Our Favourite Places for Afternoon Tea on the Suffolk Coast

Here in the UK on the last Friday of June we celebrate the much-loved National Cream Tea Day!

Founded by Rodda’s Clotted Cream and Wilkin & Sons Tiptree, National Cream Tea Day is the perfect way to indulge in some scrumptious scones, silky smooth clotted cream, and succulently sweet jam (we won’t go into details of whether jam or cream comes first!). It’s a day for bringing loved ones together over plentiful cups of tea and good conservation.

Here on the Suffolk Coast, we have a whole host of local cafes, restaurants, and eateries where you can partake in a cream tea or a decadent afternoon tea – think dainty crustless sandwiches, miniature cakes and not forgetting a scone or two. Whether you prefer the more traditional tea or fancy a modern twist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from our selection of the best afternoon tea venues below.

Tiptree Tea Room, Southwold

Here on Southwold’s High Street we are fortunate enough to have our very own Tiptree Tea Room! The English Afternoon Tea is a delightful experience, served on a three-tier cake stand and includes two freshly made sandwiches of your choice, homemade fruit scones, accompanied by Tiptree Little Scarlet Strawberry Preserve and Rodda’s classic Cornish clotted cream. To top it off, indulge in a selection of miniature individual patisserie items, all paired with your choice of tea or coffee. After you’ve finished why not take a look at the large selection of Tiptree jams and preserves available to purchase in the tea room?

Old Hall Cafe and Walks, Reydon nr Southwold

Old Hall Café and Walks is situated within the charming village of Reydon just a mile from Southwold’s town centre. A delicious afternoon tea is the perfect way to relax with family and friends to celebrate a special occasion and take in the amazing views surrounding the café whilst you eat. You can even add a glass of fizz to help your festivities. Special dates during the year such as Mother’s Day and Christmas, Old Hall Café offer an extra special and sometimes themed Afternoon Tea which is a popular way to get everyone together. We love that everything is handmade on site by their talented kitchen team using quality, fresh, and local ingredients.

If you’re dining with children then a play in Old Hall’s playpark is a must (entry fee applies), although make sure you leave enough room after your afternoon tea for some energetic fun!

The Tea Shed, Walberswick

Walberswick is a beautiful seaside village to relax and unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life, so why not do all three over a delicious afternoon tea at The Tea Shed? This charming dog-friendly café boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere with an afternoon tea of homemade delights – think mouthwatering sandwich selection, homemade scones, cakes, and pasties, plus tea or coffee – whichever you prefer! The Tea Shed is open seasonally throughout the year, so we recommend a call to them to check their opening times.

Image courtesy of @theteashedwalberswick

The Chocolate Teapot, Aldeburgh

A little further South in the charming seaside town of Aldeburgh you’ll find The Chocolate Teapot – a popular little bistro by the sea! This gem of a find offers tiers of afternoon delicacies served on vintage crockery plus award winning tea, chocolates and macarons! You can choose to dine outside and soak up the wonderful views of Aldeburgh’s beach or cosy up indoors with the inviting atmosphere. This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with a loved one, followed by a stroll along the seafront taking in the beautiful surroundings. The Chocolate Teapot is also dog-friendly.

Image courtesy of @thechocolateteapotaldeburgh

If these afternoon tea venues are tempting, can we also tempt you with a sweet holiday break in a self-catering cottage? We have a fantastic choice of holiday cottages in Southwold and across the Suffolk Coast, from cosy cottages for two to modern townhouses. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a weekend break away, we’re sure to have the perfect holiday cottage for you!

Take a look at all our Suffolk Coast cottages below or give our friendly Holiday Cottages team a call on 01502 723292 to find your perfect stay.