Located in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan, Hensol Castle offers an exquisite afternoon tea experience that seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary culinary delights. Served within the castle’s elegant atrium, guests are treated to a selection of meticulously crafted treats, making it an ideal setting for special occasions, leisurely afternoons, or thoughtful gifts.
Traditional Afternoon Tea: A Quintessential Experience
Priced at £30 per person, the Traditional Afternoon Tea at Hensol Castle presents a delightful array of sweet and savoury offerings. Guests can indulge in:
Savouries: A selection of finger sandwiches including smoked chicken with tarragon mayo, cucumber with cream cheese and watercress, honey roast ham with piccalilli, tomato and basil, and smoked salmon rillettes.
Sweets: Homemade fruit and plain scones served with clotted cream and jam, orange and crème fraîche tuiles, lemon meringues, carrot cake, black forest dome, and apple crumble oat cake.
Accompaniments: A pot of tea from their speciality range or a French press of dark roasted ground coffee with hints of chocolate and caramel.
This traditional offering captures the essence of British afternoon tea, providing a balanced mix of flavours and textures.
Prosecco and Champagne Afternoon Teas: Elevate the Experience
For those seeking an added touch of luxury, Hensol Castle offers Prosecco Afternoon Tea at £37 per person and Laurent Perrier Champagne Afternoon Tea at £45 per person. These options include all the delights of the traditional afternoon tea, complemented by a glass of Prosecco or Laurent Perrier Champagne, respectively. It’s an excellent choice for celebrations or simply indulging in a more opulent tea experience.
Dietary Considerations: Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
Understanding the diverse dietary needs of guests, Hensol Castle provides vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea menus, available upon pre-order.
Vegan Menu: Features items such as beetroot falafel bites, banana, almond and oat bread, blackcurrant crumble slice, sultana scones with plant-based butter and jam, and a variety of vegan-friendly sandwiches including coronation chickpea with curry mayo and grilled pimento with harissa hummus.
Gluten-Free Menu: Includes dark chocolate mocha meringues, carrot and walnut cake, Waldorf chicken salad cups, blackcurrant crumble slice, sultana scones with clotted cream and jam, and gluten-free sandwiches like cucumber with crème fraîche and mint.
These thoughtfully curated menus ensure that all guests can enjoy the afternoon tea experience without compromise.
Booking and Gift Vouchers
Afternoon tea at Hensol Castle is served Friday through Sunday, and advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred date and time. For those looking to gift this delightful experience, Hensol Castle offers beautifully packaged gift vouchers, valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Vouchers can be delivered via email or through postal services, making them a convenient and thoughtful gift option.
Experience the charm and elegance of a traditional British afternoon tea at Hensol Castle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a leisurely afternoon, the castle’s afternoon tea offerings promise a memorable experience. For more information and to make a reservation, visit their website.
Reviews

The setting at Hensol Castle is absolutely magical—stepping inside feels like entering a fairytale. The afternoon tea was beautifully presented, with delicate pastries and freshly made sandwiches. Staff were incredibly welcoming and made the whole experience even more memorable.

We had a lovely afternoon tea after the gin tour, and both experiences were top-notch. The food was fresh, varied, and full of flavour—especially the scones with clotted cream. Such a peaceful and elegant venue, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel right at home. The tea selection was impressive, and the sweet treats were both indulgent and refined.
It’s the kind of place you want to return to for every celebration.

Afternoon tea at Hensol Castle exceeded all expectations—charming atmosphere and flawless service. The castle grounds were stunning, adding a tranquil backdrop to a delicious spread. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a luxurious and relaxing afternoon out.

We celebrated a birthday here and couldn’t have chosen a better spot. Everything from the finger sandwiches to the petit fours was thoughtfully prepared. The entire team went above and beyond to make it a truly special occasion.
Brod Penarth
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The Ivy, St Helen’s Square, York
Afternoon Tea at The Ivy St Helen’s Square in York is served daily from 3–5pm in a stylish brasserie setting near York Minster. Guests enjoy a three-tiered stand of finger sandwiches, fruit scones with clotted cream and jam, and seasonal cakes, with a selection of teas or coffee. Champagne upgrades are available. Vegetarian options are offered, though other dietary requests may be limited. Ideal for both locals and visitors, booking ahead is recommended to secure a table.
Waterloo Gardens Tea House, Penarth
Waterloo Tea Penarth offers a relaxed afternoon tea experience in a light-filled art deco setting. Guests enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, with vegan options available on request. Paired with over 50 global tea blends, it’s ideal for quiet catch-ups or special occasions. Afternoon tea is £25 per person and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Reeservations are encouraged.
Waterloo Gardens Tea House, Wyndham Arcade, Cardiff City Centre
Enjoy a calm and refined afternoon tea at Waterloo Tea in Cardiff’s historic Wyndham Arcade. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and handmade cakes, with classic or vegan options available. The teahouse also features a small gallery space and a private room for groups up to 14, making it ideal for celebrations or quiet catch-ups. Afternoon tea is £25 per person and must be booked 24 hours in advance. Open seven days a week.
Voco, St David’s Cardiff
Afternoon Tea at voco® St David’s Cardiff blends classic tradition with a touch of Welsh character, all served in a stylish setting by Cardiff Bay. Available Friday to Sunday, the menu features sandwiches, warm scones, handmade cakes, and a curated tea selection, with optional upgrades to Prosecco or Champagne. The Welsh Afternoon Tea includes regional favourites like rarebit and mini pasties. Bookings require at least eight hours’ notice to ensure everything is freshly prepared.
Hilton Cardiff
Afternoon tea at Hilton Cardiff is served daily from 2–4 PM at Graze Restaurant & Bar, opposite Cardiff Castle. Guests can enjoy a relaxed setting with seasonal finger sandwiches, warm scones, and handmade pastries, all paired with whole leaf teas. The menu reflects local flavours and caters to gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and halal diets with 48 hours' notice. Prices start from £35 per person. Book online or call 029 2064 6300 to reserve your table.
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