There is perhaps nothing considered more quintessentially English than drinking tea; indeed tea drinking has influenced much of what is regarded throughout the world as British culture and features strongly in nursery rhymes, fairytales and folklore; it has influenced social etiquette and even furniture and fashion design through the decades. And the most English of occasions - Afternoon Tea - has its roots right her in Bedfordshire.
In the mid-19th century tea consumption had perhaps reached the peak of its popularity and it was about this time that Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained to her butler at Woburn Abbey of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. The solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon.
Today up and down the country countless hotels, tea rooms and coffee shops offer their version of afternoon tea but traditionally it would consist of a selection of delicate sandwiches (originally these would have been filled with cucumber, watercress, ham, smoked salmon or perhaps fish paste) along with a selection of fruit and other homemade cake and pastries or the more modern addition warm scones served with jam and clotted cream; of course accompanied by lots of hot tea served in china cups, traditionally served between 3pm and 5pm. You can find this most "English" of meals in the following Bedfordshire venues:
Moggerhanger House
A Grade 1 listed Georgian Country House designed by Sir John Soane and set in 33 acres of parkland originally landscaped by Humphry Repton.Tearooms, bistro, visitor and conference centre open all year.
Moggerhanger Park, Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire MK44 3RW
01767 641007
www.moggerhangerpark.com
Visitor Tip: Discover the connection between Moggerhanger and the anti-slavery movement & lookout for seasonal guided woodland walks.
The Inn at Woburn
In the heart of the Georgian village of Woburn, the Inn at Woburn is the perfect place to rediscover the tradition of afternoon tea. Enjoy the special Duchess Anna Maria Afternoon Tea.
George Street, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9PX
01525 290441
www.theinnatwoburn.com
Visitor Tip: Pop in to Woburn Heritage Centre, Old St Mary's Church to discover more about the town's history (open Easter-Oct 2-4.30pm 10am-5pm weekends and bank hols)
The Duchess' Tea Room
Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire MK17 9WA
01525 292148
www.woburnabbey.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Don't forget to view the Blue Drawing Room where the Duchess first took afternoon tea.
Danish Camp
Riverside Visitor Centre
Chapel Lane, Willington, Bedfordshire MK44 3QG
01234 838709
www.danishcamp.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Whilst in Willington go and see the Tudor Dovecotes (National Trust)
Wild Britain Butterfly and Conservation Park
Tropical house, nature trail, puppet theatre, animal encounters and children's arts & crafts. Tea rooms open 10am -4.30pm
Renhold Road, Wilden, Bedfordshire
MK44 2PX
01234 772770
www.wild-britain.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Look out for Urchin the hedgehog on the themed nature trail.
Thurleigh Farm Centre
Children's Farm and adventure playground. Open year round 0930am -5.30pm (closed Mon & Tue Jan-Easter). Homemade cakes and jams
Cross End, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire MK44 2EE
01234 771597
www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Take home some locally produced jams or chutneys or locally grown asparagus!
The Swan Hotel Bedford
Historical 18th Century hotel on the banks of the River Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford. Afternoon Tea served daily.
The Embankment, Bedford MK40 1RW
01234 346565
www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk
Visitor Tip: View the river from the top of the Castle Mound or take a relaxing stroll through the medieval gardens and along the river to stimulate your appetite!
Couture@Stockwood Discovery Centre
The home of the Mossman Carriage Collection.
London Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 4BH
01582 480700
www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com
Visitor Tip: Don't miss the Dutch Garden, Hamilton Sculpture Garden, Winter Garden, Period gardens and National plant collections.
Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa
Five-star hotel with 18 hole golf course, set in more than 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens created by Capability Brown. Open year round. Traditional Afternoon Tea served in the Pillared Hall & Italianate Lounge between 3pm & 5.30pm. Strawberry and champagne specialty tea also available for that special occasion.
Luton Hoo, The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3TQ
01582 734437
www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Take a look at The Wernher Restaurant, remodelled in the early 20th century by the architects of the London Ritz. It's exotic marble panel work and richly coloured fabrics are reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles. Advisable to book particularly at weekends.
The Rose Garden
Tea Rooms
Set in the tranquil surroundings of 13th century grade II Priory House. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm serving afternoon tea.
Priory House, 33 High Street South, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3RZ
01582 890279
www.dunstable.gov.uk
Visitor Tip: Take a look around the Priory Church and discover its connection with Henry VIII
Sophie's Tea Rooms (within Hayden's Restaurant)
The Olde Water Mill
Shopping Village & Garden Centre
Haydens Café & Tearooms
Open daily 0930-5.30 (Sunday 10am-5pm). Serving homemade cakes and specialty teas.
Barton Mill Lane, Barton Le Clay, Bedfordshire MK45 4RF
0845 450 2012
www.haydensrestaurant.com
Visitor Tip: Enjoy a walk on Sharpenhoe Clappers just a stone's throw away
Lakeside Café
The Forest Centre
Conservation centre, walking & cycling, children's adventure playground. Open daily 10am-6pm.
Marston Vale Millennium Country Park
Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire MK43 0PR
01234 767037
www.marstonvale.org/forestcentre
Visitor Tip: The wetland conservation area is particularly worth visiting
Tea-Zels
Serving homemade cakes and specialty teas. Open daily 9am-4pm (5pm in summer & at weekends).
Harrold-Odell Country Park
Carlton Road, Harrold , Bedfordshire MK43 7DS
01234 721525
Visitor Tip: Look out for bats at dusk and the elusive otter frequently passing through the park!
The Embankment, Bedford
The Embankment is an imposing mock-Tudor landmark building in the heart of Bedford, with wonderful views out over the River Great Ouse,
6 The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 3PD
01234 261332 www.embankmentbedford.co.uk
Visitor Tip: Ask about Peach Pubs policy on sourcing the very best local ingredients and their community programmes to encourage healthy eating in local schools.
Emmaus Village
Inspirational charitable organisation providing work and support for the homeless, enabling them to help themselves and others. Serving teas and light lunches at reasonable prices.
School Lane, Carlton, Bedfordshire MK43 7LQ
01234 720826
www.emmausvillagecarlton.org.uk
Visitor Tip: Pick up a bargain in the village furntiure, craft and bric-a-brac shops and help a worthwhile cause along the way!
Woodland Manor Hotel
Secluded grade II listed manor house in Clapham village just outside Bedford town centre. Afternoon tea served daily in the paneled lobby and bar. All cakes and pastries prepared freshly each day on-site.
Green Lane, Clapham, Befordshire MK41 6EP
01234 363281
www.woodlandmanorhotel.co.uk
Visitor Tip: The Glenn Miller Museum or 306th Bomb Group Museum are just 'over the hedge'; why not pop in for a visit (open weekend Easter-October)
Menzies Flitwick Manor
Traditional afternoon tea is served from 2pm till 5pm. This can either be taken in the lounge or if the weather permits on our terrace over looking the landscaped gardens and the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside.
£10 per person for the traditional tea with a selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones.
Menzies Flitwick Manor, Church Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AE
01525 712242
www.menzies-hotels.co.uk/hotels/woburn/hotels-in-woburn.aspx
Visitor Tip: Why not take a tour around the antique shops of Ampthill or visit the lovely old ruins of Houghton House before sitting down to tea!
The Barns Hotel
Enjoy Afternoon Tea by the river; a great way to spend the afternoon with homemade scones, an assortment of afternoon tea cakes and pastries and wide range of speciality teas or coffee.
Cardington Road, Bedford, MK44 3SA
0844 855 9101
www.foliohotels.com/barns
Visitor Tip: To earn your afternoon tea, take a trip around Priory Country Park, whether on foot or on wheels. It's also a great place to go fishing and enjoy water sports.
The Chequers
Traditional English pub serving great food, lovely garden with play area and patio for al fresco dining
Ampthill Road (B530)
How End
MK45 3JP
01525 404583
www.emeryinns.com