Best Afternoon Tea in Buxton and Peak District
The English tradition of afternoon tea is something many of us love, so here’s our pick of the best places for Afternoon Tea in Buxton and the Peak District, as well as a few further afield – updated with some new additions! Updated for 2026, we help you pick out the best scones, cakes and perfectly cut sandwiches – some traditional, some with a modern twist!
Afternoon Tea in and around Buxton
Ideal for celebrating a special occasion or unwinding after a day of walking or sightseeing, Buxton offers the perfect setting to indulge in a classic English afternoon tea, from quintessential tea rooms to luxury 5-star hotels. Prepare to make some key decisions about your afternoon tea: which type will you select, and what will you spread on your scone first, cream or jam?
The Serpentine
- Best for:
- Those looking to indulge, this luxury afternoon tea is available by advance booking
The afternoon tea includes savouries, scones and sweet treats; the menu can change. Tea, coffee and other drinks are available.
Afternoon tea must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Tell the café about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking and check what it can accommodate.
- How to book:
- Call direct or online – link below
T: 01298 750154
Gradbach Mill
- Best for:
- A tranquil location with beautiful views over the River Dane
The Coffee Cabin at Gradbach Mill overlooks the River Dane and offers tea, cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream. The takeaway-style café opens seasonally from Easter to October and closes over winter. Check its current opening days and whether a full afternoon tea is available before travelling.
- Before visiting:
- Check with the team at info@gradbach.co.uk
T: 01260 227000
Directions to Gradbach Mill: for sat-nav use SK17 0SU, then follow the signs to the mill; the postcode centre is at a nearby farm.
Chapel Tearooms at Hollinsclough
- Best for:
- A lovely quiet location and very generous – you won’t leave hungry!
In the Staffordshire village of Hollinsclough, south of Buxton, Chapel Tearooms serves homemade cakes and savouries. Its afternoon teas are available by advance booking; contact the tea room to confirm opening and the current menu.
- How to book:
- Contact directly by phone
T: 01298 463648
Champneys – Buxton Crescent Hotel
- Best for:
- The decadent surroundings of this historic Grade I listed hotel
Enjoy afternoon tea at Buxton Crescent Hotel in the Grade I listed Crescent. The hotel serves tea from 1pm to 5pm, with a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats; a sparkling option is also available. Check the current menu when booking.
- How to book:
- Contact Buxton Crescent Hotel directly via phone or email info@buxtoncrescent.com
T: 01298 808999
No.6 The Square, Buxton
- Best for:
- A quintessential English tea room experience with glorious views
Close to the town centre in Buxton’s historic quarter, opposite the magnificent Opera House and pretty Pavilion Gardens, No.6 The Square is a traditional tea room serving afternoon tea. Served traditionally on tiered cake stands, the selection offered is varied and everything looks very pretty when it arrives at the table. Portions are generous too so you won’t leave hungry. Gluten-free options are available; contact the tea room about dietary requirements and afternoon tea when booking. For a lighter option they also serve their Derbyshire Cream Tea – a pot of tea and a scone with jam and cream. A lovely relaxing place to visit and ideally situated too.
- How to book:
- Contact the tea room directly by phone or email: reservations@no6tearooms.co.uk. See No. 6 Tea Rooms menus, including afternoon tea.
T: 01298 213541
Best Western Plus Lee Wood Hotel
- Best for:
- Tranquil gardens with a lovely outdoor seating area – and exceptional service
Set within its own gardens, the hotel was originally built as three houses in 1830. It is a short walk from the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Opera House and the main shopping area. The hotel has offered afternoon tea; contact it to confirm current availability and menus. HF Holidays plans to reopen the property as a country house in January 2027.
- How to book:
- Contact the hotel to confirm availability.
T: 01298 23002
Get directions to Lee Wood Hotel
Biggin Hall
- Best for:
- The tranquil setting and getting away from the crowds
This 17th century country house hotel, in Biggin-by-Hartington is a lovely scenic spot to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in this tranquil setting. You can choose from a warm fruit scone or a cheese scone which is a nice touch. Close to Dovedale and Hartington, it makes for a really pretty run out and a walk if the weather is ok. The hotel lists afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm to 4pm; contact it to confirm availability. The hotel says it does not accommodate children under 12; check whether this applies to afternoon tea when booking.
- How to book:
- Contact the hotel directly by phone (see below) or via email: enquiries@bigginhall.co.uk. See Biggin Hall’s afternoon tea menu.
T: 01298 84451
Pavilion Gardens Restaurant & Bar
- Best for:
- The location at the heart of the pretty Pavilion Gardens
Located inside the Pavilion Gardens just outside the entrance to the pretty Conservatory, The Restaurant and Bar overlooks the promenade with lovely views over the gardens. The restaurant is split over two levels including a bar, lounge area with sofas and comfy chairs with a slightly vintage feel to the decor. You can make a day of your visit here, because there’s lots to see while you’re here such as Gallery in the Gardens – featuring 40+ artists from the High Peak Artists groups selling their works. Afternoon tea has been offered here; contact the restaurant to check current availability and booking.
- How to book:
- Book a table online – link below
T: 01298 23114
Visit Website / Make a Booking
The Old Hall Hotel
- Best for:
- A historic location where Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed
Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed at the hall during visits to Buxton between 1573 and 1584. The Old Hall Hotel serves its Royal Afternoon Tea in the Piano Lounge from 2pm to 4pm, with sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. A glass or bottle of prosecco can be added.
- How to book:
- Contact the Old Hall Hotel directly via phone or email info@oldhallhotel.co.uk
T: 01298 22841
Visit Website / Make a Booking
Get directions to Old Hall Hotel
Afternoon Tea in the Peak District and beyond
The Peak District and Derbyshire offer a variety of places to enjoy afternoon tea, with a few of our picks taking you further afield. Explore our ultimate guide and favourite picks, updated for 2026.
Ivy Cottage, Eyam
- Best for:
- Double up the visit with a wander round historic Eyam – famous for its plague outbreak in 1665
The Vintage Tea Room occupies an outbuilding in Ivy Cottage’s garden, in the historic village of Eyam. Its menu includes homemade cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, and pots of tea. Contact the café to check opening times, the current menu and afternoon tea availability.
- How to book:
- Call or email
T: 01433 631276
The George, Hathersage
- Best for:
- Classic afternoon tea at the heart of Jane Eyre country (also not far away from the superb David Mellor Design Museum)
The George is a historic pub and inn in Hathersage, a village Charlotte Brontë visited in 1845 while staying at the local vicarage.
Choose a classic or savoury afternoon tea, served Monday to Saturday from noon to 5pm. Book at least 24 hours in advance.
- How to book:
- book online or contact the hotel
T: 01433 650436
Mad Hatter, Matlock
The Mad Hatter is a delightful, whimsical café known for its charming décor and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the town, it’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or family over delicious homemade cakes, traditional afternoon teas, light lunches and a range of quality hot drinks. With its quirky character and friendly service, The Mad Hatter offers a cosy and cheerful place to pause during a day out in Matlock.
- How to book:
- Book online or call the café. When booking online, specify afternoon tea in the notes.
T: 01629 56913
Deacons Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith
- Best for:
- Visually stunning (both the food and interior)
Deacon’s Bank is a restaurant in a restored former bank in Chapel-en-le-Frith. It is listed in the Michelin Guide and holds two AA Rosettes. The restaurant has served afternoon tea; check its current availability when booking.
- How to book:
- book online or contact direct
T: 01298 814811
Rutland Arms, Bakewell
- Best for:
- Central location in this picturesque Peak District town
The hotel’s afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, mini patisseries and a choice of teas. Book in advance and check the current menu when booking.
- How to book:
- Book in advance online or contact the hotel
T: 01629 812812 (hotel) or 01858 438300 (central reservations)
Charnwood Forest Alpaca Walk and Afternoon Tea
- Best for:
- Enjoy a walk with Alpacas before enjoying Afternoon Tea!
Further afield at Boundary, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch on the Derbyshire–Leicestershire border, Charnwood Forest Alpacas offers a guided alpaca experience followed by afternoon tea at the Chilli Bean Café. The experience includes a safety briefing and a walk over uneven ground. Children aged four and under must be in a carrier; pushchairs cannot go on the walk. Under-10s attend free, with one paying adult per child, but their afternoon tea is not included. Children aged 10–15 must also be accompanied by a paying adult, with no more than two children per adult. Check all age and accessibility requirements when booking.
- How to book:
- Contact them directly, number below, or, use the online calendar booking on the following link.
T: 01283 552 854
The Cavendish Hotel
- Best for:
- Opulent decor and sheer luxury
Voted The Sunday Times Hotel of the Year 2025, The Cavendish Hotel feels like sheer indulgence and the lovely Garden Room overlooking the Chatsworth Estate is a very civilised spot to spend an afternoon. The Cavendish Hotel creates a slightly modern twist on this favourite English tradition. It is served in the Garden Room or Gallery Restaurant Monday to Saturday; confirm available times when booking. Sweet, homemade creations are served alongside a selection of finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones with clotted cream and homemade preserve. All accompanied by freshly brewed tea, speciality infusions, or fresh coffee.
- How to book:
- You can book online and choose your date and time slot or call direct to book. See the current menu.
T: 01246 582311
Thornbridge Hall
- Best for:
- Those who prefer a traditional afternoon tea
Enjoy afternoon tea at Quackers Café or take it into the gardens. The Orangery can be booked for groups of 10 to 12 with at least 48 hours’ notice; it is unavailable during the summer. Garden entry is included with Orangery bookings and luxury picnic hampers, but other afternoon teas do not include it. Menus can change, so check the details when booking.
- How to book:
- You can book online and choose your date and time slot OR call direct to book.
T: 01629 640617
Directions to Thornbridge Estate: the estate advises against using its postcode because it leads to the wrong entrance.
Chatsworth House
- Best for:
- The surroundings of this magnificent stately home
The four-course afternoon tea at Chatsworth’s Cavendish Restaurant includes savouries and sandwiches, a sorbet, scones and cakes, with tea or coffee. The restaurant is in the historic stables courtyard; opening varies by season and afternoon tea must be booked in advance.
- How to book:
- Book online in advance; contact Chatsworth for groups of more than eight.
T: 01246 565300
The Old Bakewell Pudding Shop
- Best for:
- Local flavours and their famous Bakewell Pudding
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop’s first-floor restaurant. The sample menu includes finger sandwiches, a scone and Bakewell Pudding, with a hot drink and prosecco; options may change. The restaurant is only accessible by stairs.
- How to book:
- Afternoon tea must be pre-ordered. Book online or call the restaurant to discuss the menu and any dietary requirements.
T: 01629 812193
Tilly’s of Castleton
- Best for:
- Sensational homemade cakes
Tilly’s is a tea room in Castleton serving afternoon tea, cakes and scones. Call for current menus and availability.
- How to book:
- Contact the tea room directly by telephone.
T: 01433 620834
Edensor Tea Cottage
- Best for:
- A picturesque location at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate
In the village of Edensor on the Chatsworth Estate, the tea cottage serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. The usual afternoon tea time is 2pm to 4pm.
- How to book:
- Book online at least 24 hours ahead, selecting the afternoon tea option. Call to ask about shorter notice or an earlier time.
T: 01246 582315
The Lavender Tea Rooms
- Best for:
- A generous afternoon tea, you won’t leave hungry
In a Bakewell courtyard, Lavender Tea Rooms offers traditional, deluxe, vegetarian and vegan afternoon teas on tiered stands. All afternoon teas require at least 24 hours’ notice and a £10 per person deposit.
- How to book:
- Make a booking via their contact form on their website or contact them directly by phone or email: lavendertearoom@hotmail.com.
T: 01629 385298
Get directions to Lavender Tea Rooms
Wildhive at Callow Hall Country House Hotel
- Best for:
- Interior enthusiasts
The Garden Room at Callow Hall overlooks the Derbyshire countryside and has a living roof. Afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. It is served from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, or 3pm to 4.30pm on Sundays.
- How to book:
- Book online. The hotel asks for 24 hours’ notice for vegan and children’s teas and for dietary requirements.
T: 01335 300900
The Maynard
- Best for:
- A historic setting with the wow factor
A luxury country house hotel, taking its name from the Maynard family, whose ancestry goes back to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. The hotel oozes style and sophistication and is the perfect place to enjoy Afternoon Tea. An ideal spot if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Choose from classic or savoury afternoon tea. It is served Monday to Saturday, noon to 5pm, with at least 24 hours’ notice.
- How to book:
- Book online (scroll down to ‘Book a Table’) or contact the hotel direct by phone. Contact the hotel for the current menu.
T: 01433 424110
The Merchants Yard
- Best for:
- The amazing cakes and sweet treats
The Merchant’s Yard in Tideswell holds two AA Rosettes and serves afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. It is normally served Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 4pm; pre-booking and a £10 per person deposit are required. Other times may be available by arrangement.
- How to book:
- Book online or contact the restaurant directly. See The Merchant’s Yard menu.
T: 01298 872442
Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel
- Best for:
- A special occasion
Further afield in Staffordshire, near Burton upon Trent, Hoar Cross Hall is a grand Grade II listed building with a luxury spa and hotel. Afternoon tea includes seasonal sandwiches, scones, cakes and a selection of teas.
- How to book:
- Book online or call the hotel directly. See Hoar Cross Hall’s afternoon tea menu (this changes during each season).
T: 01283 576522
The Orangery at St Elphin’s Park
- Best for:
- Value for money in stylish surroundings
Served in a slightly more contemporary way, the Afternoon Tea is beautifully presented, just like the venue itself; we love the yellow/grey/blue hues used in the stylish decor. The sandwiches and cakes are what you’d expect with a sprinkle of imagination to change up the flavours.
- How to book:
- Book at least 24 hours in advance, selecting afternoon tea and mentioning any dietary requirements.
T: 01629 258055
Vintage Tearooms Chesterfield
- Best for:
- a quirky, cosy setting
Illustrative photograph.
This vintage-style Chesterfield tea room serves afternoon tea, scones and cakes, with a selection of loose-leaf teas. Contact the team for the current menu.
- How to book:
- Contact the tea room directly by phone
T: 01246 556079
Find The Vintage Tea Rooms on Google Maps
Renishaw Hall Café
- Best for:
- Make a day of it – visit the gardens or take a guided tour of the house
The café in Renishaw Hall’s stables courtyard serves afternoon tea. Combine your visit with the gardens or a pre-booked guided tour of the house; opening varies by season. Renishaw is a cashless site.
- How to book:
- Book via the tickets and events page at least 24 hours in advance. The same notice applies to cancellations. For groups of 12 or more, contact enquiries@renishaw-hall.co.uk.
T: 01246 432310
Cintra’s Café & Tea Room
- Best for:
- Relaxed vibes with a lovely outdoor garden
Cintra’s serves afternoon tea for two in its Hathersage tea room or, in warmer months, in the garden. Expect sandwiches, cakes and scones with jam and cream, served with tea or coffee.
- How to book:
- Contact the tea room directly by telephone.
T: 01433 651825
Peak Edge Hotel / Red Lion Restaurant
- Best for:
- A gorgeous location and a beautiful space to enjoy Afternoon Tea
Choose a classic or savoury afternoon tea at Peak Edge Hotel, with optional sparkling drinks.
Afternoon tea is served Monday to Saturday, 12pm–5pm. As of October 2026 it costs £30 per person, with a £10 per person deposit and at least 48 hours’ advance booking. Each guest at the table must book and take afternoon tea.
- How to book:
- Book online, choosing classic or savoury afternoon tea for each guest, or contact the hotel.
T: 01246 566142
All images in this article may be subject to copyright.
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