Mother’s Day (or any day) Afternoon Teas in Bedfordshire
The British Museum claims Bedford (Woburn Abbey to be precise) as the birthplace of afternoon tea. Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, found the time between luncheon and dinner to long to bear so she requested bread and tea to be served in the afternoon and soon began to invite friends to join her. This began in the 1840s and was adopted as a regular ritual by her friend Queen Victoria, by the 1880s.
This theory of afternoon tea has been disputed, but we think it is a great reason to explore the afternoon teas in our wonderful area and with Mother’s Day on Sunday 10th March it is a perfect excuse to partake. All venues will require booking in advance.
Woburn Afternoon Tea
Starting at the birthplace, Woburn Abbey itself will be continue to be closed for refurbishment until 2026 so for the closest place, The Woburn serve afternoon teas between 2.30 and 5.30pm Friday to Sunday cost is £26 per head. It includes Woburn Estate venison and pork sausage rolls for a local touch as well as a range of sandwiches, cakes and scone with jam and cream.
Also in Woburn and promising the ultimate experience is Woburn Coffee House. On our list of must visit locations, they offer afternoon teas from £30-50. Served on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday at set times, booking immediately is recommended to get a spot.
Woburn Coffee House afternoon tea has a classic or celebration menu. They also provide a vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options too.
If you want the ultimate afternoon tea experience this is the one for you. Served on a 5 tier stand and not a cucumber sandwich in sight they offer handmade savoury canapes and sweet delights.
Leighton Buzzard Afternoon Teas
Giggle and Graze offer an afternoon tea menu for £30. They also offer graze boxes with local delivery service if you fancy hosting your tea at home. We love their displays; everything they serve is a feast for the eyes, beautifully displayed and this tiny café is an Instagrammer’s paradise.
The Tree of Life Cafe based at Leighton Buzzard garden centre are offering a Mother’s Day afternoon tea on Sunday 10th March only, priced at £16.50 per head and it includes a free Mother’s day gift. Bookings are on 01525 850100. We like The Tree of Life to grab a quick coffee and explore the plants. This cute little café is a more relaxed and accessible vibe.
Bedford Afternoon Teas
Anna’s Tea Room at The Swan whilst this location does not actually serve afternoon tea on Mothering Sunday, it is definitely worth a mention. Open Monday to Saturday 12pm – 5.30pm, Sunday 12pm – 4.30pm. Set on the embankment in Bedford we like it for the riverside walk (particularly after all that cake). They offer afternoon teas between £19.50 and £25. They provide vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options and they also have a Hope and Glory menu for tea drinking connoisseurs to choose from. Gift vouchers are available.
Other Venues outside of Bedfordshire
Ashridge House named as one of the best afternoon teas by Conde Naste their Mothering Sunday offer has already sold out. We love this fantastic heritage setting with beautiful walks around the grounds and gardens. Priced at £42.50 per person their next available day for afternoon tea is 14th April so book early to see what the reviews are all about.
Bletchley Park A beautiful setting in this Victorian mansion with plenty of history to explore. We suggest getting their early and using the included entry fee to discover the incredible background of the home of The Codebreakers. This afternoon includes entertainment from local singer Alison Carter and a Bletchley Park Mother’s Day gift. Not just a tea but a day out and entertainment too.
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