Afternoon tea dates back to the early 19^th century and the tradition is owed to Anna, the 7^th Duchess of Bedford, who devised afternoon tea as a way to cure those peckish pangs in the afternoon! Afternoon tea then became less popular over the years but has seen a fierce revival in the 21^st century as both Brits and visitors rediscovered the delight of this afternoon pastime.

High tea has been adapted and modified across the country but we think the original is still the best! A traditional afternoon tea consists of multiple cups of tea, finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and scones with jam and clotted cream. You can find places to enjoy afternoon tea across the capital, but take a look at our pick of the best afternoon tea experiences in London.

A Royal Afternoon Tea: Buckingham Palace Tour and Afternoon Tea

Combine a special summer visit to Buckingham Palace with afternoon tea at the nearby Hilton Victoria hotel! You’ll feel like royalty working up an appetite at the Queen’s huge London home before tucking in to traditional afternoon tea at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Victoria. Buckingham Palace Tour and Afternoon Tea, £54 per person

Afternoon Tea Cruise Aboard Bateaux London

Gentle sightseeing and afternoon tea together is a winning combination! The River Thames provides an amazing perspective of London and with Bateaux London Cruises you can enjoy a delectable afternoon tea as you glide on the water. The cruise lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and includes full afternoon tea with unlimited tea and coffee. Afternoon Tea Cruise Aboard Bateaux London, £25 per person

Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea

High-end department store Fortnum and Mason is known world-wide for its range of luxurious products, especially their excellent tea! Distinctly British, Fortnum and Mason is one of the oldest and most famous stores in Piccadilly and afternoon tea here is undoubtedly pretty special. Sip on fragrant tea blends and munch on treats including scones with Fortnum’s own preserves and clotted cream in the airy Diamond Jubilee Tea Saloon. Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea, £40 per person

Afternoon Tea with a Glass of Prosecco at Shakespeare’s Globe

If you like your afternoon tea with some extra fizz, Swan Restaurant at Shakespeare’s Globe offers an afternoon tea with the added option of a glass of bubbly Prosecco. This lovely restaurant sits on the banks of the River Thames next to outdoor theatre Shakespeare’s Globe and serves traditional afternoon tea in a gorgeous setting. If you’re celebrating or want to add that sometime extra to your afternoon tea experience in London, this one’s for you!Afternoon Tea with a Glass of Prosecco at Shakespeare’s Globe, £28.68 per person. Afternoon tea without Prosecco£21.93

Try and squeeze in afternoon tea during your visit to London if time permits – you can combine afternoon tea with a range of sightseeing activities, includingThe View from The Shard, London’s glossy new skyscraper!

Take a look at the full range of afternoon tea experiences in London and don’t miss out on this timeless British tradition.