Fantastic Places for Afternoon Tea in York – York is a lovely place to visit for a special occasion and what better thing to do on a special occasion than celebrate with afternoon tea!
We have lots of different style afternoon teas in York from traditional to modern.

Afternoon Tea at The Grand, York
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
You can sample the Afternoon Tea in The Rise Restaurant at The Grand, York. They do a traditional afternoon tea as well as a Hendrick’s Gin afternoon tea (this one will be very popular during race meetings I imagine!).
You get a nice view of the Bar Walls from here and can sit out on their rooftop terrace in the summer.
We recently tried out their afternoon tea – read our full review here.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Principal, York.
Station Rd, York YO24 1AA
Afternoon tea is served in the Garden Room at Principal in York. I love it there as the room is elegant as well as spacious, giving (for me) a more relaxed feel to your day.
We recently tried out their chocolate inspired afternoon tea – read our full review here.
No.1 York
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
You can experience afternoon tea in The Marmalade Lounge at No.1 York. It’s a gorgeous, relaxing spot to while away the afternoon and indulge in this very British afternoon tea.
“The perfect afternoon tea combines savoury and sweet treats. Ours honours that noble tradition but brings playful flavours together to give it a twist for today.
Served in The Marmalade Lounge at No.1, our dainty sandwiches, canapés, scones and cakes are all made using fine British ingredients. And a glass of English fizz goes just as well as a pot of tea.”
We have visited and reviewed the Afternoon Tea at No.1 York here.
Café 21 York
Fenwick Department Store. 2 St. Marys Square, Coppergate Centre Yorkshire, York YO1 9WY
Café 21 York is a stylish and contemporary place to eat within Fenwick in the Coppergate Arcade.
Afternoon tea is served daily from 2pm and includes a selection of traditional sandwiches, raisin and plain scones (with clotted cream and strawberry jam!) and an assortment of handmade pastries. You have a choice of English Breakfast, Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea and can upgrade to include a glass of Champagne!
“A home from home where hospitality comes first. Café 21 is a sociable and effortlessly stylish space, serving crafted comforts, lunch bites and sweet treats.
This breakfast, lunch and early evening venue is the place for a mid-shopping trip lunch, business meeting, afternoon tea, or a quiet cup of the good stuff. A place where ‘me time’ matters.”
Lady Betty’s Afternoon Tea
6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
Betty’s Cafe is famous in York for elegant and traditional dining. I do believe that this is my favourite afternoon tea in York, and I have tried most of them!
Afternoon tea is served upstairs in the Belmont Room with a pianist to accompany.
Leetham’s Brasserie in Elmbank Hotel
The Mount, York YO24 1GE
Leetham’s Brasserie in Elmbank Hotel do three different options for a delicious Afternoon Tea with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and homemade scone!
Bookings can be made at Leethams Restaurant York City Centre.

The Countess of York – Afternoon Tea in a Vintage Train Carriage
Leeman Rd, York YO26 4XJ
The Countess of York is an elegantly restored rail carriage in the National Railway Museum. Afternoon tea here is a real treat as you can imagine yourself on the Orient Express!
Cream Tea Cruise with City Cruises
King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN
If you fancy combining a lovely cruise along the River Ouse while listening to a guide to York and eating a delicious afternoon tea then consider afternoon tea on a York City Cruise. It lacks a little of the elegance of the likes of Betty’s or The Grand, but it’s a lovely, relaxed way to see the city, while you tuck in.
Also have a look at our post of Restaurants in York and Things to do in York.