There is something undeniably beautiful about Britain’s afternoon tea ritual. A tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years and still remains one of England’s most treasured rituals. It is a slow, satisfying pause in the day that allows you to truly relax and just reset. And in Carlisle, there is no shortage of inviting spots to enjoy this beloved British tradition. You can find yourself tucked inside a historic venue in the city centre or taking a break at a cozy countryside café. In any case, enjoying a cup of tea or tiered trays of finger sandwiches, warm scones fresh from the oven, and a tempting selection of sweet treats is one of the best feelings while on vacation.
Best Afternoon Tea Places in Carlisle
1. The Cathedral Cafe
2. The Halston
3. Laings of Harker
4. The Crown Hotel, Wetheral
5. The Bobbin Coffee Shop
5 Best Afternoon Tea Places In Carlisle
Here are some of the best places to enjoy the best afternoon tea when in Carlisle
1. The Cathedral Cafe
What better way to enjoy Afternoon tea in Carlisle than inside one of its most iconic historic landmarks? The Cathedral Cafe is located beside the masterpiece that is the Carlisle Cathedral. It offers a quiet little sanctuary for both locals and visitors to enjoy the afternoon amidst the magnificent view that is the cathedral. While the food is simple and satisfying, mostly handmade sandwiches and steaming soups, the atmosphere is what really sets it apart.
The cafe has tall windows that bathe the room in natural light and open up to views of the cathedral gardens. On warmer days, the outdoor seating area in the cloisters is one of the best treats to oneself. Guests get to dine alfresco in the very middle of the cathedral grounds amidst the cloisters and garden regions.
The afternoon tea at Carlisle Cathedral is a proper affair with the all shingbang laid out. Soft, fruit scones served with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, and a whole list of sweet bites, homemade and beautifully presented. And if you prefer to elevate your experience, you can upgrade with a glass of Prosecco or opt for the “Afternoon G&T” featuring local gins and artisan tonics. The café doesn’t just get its reputation due to its enviable location alone. Everything is prepared fresh in its own kitchen, making use of mostly local Cumbrian produce. For the coffee? A custom blend by Carlisle’s John Watt & Co. is always available, while the fizzy drinks are small-batch pops from Mawson’s. And if you’re in the mood for something stronger, there is even a locally brewed exclusive ale, The 900, a special courtesy from the Carlisle Brewing Co.
The Cathedral Cafe is one of the best places to relax while exploring and is perfect for everyone: couples, friends, and families. A slight downside is that dogs aren’t allowed inside the ground-floor café seating area, but they are more than welcome in the outdoor cloisters and inside the Fratry Hall and Undercroft.
Location: The Abbey, Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £25 – £30
2. The Halston
Afternoon tea is one of those British rituals that never goes out of style, and with places like the Halston in Carlisle, you understand why. The ritual is observed inside the chic, glassy surroundings of Barton’s Yard or in the blue, elegant restaurant that is Penny Blue. At Halston’s, though, they add a little spin to the typical afternoon tea with the numerous options available, so everyone can enjoy.
You can get the Classic Afternoon Tea set, a balanced mix of homemade soup and finger sandwiches rich in goat/cheddar cheese, chicken, cucumbers, and quiche, followed by warm scones piled with jam and cream, and pretty desserts that are almost too lovely to eat. Your choice of loose-leaf Farrer’s tea or a smooth, barista-brewed coffee rounds it all out. If you prefer, there is also a vegetarian version of tea, with egg, tomato, and salad cream replacing the chicken and sausage, so no one’s left out. You can also add it up with a chocolate and strawberry eclair, a fruit scone, raspberry jam, and clotted cream, or a meringue pie if you have a bit of a sweet tooth.
For those feeling a bit celebratory, there are a few ways to dial things up. You can either add a glass of Prosecco wine to your tea set or really lean into indulgence with a flute of Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne. It makes for a popular pick for bridal showers, birthday bashes, or girls’ afternoon out. You can just stroll into a Halston Afternoon tea party, though you do have to book ahead, so remember to check ahead of time.
Location: 20 – 34 Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £22 – £50
3. Laings of Harker
A short drive north of Carlisle, at the very outskirts of the city center, you will find Laing’s of Harker. A warm, no-frills kind of cafe that instantly makes you feel at home with its simplicity and delicious smell. The countryside cafe serves one of the best Afternoon teas in Carlisle every Thursday and Saturday from 2 pm and is only accessible by booking.
The experience is well worth it for the generous spread that awaits. Tea at Laings is a hearty affair, packed with fresh sandwiches, sweet and savory pastries like mini pies, sausage rolls, and quiches. The scones usually served warm with jam and clotted cream, are one of the best parts of the meal, but it is the dessert selection that truly steals the show. There are mini cheesecakes, bakewell slices, carrot cake, chocolate brownies, and even zingy lemon meringue to go with your tea. And you can be sure that they are all made in-house, right down to the smallest detail.
Each guest is offered tea or coffee with unlimited refills, and the portions are so generous that the staff helps to pack up anything you can’t finish. The afternoon tea does require a 48-hour notice (especially for groups) to enjoy the full experience.
Another major perk is the seating arrangement; you can either dine indoors or outside in the warm sun. The café is also proudly dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the outing. Other than the great food, Laing also houses a farm shop stocked with local produce and a handful of small businesses, including a beauty and gardening shop. It is easy to turn a visit into a full afternoon out.
Location: Old Harker Garden Center, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £22 – £40
4. The Crown Hotel, Wetheral
The Crown Hotel is just outside Carlisle in the charming village of Wetheral and is one of the best places for a country afternoon tea retreat. The hotel is surrounded by manicured gardens, and has its dishes rooted in local flavours.
Afternoon tea at Crown’s is a real delight, offering an elegant and comfortable take on the British tradition. Tea is usually served from Thursday through Sunday between 12 pm and 4 pm, and is the kind of experience made for birthdays, anniversaries, or those special afternoons with friends. It is served in one of the hotel’s cosy lounges or at Walton’s Bar & Eatery, with views out over the garden. The setting makes it one of those places that puts you immediately at ease before you even take your first bite.
The menu, crafted by the head chef, leans into classic English tea, where you get a neatly arranged selection of finger sandwiches, warm fruit, and plain scones fresh from the oven. There is also a delicious variety of sweet treats, made with quality ingredients, satisfying but not too fussy. For a bit of indulgence, you can order their prosecco set with wine and champagne for a more celebratory experience.
Location: Steele’s Bank, Wetheral, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £22 – £40
5. The Bobbin Coffee Shop
Bobbins Coffee Shop has been a beloved staple in Carlisle for over 30 years. Located in Shaddongate, a short stroll from the city center, The Bobbins is one of those rare places that manages to feel both familiar and new at the same time. A spacious beauty inside, the cafe combines traditional café delicacies with a modern menu, recently serving everything from full English breakfasts and hot-filled baguettes to homemade cakes and scones.
The afternoon tea, served in the café’s newly refurbished conservatory, is a relaxing treat that has quickly become a favorite. But what really makes The Bobbins stand out is its focus on inclusivity. There is a wide selection of gluten-free options, not just the odd token dish, but a full menu of bites and sweet bakes like the gooey brownies and delicate cakes. Even better, that they are gluten does nothing to detract from their taste.
Perhaps the greatest asset at the Bobbins is its atmosphere. It is more than just a café, but a true community hub. Long-time regulars mix with first-time visitors, and the staff is always warm, genuine, and attentive. They make everyone feel instantly at home. Bobbin’s is the perfect place for a cuppa of coffee and leisurely afternoon tea.
Location: Linton House, Shoddengate, Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Price Range: £12 – £20
Afternoon tea in Britain is not just another meal but a culture, a tradition that has lasted for centuries. What better way is there than to enjoy this ritual than in the historic city of Carlisle, with its ancient cathedrals and castles.
