The Peak District's Best Afternoon Teas
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
From elegant country house hotels and charming village tea rooms to a vintage train journey through the Derwent Valley, these are the Peak District afternoon teas you need to book right now.
Few things feel more indulgent than afternoon tea.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, catching up with friends, planning a baby shower or simply looking for an excuse to eat cake in beautiful surroundings, the Peak District has an afternoon tea for every occasion.
From Michelin Guide-listed hotels and historic country houses to charming village tea rooms and even a heritage railway journey, these are some of the best afternoon teas in the Peak District right now.
Peak Edge Hotel, Darley Road
Fresh from being added to the Michelin Guide, Peak Edge has launched a new farm-to-fork afternoon tea inspired by the surrounding Peak District countryside.
The menu showcases ingredients from nearby Walton Lodge Farm Estate and includes homemade sausage rolls, ham sandwiches, smoked salmon, freshly baked scones, homemade cakes and speciality loose-leaf teas. Served in the Red Lion Restaurant with views across the Derbyshire countryside, it's a brilliant choice for anyone who appreciates local produce and good value.
From £30 per person
The Peacock at Rowsley, Rowsley
Elegant, refined and exactly what you'd expect from one of the Peak District's most celebrated country house hotels.
Afternoon tea here includes smoked salmon with horseradish cream cheese, Derbyshire egg mayonnaise sandwiches, homemade pork sausage rolls, blue cheese and walnut scones, berry pavlova, lemon and rhubarb posset and dark chocolate delice. Add a glass of Franciacorta, English sparkling wine or Taittinger if you're celebrating. You can view the full menu here.
£37 per person
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
Just a short walk from Chatsworth, The Cavendish has put a literary twist on afternoon tea with its Pride & Prejudice-inspired menu.
Expect country house favourites including pork sausage rolls, coronation chicken, smoked salmon, homemade scones, lavender choux buns and strawberry tarts, all served alongside teas selected by award-winning Northern Tea Merchants. Jane Austen fans will absolutely love this one.
£45 per person
The Maynard, Grindleford
The Maynard offers two very different takes on afternoon tea.
Traditionalists can enjoy sandwiches, homemade cakes and organic teas, while savoury lovers should head straight for the Savoury Afternoon Tea featuring fish finger butties, handmade sausage rolls, pork pies, Scotch eggs, mini Yorkshire puddings and a pint or glass of fizz.
Frankly, they had us at fish finger butty.
From £21.95 per person
Lavender Tea Rooms, Bakewell
Tucked away in Hebden Court, Lavender Tea Rooms feels like a hidden gem.
Served on traditional tiered stands and vintage mismatched crockery, afternoon tea here comes in traditional, deluxe, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions. Expect homemade sandwiches, locally made cakes, freshly baked scones and plenty of charm.
Perfect after a morning exploring Bakewell.
From £26 per person
Edensor Tea Cottage, Edensor
Nestled in one of Derbyshire's prettiest villages, Edensor Tea Cottage delivers exactly the sort of afternoon tea experience you'd hope to find on the Chatsworth Estate.
Expect freshly cut sandwiches, homemade cakes, fruit scones with wild berry compote and cream, and a choice of loose-leaf teas or barista coffee. The tea room itself is packed with character and sits within the oldest building in the village.
£23.95 per person
Herbert's Fine English Tea Rooms, Tissington
Afternoon tea doesn't get much more traditional than this.
Located in the picture-perfect estate village of Tissington, Herbert's serves a classic combination of sandwiches, homemade sweet treats, freshly baked scones, preserves and clotted cream. Add a glass of Prosecco and enjoy one of the prettiest settings in Derbyshire.
From £18.95 per person
Losehill House Hotel & Spa, Hope Valley
If views are top of your wish list, Losehill House is hard to beat.
Served in the panoramic restaurant overlooking the Hope Valley, afternoon tea features classic finger sandwiches, warm quiche, homemade cakes and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. Upgrade to Champagne or pink gin if you're making an afternoon of it.
From £39.50 per person
Buxton Palace Hotel
If you love a grand setting, head to Buxton's magnificent Victorian Palace Hotel.
The traditional afternoon tea includes smoked salmon, honey-glazed ham, warm fruit and plain scones, homemade cakes and artisan teas, with Prosecco and Champagne upgrades available for special occasions.
A classic choice in the heart of Buxton.
From £35 per person
Peak Rail Afternoon Tea Train
Looking for something a little different?
Peak Rail's Afternoon Tea Train combines homemade sandwiches, quiche, cakes, scones and a complimentary glass of Prosecco with a nostalgic steam railway journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley.
It's one of the most unique afternoon tea experiences in Derbyshire and makes a fantastic gift.
£45 per adult
Which Afternoon Tea Is Best?
For farm-to-fork food lovers, Peak Edge stands out thanks to its connection to Walton Lodge Farm Estate and locally sourced ingredients.
For classic country house elegance, The Peacock at Rowsley and The Cavendish Hotel are hard to beat.
For views, Losehill House takes some beating.
For village charm, Edensor Tea Cottage and Herbert's are both wonderful.
And for something completely different, nothing comes close to afternoon tea aboard the Peak Rail heritage railway.
Hero image credit: The Peacock at Rowsley / Facebook
