Five of the best places for afternoon tea in County Durham

Whether it's for a fancy occasion, a weekend treat, a celebration, or just because - afternoon teas are a great way of catching up with friends and family. 

Usually with finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and hot drinks (although champagne and prosecco are also great choices) - afternoon tea has become a big business, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and cultural attractions offering afternoon tea.

There are many places in County Durham for afternoon tea, but like many other locations in the UK, there is a big difference between the very best and all of the others. 

We have pieced together the five most popular places for afternoon tea in County Durham, according to TripAdvisor. 

Five of the best places for afternoon tea in County Durham:

Broom House Farm

Witton Gilbert, Durham, DH7 6TR

Traditionally a farm, farm shop and restaurant - this place does incredible afternoon teas, according to those who have visited it. 

Also offering a venue for functions and parties, Broom House Farm has been noted as a great place for afternoon tea, with people praising the laid-back atmosphere and the customer service from the staff here. 

One person said: "Fantastic. Comfy surroundings. Friendly staff who couldn't do enough for us. Afternoon Tea was beautiful, scones are to die for & so is the coffee. It was all amazing. Will I return? Definitely."

Ye Olde Stable Tea Shoppe

Vane Tempest Hall, Maynards Row, Unit 10, Durham, DH1 1QF

Ye Olde Stable Tea Shoppe is a Victorian-inspired tea Shoppe, located in an old militia building built in 1865. Made to look like you have stepped back in time, serving High Tea which is by booking only as well as other delicious and homemade cakes and scones.

Also supplying local jams and chutneys, popcorn and fudge, also a wide selection of loose leaf tea all the way from Canada.

This place has been noted as a standout when it comes to afternoon tea, high tea, and cream teas. 

On TripAdvisor, one impressed customer said: "Enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea experience here with friends yesterday. The two ladies who run it were very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. The sandwiches, scones, cakes etc were first class. Two us are vegetarian which was no problem at all. Fantastic choice of teas to choose from. Lovely atmosphere.

Please note that this location is closed throughout July - but has been added to the list, due to the popularity of the venue.

Cafedral Durham

 1 Owengate, Durham, DH1 3HB

No matter the occasion - Cafedral always gets a shoutout from tourists and locals alike - with five out of five stars on TripAdvisor making it one of the most popular venues in the whole of County Durham.

Noted as a cosy, family-run café in Durham City with an eclectic style - its afternoon teas are a standout - with visitors raving about them. 

One person said on TripAdvisor: "Having looked for a Tea/coffee shop in Durham specifically for Clotted cream and jam scones this is the Best by far. Large scones with plenty of jam and cream, they were freshly baked on site and still warm. The cakes look gorgeous too, will be trying them next. Will be back soon."

Riverview Kitchen

20 Silver Street, Durham, DH1 3RB

Always highlighted as a great venue in County Durham, this place sits just next to the river in Durham City - which sets it apart from many other places in Durham. 

If you're looking to enjoy an afternoon tea in the sun and have great views - this place is for you. 

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One impressed TripAdvisor reviewer said: "We came here for an afternoon break of a spot of cake and a hot drink, and were impressed!

"The cake was delicious - generous slices too!

"There was a great selection of teas which I appreciated as I don't drink coffee - it was nice to have something a bit different from the norm."

Crook Hall & Gardens

Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ

Crook Hall & Gardens is open seasonally - and has a great coffee shop that runs alongside it.

Boasting amazing views and food and drink to go along with it - this place is great for meeting with friends or family - and enjoying peace.

And it appears that people on TripAdvisor agree, with one person saying: "Just returned from a wonderful afternoon spent at Crook hall and gardens. We went there for Afternoon tea what we did not know it also included the superb hall and gardens. The weather was great so we decided to have the tea outside in the gardens the staff kindly obliged nothing was too much trouble for all the staff, it even started with a glass of bubbly followed by full afternoon tea."