Weston Park, a historic estate on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, is bringing back its much-loved afternoon tea events for 2025. With a stunning Victorian Orangery overlooking the gardens and a magnificent dining room, the estate provides the perfect setting to indulge in one of Britain’s favourite pastimes: afternoon tea.
Andrea Webster, head of marketing at Weston Park, says the tradition of afternoon tea holds a special place in the British heart. “Let’s face it, we Brits love our tea – 100 million cups a day prove that,” she said. “But there’s something extra special about making time for a proper afternoon tea, especially in such a beautiful and elegant venue.”
The tradition of afternoon tea began in the 1840s, thanks to Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. Struggling to wait until 8pm for dinner, she started serving tea and snacks in the late afternoon. The idea caught on quickly and became a beloved British tradition.
At Weston Park, guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea featuring freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and local preserves, and a selection of homemade cakes. The estate’s garden-to-plate approach makes it even more special, with all ingredients sourced from its own walled garden and orchards. “We’re particularly proud of our garden-to-plate approach,” added Webster. “There’s something rather lovely about enjoying treats made with ingredients grown just a stone’s throw away.”
The 2025 afternoon tea events will be held on selected dates throughout the year, starting on Sunday, March 9. The events offer a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the rich tradition of afternoon tea while surrounded by the estate’s stunning gardens and historic charm. For those interested in attending, full details, including a full list of dates and booking information, are available on Weston Park’s website.
Afternoon tea has long been a central part of British culture. Today, sweet biscuits remain the nation’s favourite tea-time treat, with nearly half of people admitting to dunking them in their tea, according to the UK Tea & Infusions Association. The debate of whether to spread cream or jam first on scones still divides people in Devon and Cornwall, and by the 1880s, afternoon tea was so important that it even began to influence fashion, with people choosing their outfits to suit the occasion, as noted by the British Museum.
Whether you prefer your scones with cream or jam, Weston Park’s afternoon tea provides the perfect setting to indulge in this centuries-old tradition while enjoying delicious food made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. With stunning surroundings, a welcoming atmosphere, and an unforgettable experience, Weston Park remains a prime destination for tea lovers in 2025.
For more information or to book your spot, visit Weston Park’s afternoon tea page.