Enjoying a true English afternoon tea has become very popular over the past few years, and we can certainly see why!

Catching up with your loved ones over a steaming pot of tea, delicious finger sandwiches and cakes, and of course – a scone with clotted cream and jam – sounds a terrific way to spend time to us. At Combermere Abbey, we are surrounded by many outstanding tearooms – in iconic historic buildings as well as boutique cafes. With plenty of choice to indulge in when you visit us, and we’ve included some of our top suggested places in Cheshire and Shropshire to enjoy an afternoon tea below.

Six Places For Afternoon Tea Near Combermere Abbey

Our cottages are fully self-catered which means you could very well bring your own afternoon tea along with you and enjoy it in your garden or down by the lake! But, if you fancy venturing out instead, why not try these spots in Cheshire and Shropshire?

Three Cheshire Afternoon Tea Spots

One – Peckforton Castle, Tarporley

The exceptional Grade 1 heritage site,  Peckforton Castle is tucked away amid acres of stunning Cheshire countryside and exudes a sense of refined beauty. In this breath-taking setting, you and your nearest and dearest can enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea for two.

On offer, they have a range of mouth-watering sandwiches, French pastries, and fluffy scones that have been expertly stacked with perfectly proportioned jam and cream. Why not class up the affair by adding a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne or a refreshing gin and tonic too?

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 15 miles

Two – Chester Grosvenor, Chester

There’s no better spot to venture when looking for a quintessentially beautiful afternoon tea than the Chester Grosvenor. The Grosvenor’s actually renowned for their afternoon tea, did you know?! Their award-winning chefs will present to you a delicious range of finger sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserves, as well as freshly brewed tea or coffee.

Chester is only 40 minutes from the Combermere estate and is the perfect day out to accompany your afternoon tea adventures. Explore the city’s rich history which can be seen through the rows of 13^th century buildings and the famous cathedral. Chester also has an abundance of activities to explore, including the famous Storyhouse, where you can catch a live show or even some comedy. Ideal for culture aficionados!

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 27 Miles

Three – Ginger and Pickles, Nantwich

Ginger and Pickles, a favourite amongst many of our team and our guests too, offers an incredible afternoon tea experience in a cosy, rustic atmosphere.

Just a short drive away from Combermere Abbey, you can discover an exquisite assortment of freshly cooked sandwiches, cakes, and scones with preserves and clotted cream to finish. All of this is served elegantly on a stand and served with a pot of loose-leaf tea or a large Americano.

You may even add a glass of prosecco to your afternoon tea by upgrading it to a “Namptwiche”!

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 7.7 miles

Three Shropshire Afternoon Tea Spots

Did you know we’re on the border of both Cheshire and Shropshire? So, if you fancy a trip south instead, why not check out these suggestions for a spot of afternoon tea in this historic county?

One – The Tea Room at No. 11, Audlem

In the centre of Audlem you can discover The Tea Room at No. 11. This charming café offers a cosy, laid-back ambiance that’s ideal for an afternoon trip. You can purchase a classic afternoon tea from the tea room; which includes a variety of savoury finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, clotted cream and jam, and a selection of freshly baked cakes.

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 5.2 miles

Two – Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, Shrewsbury

Presented in the Hall’s most prestigious space, The Saloon Restaurant, Hawkstone Hall & Garden overlooks a view of the spectacular grounds.

Their luxurious afternoon tea offering is brimming with classic, seasonal flavours with a strong, contemporary Hawkstone touch.

You can choose from a traditional selection, like the gentlemen’s option, which includes several freshly made savoury items, or you can choose from more traditional yet luxury items. Whilst enjoying a selection of delightful delicatessens you can admire the picturesque Hawkstone Gardens.

You’ll certainly feel you’ve taken advantage of the beauty of our local area enjoying both Combermere Abbey and Hawkstone Hall in one trip!

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 14 miles

Three – Lady Berwick’s Tearoom, Attingham Park

Finally, you can live out your high society desires when lunching at lady Berwick’s tearooms.

This is noted as the only tearoom in Shropshire that serves afternoon tea exclusively and is part of a National Trust mansion! Every single sandwich, scone, and cake is made entirely from scratch, sometimes incorporating ingredients from the kitchen’s own garden.

So, you can enjoy your loose-leaf tea in pleasant, tranquil surroundings whilst soaking in the breath-taking views of the grounds.

Then, continue your lord or lady of the manor (or should we say abbey?) feeling when staying at Combermere at our beautiful North Wing B&B, it’s truly an aristocratic experience!

Distance from Combermere Abbey: 27 miles

Coffee And Cake Closer To Home?

And finally, we couldn’t conclude all this talk of coffee, cake, and tea without mentioning our friends at The Old Piggery Café, which is on the edge of the Combermere Abbey estate. You can take a stroll down the estate paths from our courtyard cottages, or just down the road from Stone Lodge, to this new tea room.

There, you can indulge in a light lunch served by the lovely team, and if you’re lucky, you may even get your hands on one of their locally-famous piggy pasties! This is the perfect option for if you feel like giving the car a break and really soaking up all the Combermere Abbey estate has to offer instead!