It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re so ready to indulge ourselves in all things festive, from Christmas markets and events to tasty treats. After all, we only get the chance once a year. From mince pies to all things chocolate orange and even sandwiches slathered in stuffing, we will literally scoff it all – which is exactly why we were pretty chuffed when we realised Christmas afternoon tea was an actual thing. This list of Christmas afternoon teas in Yorkshire showcases the best on offer.
Yep, you read that right. Tiers and tiers of delicious festive treats are all served up on a cake stand just for you. So, without further ado, here are the best places in Yorkshire to experience just that.
So, what are the best Christmas Afternoon teas in Yorkshire for 2025?
North Yorkshire Festive Afternoon Teas
1. The Grand, York
Located in historic York, The Grand is the perfect spot to experience a Christmas afternoon tea in Yorkshire, just a stone’s throw away from the wholesome Christmas Markets that take place every year in the centre.
This afternoon tea features a refined selection of savoury bites, including a quinoa tart with celeriac remoulade and cheddar rarebit, a duo of salmon with dill crème fraîche and trout caviar, smoked turkey breast with sage butter and apple–celeriac jam, a rich chicken liver and foie gras parfait on brioche, and a pork, chestnut and apple sausage roll with pumpkin gel. Freshly baked plain and cinnamon scones are served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. The patisserie selection offers festive-inspired creations such as a chestnut mousse “Midnight Clock,” a white chocolate and ginger “Frosty the Snowman” macaron, a decadent chocolate Christmas log with cardamom caramel, and “Santa’s Hat” with tapioca Bavarian cream, raspberry–tarragon gel, and marshmallow. Find out more here.
Location: The Grand, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GD.
2. Swinton Estate, Ripon
Swinton Estate is undoubtedly one of Yorkshire’s most treasured venues, with grandeur by the bucketload across the entire estate. Celebrating Christmas in style, Swinton Park Hotel’s restaurant will be serving up a special festive-themed afternoon tea with tons of themed treats to try out.
From hand-crafted cakes to perfectly presented finger sandwiches, there’s plenty of both savoury and sweet bites to enjoy, alongside glasses of fizz and a non-alcoholic option for children, too. Find out more.
Location: Swinton Estate, 10 Swinton Rd, Swinton, Ripon, HG4 4JH.
3. Grantley Hall, Ripon – Christmas afternoon tea in Yorkshire
The spectacular Grantley Hall, found on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is set to serve up a storm this Christmas. Taking place within their delightfully festive venue, guests will be able to enjoy this classic afternoon tea, which includes an array of savoury items, pastries and scones – served alongside a massive selection of teas – ranging from your traditional English breakfast to the fruitier, herbal varieties.
For those who fancy something a little more special, guests can upgrade to champagne, which goes down a treat with their luxury sandwiches and exceptional desserts. Check out the menu here.
Location: Grantley Hall, Ripon, HG4 3ET.
4. Carlton Towers
Hidden gem Carlton Towers can be found tucked away on the outskirts of Goole, standing tall amongst the surrounding East Yorkshire countryside with its striking tower and regal architecture.
Continuing the spectacle inside, guests can become enamoured with festive interiors, before settling down with an afternoon tea consisting of Christmas-themed sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes, pastries, champagne and more goodies.
The lovely occasion will take place on a limited number of dates, and you can find out more here.
Carlton Towers, High St, Carlton, Goole, DN14 9LZ.
5. Bettys, Harrogate & York – Christmas afternoon tea Yorkshire
When it comes to afternoon tea, Bettys, undeniably, reigns supreme. Mixing things up a little for the Christmas season, guests can dig into the beloved afternoon tea with a festive twist – adding the likes of mince pies and festive teatime treats into the mix.
Wash it down with their classic menu of hot drinks, or celebrate in style with a choice of pink champagne or Prosecco. Find out more about it here.
Location: Bettys, 1 Parliament St, Harrogate, HG1 2QU.
6. Wensleydale Creamery
The Festive Cheesy Afternoon Tea centres around indulgent Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese in a variety of savoury and sweet seasonal treats. Guests are served deep-fried Wensleydale and cranberry panko cheese balls, rich beef bourguignon topped with Wensleydale blue cheese crumble, and Wensleydale and cranberry cheese paired with pork sausage pigs in blankets. The spread continues with pan-fried new potatoes, caramelised onions and spicy Yorkshire nduja, along with tomato and chilli chutney from Raydale Preserves. To finish, there’s a classic mince pie with Wensleydale, plus Lottie Shaw’s ginger parkin accompanied by more Wensleydale cheese. The experience is rounded off with Yorkshire Tea or filter coffee served with Wensleydale milk, with optional festive add-ons such as fruit cake, cheese scones, oatcakes, mulled wine, port, prosecco, Wensleydale gin, or Brymor ice-cream shakes. Find out more here.
Location: Gayle Ln, Wensleydale, Hawes DL8 3RN
West Yorkshire Festive Afternoon Teas
7. Harewood House, Leeds
The spectacular Harewood House needs no introduction by any means, but at Christmas, it truly comes alive. Boasting its now-famous book tree among other quirky and beautiful decorations, the fantastic estate goes all out for the festive season, and this year, that includes an afternoon tea.
Taking place within the Terrace Tearoom, visitors will be able to enjoy seasonal sweets, pastries, and cakes, alongside warming hot drinks and more special treats. You can enjoy festive afternoon tea from 11th December to 4th January.
The special afternoon tea will be accompanied by a ton of other festive events, from festive gift fairs to stunning winter strolls. Find out more here.
Location: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG.
8. The Clevedon at Ben Rhydding, Ilkley
Set in the heather-clad West Yorkshire countryside, The Clevedon is wonderfully cosy and British, thanks to its modern interiors that are amplified every year by stunning Christmas decorations. Hosting a festive afternoon tea every day of the week over the festive season, The Clevedon will be serving a delicious menu of mini treats, boasting festive flavours, especially for the occasion.
From roast turkey and stuffing sandwiches to tasty Christmas cake, there’ll be plenty to try, with teas and Prosecco on offer to wash it all down. Find out more.
Location: Clevedon House, Ben Rhydding Dr, Ilkley, LS29 8AQ.
South Yorkshire Festive Afternoon Teas
9. Browns Brasserie, Sheffield
Sheffield’s Browns Brasserie prides itself on its ambience, which is only amplified at Christmastime. Served alongside a selection of fantastic Christmas menus, guests can tuck into a festive afternoon tea with champagne or Prosecco, complete with scones, mince pies, mini cakes, sandwiches and more.
Covering all the bases, the Christmas afternoon tea in Yorkshire is perfect for catching up with friends, with a great selection of sweet treats included. Check out the menu here.
St Paul’s Chambers, 8-12 St Paul’s Parade, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JL
East Yorkshire Festive Afternoon Teas
10. Beverley Hills Diner, Beverley
The popular Flemingate venue has created a festive twist on their viral American diner style afternoon tea. And, it’s one not to miss. If you’re into alternative twists on the classic, then this one is for you. It is served in the classic three tier style, but your finger sarnies have been swapped out for burger sliders topped with pigs in blankets, and chicken sandwiches. You also get a range of chicken wings, spring rolls, fries and other delectable bits to get stuck into as well.
You can wash this down with tea, coffee or fizzy drinks or even upgrade to cocktails and a bit of fizz if you’re in the mood for it. Find out more via the website here.
Location: Flemingate, Unit E1 Hamilton Walk, Beverley HU17 0PW
11. Burton Constable Hall
One of our favourite family-friendly spots all year round, Burton Constable Hall is set to host a lovely array of festivities this Christmas – with plenty to see across the grounds, whatever your age.
Taking place in The Stables Kitchen this winter, guests will be able to enjoy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea, including classic sandwiches, tasty pigs in blankets, classic scones, and treats shaped like Christmas puddings and snowmen – perfect for the kids. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s on here.
Location: The Stables Kitchen, Burton Constable Hall, Skirlaugh, East Yorkshire, HU11 4LN.
12. Tickton Grange, Beverley
Known as one of the best places for afternoon tea in the area, Tickton Grange Hotel offers a lovely selection for those with a sweet tooth, with plenty of tasty treats to share with friends. Set within a stunning Georgian grange, guests can expect cosy English decor, with every item served in fine bone china. Couldn’t get any more classic than that.
Opting for more traditional options, guests are treated to a wide array of delectable goodies on their tiers, with festive flavours such as cinnamon, spices and citrus zests shining through. To accompany your Christmas afternoon tea in Yorkshire, guests can enjoy fizz, Prosecco and G&T, with festive afternoon tea. Find out more here.
Location: Tickton Grange Hotel, Main St, Beverley, HU17 9SH.
13. Beverley Arms, Beverley
A lovely local hotel found in East Yorkshire gem, Beverley, The Beverley Arms is set to host a wonderful festive afternoon tea, with a great selection in store for guests to enjoy. Including an array of mini sandwiches with festive fillings, guests can fill up on both savoury and sweet treats, as well as scones, Christmas cake, mince pies, sherry trifle and more.
The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit, the wonderful meal will be served throughout the entire festive season, with Prosecco available as an upgrade for those who prefer a boozier occasion. Find out more.
Location: The Beverley Arms, 25 N Bar Within, Beverley, HU17 8DD.
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