18 Lovely Tearooms in the Cotswolds

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” writes Henry James at the start of his novel ‘The Portrait of a Lady’. With this ethos in mind why not treat yourself to this quintessentially English tradition at one of the many fabulous tea shops our region has to offer whilst staying at one of our cottages in the Cotswolds. In all cases it’s probably worth calling up in advance to book, particularly during the busier summer months.

The Tea Set – Broadway

A friendly and genial atmosphere awaits you at The Tea Set in historic Broadway where you’ll find it tucked away in The Huntings. Customers love it and the size and scale of the fabulous afternoon tea, served on dainty vintage china, has been much commented on. You can even bring your dog!

The Cotswold Tearoom – Moreton-in-Marsh

Located in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, the aroma of its Brazilian and Colombian blend of coffee beans might the first thing that grabs your attention as you walk by. Step inside and you’ll find a cosy and relaxing place to while away an hour or two over delicious sandwiches, scones, cakes and a lovely cup of tea (or coffee). When the weather is kind you can take a seat in the walled garden and enjoy your tea there.

The Hive – Stow-on-the-Wold

Customers already love this new tearoom which opened in Stow in 2017. Bursting with character, you can almost feel the history emanating from the traditional Cotswold stone walls and there are so many lovely touches to make you feel at home. With an inviting selection of cakes and a great range of tea and coffee, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you settle down at your table. On warmer days you can sit outside in the delightful courtyard garden with its stylish rattan furniture. Not to be missed!

Tisanes Tearoom – Broadway

Elegant tearoom housed in a 17th century stone building right in the heart of Broadway with a super garden for eating alfresco during the warmer months. Tisanes has a well-deserved reputation for the quality of what it offers. Choose from a huge variety of loose leaf teas alongside a wonderful selection of cakes, scones and pastries. You may find you won’t want to leave in a hurry!

Huffkins – Burford

Huffkins in Burford nestles halfway down the famous medieval High Street which is a sight to behold. The stunning listed building is full of character and there’s even a medieval courtyard to relax in should the weather be on your side. There’s a wonderful range of afternoon teas on offer from the ‘Cotswold Afternoon Tea’ with tea and scones to the more than substantial ‘Celebration Afternoon Tea’ including a quarter bottle of chilled Prosecco. A perfect way to while away a leisurely hour or two!

The Tea Chest – Lechlade

The Tea Chest boasts a great location nestled next the River Thames in Lechlade. You can warm up by the fabulous wood-burning stove in the winter or unwind outside next to the river in the summer. Lovely homemade cakes, generously sliced, and an interesting selection of teas will tempt you here. Great for a pit stop after a day out on or by the river.

The Well Walk Tearoom – Cheltenham

Tucked down a side street in the middle of the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham, you’ll find this gem of a tea room in a building dating from 1790. What was once a shop with a small tearoom has evolved into a much larger tearoom with gifts and home furnishings on the side, thanks to its popularity. The delicious scones and cakes are created by the in-house Baker so couldn’t be fresher. An intriguing selection of afternoon teas await you regardless of the occasion. ‘A Very Royal Afternoon Tea’ anyone? Don’t mind if we do

Cotswold Garden Tearooms – Stow-on-the-Wold

Set in a beautiful Cotswold stone building in Stow, the Cotswold Garden Tearooms has a colourful interior with a wood-burning stove in its huge inglenook fireplace, making it warm and welcoming. In the summer months you can take a traditional afternoon tea in the lovely courtyard garden – a real sun trap. An added bonus is that it’s dog-friendly.

Lyndseys Café – Tetbury

On Church Street in Tetbury you’ll find Lyndseys Café with its family-friendly atmosphere. There’s a good selection of food and drinks to suit all tastes with mouth-watering, homemade cakes and scones a real highlight. For those looking for gluten free cakes this is a great option as you’ll be well looked after.

Huffkins Stratford-upon-Avon

Found in Bridge Street, close to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Company, Huffkins in Stratford is a convenient place to stop and unwind during a busy day’s sightseeing. With its original beams very much on display, the historic atmosphere makes its presence felt in this 17th century listed building. A gorgeous setting to enjoy a delicious slice of cake or handmade scone with clotted cream, all washed down with a lovely cup of tea or coffee.

The Painswick Pooch – Painswick

This quirkily named tearoom based in the quintessentially Cotswold village of Painswick describes itself as a ‘place where Painswick meets.’, neatly summing up the warm and friendly atmosphere inside. Utterly delicious cakes and scones from The Lavender Bakehouse must be seen (and tasted) to be believed. Well worth popping in for a well-deserved cuppa with your furry friend.

Bakery on the Water – Bourton-on-the-Water

Set just by the River Windrush as it runs through Bourton-on-the-Water, this is a delightful family-run artisan bakery. Working with great local ingredients, the scones provided as an accompaniment to afternoon tea are mouth-wateringly good and there are fruit tarts and cakes too. The summer months bring the added benefit of being able to take your tea out into the riverside garden – perfect for relaxing on a balmy afternoon.

Smiths of Bourton – Bourton-on-the-Water

A fabulous find in the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ right in the heart of the village. Lovely, quirky interior and a great atmosphere make this a welcoming place to visit for your afternoon tea. It’s an elegant affair with tasty sandwiches and beautiful, homemade cakes and scones. So good you won’t want to leave!

The Tea Set – Chipping Norton

Vintage chic with a lovely cosy atmosphere characterises The Tea Set in the bustling Cotswold town of Chipping Norton. If it’s afternoon tea you’re after then you’ll be well provided for here. Beautifully presented with touches such as vintage china and cake stands, the cakes and scones are freshly prepared and there’s a great selection of loose leaf teas to choose from.

Huffkins Stow-on-the-Wold

Huffkins in Stow sits right in the heart of the Market Square. Housed in a 17th century listed building it’s a fabulous location to sit and watch the world go by. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the amazing range of handmade cakes, pastries and scones for which Huffkins is renowned.

The Lavender Bakehouse – Chalford

A one-stop venue for both afternoon tea and gift buying – what more could you ask for! Set in a great location, and with a fascinating history, you’ll find homemade cakes and pastries baked fresh daily using supplies from local producers wherever possible. An extra touch is the use of quality china tea sets and cake stands giving a unique feel. Please do ensure you book your afternoon tea 48 hours in advance. The Lavender Bakehouse also received the accolade of Regional Winners of the Food Awards 2016 for Best Cafe / Bistro.

The Kitchen – Minchinhampton

You can’t miss this lovely tearoom nestled on the High Street in the Cotswold village of Minchinhampton. It has a stunning bow window proudly protruding from the front which makes a great place to sit and watch all the local comings and goings. Everything here is seasonal and freshly made with local ingredients. Afternoon teas range from the simple ‘Classic’ to the more ostentatious ‘Vintage Tea Party’ so there is something to suit all occasions. A charming place to unwind in.

Lucy’s Tearoom – Stow-on-the-Wold

Delightful, family-run tearoom in the middle of Stow where a warm welcome is definitely on the cards. Here you’ll find freshly baked scones and cakes to accompany your cup of tea. It would be very easy to spend a leisurely hour or two sitting in the stunning bow window and watch the world go by.

Featured image by The Tea Set, Broadway.

If you like the look of these tea rooms, why not enjoy afternoon tea in the Cotswolds at one of these tearooms.

Looking for a cosy cottage to return to after a day exploring the Cotswolds? View our range of self-catering Cotswold cottages.