Afternoon Tea at Cliveden House – A Historic Treat Worth Travelling For

If you’re looking for an afternoon tea that blends English elegance, historical charm, and perfect patisserie, then Cliveden House in Berkshire absolutely delivers. Just under an hour’s drive from London, it’s the kind of day out that feels both indulgent and soul-soothing — especially when shared with someone who takes their tea (and scones) seriously.

I visited with my sister on Easter Monday, and we opted for their 'Create Your Moment in History' afternoon tea, which is served in the main house and priced at £60 per person on weekdays. Here’s exactly what you can expect — and why it’s worth making the journey.

First Impressions – Grand Yet Welcoming

We were able to park directly beside the house, which immediately set a relaxed tone (a lovely touch for anyone used to hiking in from National Trust overflow car parks).

The entrance hall is richly atmospheric — think velvet sofas, grand fireplaces, oil paintings, and Edwardian drama. We were greeted warmly and seated for a few moments before being led into the main tea salon, a light-filled space adorned with chandeliers and pink orchids. Elegant but never intimidating.

The Tea Itself – Full of Personality and History

Cliveden’s menu pays tribute to the house’s glittering past, featuring dishes inspired by the Astor family and famous guests like Churchill and Queen Victoria.

Savoury Selection Highlights:

• Winston Churchill’s Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding. A mini marvel — perfectly rare and full of flavour.

• Astor Game Roll with Wholegrain Mustard. A nod to traditional British cuisine, elevated with finesse.

• Charlie Chaplin’s Soft Sour Cake with sour crème and caviar. Unusual, but a clever nod to his satirical film references.
  

  

  
  

Classic Sandwiches with a Twist:

• Russian Egg Salad on Rye Bread – rich and surprisingly punchy

• Cucumber & Cream Cheese – simple, but done with balance

• Smoked Salmon Sandwich – fresh and lightly buttery

• Coronation Chicken – the runaway winner for me (and yes, I asked for more)
  

Sweet Selection – Elegance in Every Bite

The historical storytelling continues beautifully into the sweets:

• Queen Victoria’s Sponge – light, nostalgic, and perfectly filled

• Albert’s Pudding – a warm, comforting nod to the prince himself

• Garibaldi Biscuit – crisp, delicate, and beautifully presented

• Lady Cranborne’s Chocolate Mousse – rich, smooth, and deeply indulgent

  
  

When the scones arrived — still warm, wrapped in cloth napkins — we were in classic cream tea territory: soft inside, golden outside, with generous clotted cream and jam.

Tea Selection – A Blend for Everyone

The Cliveden Blend was my choice: rich, smooth, and ideal with both savoury and sweet. Their tea menu also features everything from Darjeeling and Virunga Earl Grey to Lapsang Souchong and Red Berry & Flower, all beautifully described and curated for serious tea drinkers.

Top Tips for Visiting Cliveden for Afternoon Tea

• Book early for popular days like Easter and weekends.

• Request a window seat to enjoy views across the terrace and grounds.

• Ask for seconds of any savouries or sandwiches — the staff are happy to oblige!

• Leave time to explore the gardens after tea — especially in spring.

• Plan for at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace.

A Word on the Company…

I went with my sister, and I honestly couldn’t have picked a better companion. She's someone who takes cake seriously, scones even more so, and kept us both laughing through every bite. If you have someone who truly understands the joy of layered sponge and jam — bring them.

Watch the Full Experience

For a closer look at everything — the tea, the setting, and the scones (oh, the scones) — I filmed the full experience for my YouTube channel, Suitcase Society. You can watch the video below: