Capability” Brown. The courtyard here has been thoughtfully restored and now houses a small collection of artisan shops and galleries alongside the café, making it well worth a browse while you’re visiting.
The estate and surrounding grounds have also been carefully renovated, including the lake, which was recreated using Brown’s rediscovered plans. Together, this makes Kirkharle a wonderful place to spend an afternoon — perhaps enjoying a walk around the grounds, exploring the courtyard shops, and finishing with a hearty afternoon tea. The Running Fox is also known for catering well for dietary requirements, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
A Hidden Gem in the Tyne Valley
Another wonderful café tucked away in the countryside, but conveniently only a mile from the A69 near Stocksfield is Bywell Coffee Barn.
It’s particularly popular with walkers and cyclists exploring the surrounding countryside and offers a more relaxed afternoon tea venue. Their scones are delicious (we can vouch for this!) and their afternoon tea often includes quiche, sandwiches, cakes and traybakes. It’s a lovely stop after a morning walk along the river or through nearby villages.
Something a Little Different
One of the most unusual afternoon tea experiences in Northumberland can be found at Tea on the Train near Bellingham. Visitors can enjoy tea, cakes and light lunches inside a converted railway carriage.
It’s quirky, welcoming and full of character — exactly the kind of place that makes exploring Northumberland fun. It also sits close to the edge of Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Park and near many of our cottages, so it works perfectly as a stop after a countryside walk or scenic drive.
The Perfect Afternoon Pause
Whether you prefer the elegance of a castle setting, the splendour of a 5 star hotel, the charm of a market town hotel, or a cosy countryside café, there are plenty of wonderful places to enjoy the very British tradition of afternoon tea.
Many of these spots are within easy reach of our Wooden Star Cottages, making them perfect additions to a day exploring the Tyne Valley, Hadrian’s Wall, or the wider Northumberland countryside. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or simply treating yourself after a morning of exploring, afternoon tea is a perfect way to round off the day.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.