As the cosy winter chill embraces the heart of Norfolk, a cherished tradition takes on a wonderfully festive twist. Afternoon tea, that timeless ritual of refinement, adorns itself in the merry garb of Christmas, beckoning us to immerse ourselves in the joyful merriment of the holiday season.
It’s an opportunity to create treasured memories with loved ones while indulging in the whimsical wonderland of Norfolk’s Christmas-inspired afternoon teas. Here, amid teacups and scones, teatime transforms into a magical journey, where every sip and nibble promises a taste of pure enchantment. It’s time to discover the Christmas-themed afternoon teas that await you in Norfolk, where the spirit of the season infuses every cup and crumb.
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Festive Christmas Afternoon Teas in Norfolk
A Christmas-themed afternoon tea is a delightful departure from the traditional, featuring a magical ambiance adorned with festive decorations. The menu is filled with holiday-inspired treats like gingerbread cookies and traditional Christmas flavours, often complemented by seasonal beverages. It’s a charming way to fully immerse in the Christmas spirit while relishing delectable, artistically crafted delights.
Assembly House
This winter, The Assembly House presents The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, inspired by the Nutcracker ballet, available from 1 November to 8 January. The tea is divided into four “acts” on an afternoon tea stand, featuring finger sandwiches, savoury items, warm scones, and a delightful selection of cakes.
It can be enjoyed in various settings, including their elegant dining rooms, igloos, ordered as a Cakeaway takeaway, or as part of a private dining package. The menu is adaptable for dietary preferences.
They also have a festive version of their Beforenoon tea for the holiday season.
Find out more here.
Byfords
Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas in Holt at Byfords from 12 to 23 December with their enchanting Festivi-TEA. Byfords Cafe is set to become a winter wonderland, offering a delightful festive afternoon tea, ideal for joyful gatherings with friends and family.
You can indulge in an array of delectable sandwiches, fluffy scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of delightful festive cakes, all accompanied by a steaming pot of tea or coffee. It’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit in a cosy and magical atmosphere.
Read our review of the Christmas afternoon tea at Byfords.
Wroxham Barns
Immerse yourself in the festive ambiance at Wroxham Barns with their delightful Festive Afternoon Tea, available until Saturday, 24 December. Located in the inviting Courtyard Café, this dining experience promises to leave you merry and bright.
Indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring a delectable assortment of sandwiches, homemade scones, and Christmas-themed cakes, expertly crafted by the talented Mrs. Claus. With options for adults (£16.50) and children (£9.95), as well as Standard, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan versions, there’s something for everyone, and all bookings can be made online.
To secure your spot, it’s advisable to book your Festive Afternoon Tea in advance online, with a deposit of £5 per person required at the time of booking. Whether you’re planning a gathering with friends or an intimate tea for two, there are no minimum numbers required.
Find out more here.
Holt Garden Centre
Savour the festive season with the Holt Garden Centre’s enchanting Festive Afternoon Tea, a culinary delight served Monday through Saturday from 14:00. Indulge in a delectable array of treats like turkey and cranberry finger rolls, sausage pinwheels, brie and sage bon bons, mini mince pies, Christmas tree cupcakes, scones, and more. For an extra touch of luxury, consider upgrading your experience to include a glass of prosecco.
The cafe, offering picturesque views of the garden and occasional glimpses of passing steam trains, provides a serene backdrop for your afternoon tea experience. If you have specific dietary requirements, contact the Holt Garden Centre in advance, and they will make every effort to accommodate your needs. To ensure your spot, booking at least 24 hours in advance is essential.
Find out more here.
Pensthorpe
Experience the joy of the season with the Festive Afternoon Tea at Pensthorpe’s beautiful Courtyard Cafe, available throughout November and December. Indulge in unlimited hot drink refills and a delightful selection of both savoury and sweet festive treats. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available, simply specify your preferences at checkout.
The adult afternoon tea is priced at £16.95, while the children’s version is offered at £11.95. Due to limited availability, secure your spot by booking on their website with a £5 deposit, with the remaining balance payable on the day. Delight in a delectable array of items, including finger sandwiches, a festive sausage roll, yule log slice, and a clementine scone served with jam and cream.
Find out more here.
Royal Norwich
The Festive Afternoon Tea at Royal Norwich is a culinary delight that showcases Norfolk’s finest ingredients amidst the stunning backdrop of their 400-year-old parkland estate. Available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout November and December, with the option to serve parties of over 8 all week, this experience offers a perfect blend of exquisite flavours and breathtaking views.
The menu boasts a selection of delectable sandwiches, including smoked salmon & avocado, roast turkey & cranberry, and egg mayonnaise & watercress. You will also enjoy a sausage roll, cheese & mustard scone, and a black pudding scotch egg. Top it all off with mini mince pies, Victoria sponge, chocolate yule logs, fruit scones, and gingerbread cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Find out more here.
Hotel Wroxham
A delightful festive afternoon tea is available at Hotel Wroxham from 1 December to New Year’s Day. Immerse yourself in the joy of the holidays with a tempting array of sweet treats and savoury delights meticulously crafted by their talented team of chefs. As you indulge, enjoy the picturesque views of the River Bure from the restaurant, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
All our dishes are prepared in-house, using only the finest and freshest local ingredients, ensuring a culinary experience that captures the essence of the season. Gift vouchers are also available, allowing you to share the joy of the season with loved ones.
Find out more here.
Britons Arms
Experience the magic of the season with the special Christmas-themed afternoon tea at the Britons Arms, available throughout December. Indulge in a festive feast that includes a delightful selection of sandwiches such as turkey & stuffing, brie & cranberry, honey-glazed ham & wholegrain mustard, and salmon & cream cheese. Taste treats like a pigs-in-blanket sausage roll, cranberry & candied peel scone, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, mince pie, blackcurrant, tangerine & vanilla trifle, and a spiced chocolate truffle.
For just £18 per person, you can enjoy this culinary journey accompanied by a pot of tea or coffee. Elevate your experience by adding a touch of sparkle with a glass of mulled wine or local sparkling wine for an additional £6.
Find out more here.
Heydon Village Tea Shop
This special Christmas afternoon tea is available until Saturday, 30 December. The menu boasts unlimited tea or americano coffee, accompanied by finger sandwiches featuring pulled gammon with wholegrain mustard mayo, smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, brie and cranberry, and free-range egg mayo with cress. Delight in unique offerings like a turkey and stuffing pinwheel, mini cheese scone with cream cheese and homemade red pepper and tomato relish, and a ‘shot’ of roasted parsnip soup with parsnip crisp.
Indulge your sweet tooth with treats like fruit cake with marzipan holly, mince pie bakewell, Baileys melting moment, gingerbread dude, satsuma and amaretti cake, after 8 brownie, and ‘Snowball’ cheesecake. Conclude your experience with a choice of scone served with preserve and clotted cream. Elevate the celebration by adding a glass of Prosecco or wine.
Find out more here.
Old Rock Shop Bistro
Celebrate the season with the much-anticipated return of Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Old Rock Shop Bistro in Cromer. This year’s delightful offering features Classic Christmas Finger Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Apple & Cinnamon Scones, and Seasonal Sausage Rolls, along with an array of sweet and savoury treats—all topped off with a decadent Bailey’s Chocolate-Malteser Cheesecake.
Pair your festive feast with your choice from their new range of Norfolk Loose Leaf Teas, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Soft Drink, or Mulled Wine to enhance the seasonal cheer. For an extra touch of merriment, add a miniature bottle of Festive Fizz for only £5.95 per person.
Tables are available daily throughout December until Sunday, 7 January (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27 December, and New Year’s Day). However, popular days, especially Saturdays, are filling up quickly. Reserve your spot now with a £5 deposit.
Find out more here.
Biddy’s Tearoom
Biddy’s, a charming Victorian-inspired tea house in Norfolk, offers a relaxed setting for guests to enjoy a variety of teas and homemade cakes. Specializing in traditional afternoon and high teas made with their own produce, Biddy’s provides a unique twist by allowing guests to customise their tiers.
With locations in Norwich city centre and Aylsham, their festive teas include a welcome drink of home-spiced mulled apple, featuring items like a chicken stuffing and cranberry sandwich, cheddar Christmas chutney and grapes sandwich, orange and spice fruit scone, and stolen shortbread.
Find out more here.
Bure Valley Railway
Experience the joy of the season with a Festive Afternoon Tea at Bure Valley Railway, perfect for gatherings with friends, family, or groups. Available on weekdays at the Whistlestop Cafe, situated at Aylsham Station, this delightful treat is presented on a classic 3-tier stand.
Indulge in a scrumptious assortment featuring sandwiches, savoury sausage rolls, fruit scones accompanied by jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats, all served alongside your choice of tea or coffee. Priced at £14.00 per person, this festive experience promises a delightful escape into the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to pre-book to secure your spot for this merry occasion.
Find out more here.
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