It’s such fun finding the best afternoon tea in the New Forest National Park area! I’m lucky enough to live locally, and the New Forest border begins just up the road, under a mile away. So having afternoon tea in Brockenhurst, Beaulieu or any of the other lovely settlements of the area is one of the foodie pleasures I can indulge in pretty much whenever I like. (As long as I do lots of cycling to burn off the calories, that is.)
Contenders as the place serving the best cream tea in the New Forest include my favourite laid-back, family friendly hotel in the area, the Balmer Lawn. Also covered in this guide is my bestie’s top pick afternoon tea spot, Rhinefield House, and the glorious Chewton Glen that’s consistently chosen as one of the UK’s top hotels. That’s only a mile from where I live. Call it good fortune if you like, but we did choose to move here around two decades ago to have all this on our doorstep!
Can’t wait? My pick of the best places for afternoon tea in the New Forest is the Montagu Arms.
My favourite is the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu because I just love the setting – and the Taittinger. They sometimes offer themed afternoon teas to mix things up. I’ve toured the kitchen here and the staff are so dedicated, and the village position near the Motor Museum is also hard to beat.
I’ve enjoyed a Christmas afternoon tea in the New Forest at the Bell Inn, Brook, a pretty village gastropub, gossiped over scones at the Old Station tea rooms and enjoyed afternoon tea at the four star Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst on a summer’s day. Whichever kind of place appeals to you, I’ve been there, seen it, eaten it and even have the professional perspective from my bestie. Who’s a corporate venue finder who’s possibly devoured more afternoon teas than you’ve had hot dinners. All in the name of research, of course 😉
If you want to enjoy a New Forest afternoon tea during your next visit, stay right here to find the ideal venue. Where will you be enjoying freshly baked scones with thick clotted cream and jam, sliced finger sandwiches and cakes served with green leaf tea or fair trade coffee? Let’s dive in and find out!
Best afternoon tea in the New Forest contents
- Top afternoon tea in Hampshire comparison table
- Best cream teas in Hampshire – Top 10
- Top Hampshire afternoon tea reviews
Best cream tea in the New Forest comparison chart
| Venue | Location | Best for | Price guide | Stay over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carey’s Manor | Brockenhurst | A spa day | ££ | Click here |
| Rhinefield House | Brockenhurst | Ornamental setting | ££ | Click here |
| Old Station | Holmsley (near Burley) | Trainspotters | £ | No |
| Lime Wood | Near Lyndhurst | Committed foodies | £££ | Click here |
| The Bell Inn | Brook (near Lyndhurst) | Pub atmosphere | £ | Click here |
| The Montagu Arms | Beaulieu | Tea and Taitt(inger) | ££ | Click here |
| Rosie Lea | Near Lymington | Green scenery | £ | No |
| Balmer Lawn | Brockenhurst | Cricket & ponies | £ | Click here |
| New Park Manor hotel | Near Brockenhurst | Matilda theme | ££ | Click here |
| The Buttery tea rooms | Brockenhurst | A bargain | £ | No |
Best New Forest afternoon tea – Top 10 options
- Carey’s Manor hotel
- Rhinefield House hotel
- The Old Station tea rooms
- Lime Wood hotel
- The Bell Inn
- The Montagu Arms – TOP PICK
- Rosie Lea house
- Balmer Lawn hotel
- New Park Manor hotel
- The Buttery tea rooms
10 best afternoon teas in the New Forest
Carey’s Manor Hotel
Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RH
Best for a spa day
The Carey’s Manor afternoon tea is one of the most searched for online when it comes to the New Forest. It’s also one of the best New Forest high teas because the gorgeous SenSpa here means you can easily make a day of it. Or even stay over – for dinner there’s French and Thai restaurants to choose from (if you can manage it).
Gluten free and vegan afternoon teas are offered here, so it’s an option for everyone. Except perhaps those watching their weight: who could resist such pretty little bakes?
Rhinefield House Hotel
Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB
Best for an ornamental setting
Just up the road, a little way from Brockenhurst is Rhinefield House Hotel. The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive here is perfect for working up an appetite before indulging. You get very grand views over the spacious grounds here while tucking in too.
Rhinefield is my bestie’s favourite venue for afternoon tea in the Brockenhurst area. And she’s picky, trust me. Anything less than freshly prepared finger sandwiches and newly baked scones does not go down a treat with her, I can tell you.
The Old Station tea rooms
Station Road, Holmsley, Ringwood BH24 4HY
Best for trainspotters
Just off the A35 is this little cafe. It was indeed formerly a station, where the railway line met what was then known as the Christchurch Road. In 1963, though, the Beeching Report led to the closure of this small station, due to the increase in car ownership.
Now afternoon tea is just one option on the menu here – or you can go for a lighter cream tea if you like. The former comes with your choice of sweet treats such as meringue confections, choux buns and fruit tarts as well as cakes like Dorset apple. Fans of savoury flavours can order a cheese and chive scone with chutney and cream cheese instead of a fruit or plain scone if preferred. If you want a gluten free New Forest afternoon tea, that box can be ticked here too.
Lime Wood Hotel
Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ
Best for committed foodies
Lime Wood more than makes the grade on two grounds. It’s a serious foodie destination anyway as HH&Co is overseen by celebrity chef Angela Hartnett plus Luke Holder (the other H). Incidentally a London taxi driver once told me she’d been in his cab, and was lovely. Lime Wood is also a laid-back country house hotel set among manicured grounds.
Afternoon tea at Lime Wood is accompanied by your choice of tea, including the exclusive Lime Wood blend. Or you can opt for a G&T or glass of English fizz if you’d rather. Oh go on then. A G&Tea it is. The signature sticky eclairs served here are heavenly.
The Bell Inn
The Bell Inn, Brook, Lyndhurst SO43 7HE
Best for a pub atmosphere
I’d never heard of the Bell Inn until I was invited for a Christmas afternoon tea in the New Forest there. Well it’s utterly delightful, with relaxed vibe and both locals and visitors in attendance. Afternoon tea here is rather a bargain compared with some other venues too. Expect modern tartans, stags’ heads and lots of warm wood and leather.
The selection of sandwiches includes thinly sliced cucumber with cream cheese, local ham, egg mayo and smoked salmon. Fruit and plain scones plus a well-balanced selection of cakes completes your meal. Extra special treats are available at Christmas time too.
My ‘Nativitea’ at the Bell Inn is pictured above
The Montagu Arms Hotel – TOP PICK
Palace Lane, Beaulieu SO42 7ZL
Best for tea and Taitt
You can walk directly from the National Motor Museum (and Palace House) in Beaulieu to the Montagu Arms. This is a lovely place for afternoon tea, with a lush green croquet lawn to gaze out over as you tuck in. During one visit I made, a special afternoon tea complete with lemon and elderflower cake was available to celebrate Prince Harry and Meghan’s nuptials. How times have changed!
The strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream, dainty cakes and finger sandwiches are beautifully presented here, and it all melts in the mouth. Especially if you indulge in a glass or two of Taittinger to wash it all down with.
Rosie Lea House
Southampton Road, Lymington SO41 8PT
Best for green scenery
If you fancy a Lymington afternoon tea in an area close to the sea, Rosie Lea house is the top pick. There’s nowhere lovelier to be on a summer’s day, with views over the glorious garden and surrounding countryside.
When you want to find a cheap afternoon tea in the New Forest this is a great option too. Yet there’s no skimping on the portions, which are very generous indeed. One of the best tea rooms in Hampshire for sure.
Balmer Lawn Hotel
Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZB
Best for cricket and ponies
There aren’t too many hotel lounges anywhere offering the opportunity of taking afternoon tea with a view of a cricket match or New Forest ponies. But the Balmer Lawn does. If you get lucky and time it right, that is. Otherwise, it’s a top notch family and dog friendly hotel with a friendly atmosphere and great facilities.
I love the laid-back ambience of the Balmer Lawn – think wellies lined up at the front door, the warm welcome of a family-owned establishment and a very short stroll into Brockenhurst. The Balmer Lawn afternoon tea is also superb, and all freshly prepared. Enjoy filled croissants, homemade sausage rolls and a tempting array of cute cakes as well as the usual warm scones smothered in cream and jam. It doesn’t cost a fortune to swap your tea for real champagne here, either.
My afternoon tea at the Balmer Lawn is pictured above
New Park Manor Hotel
Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7QH
Best for a Matilda theme
The New Park Manor offers a different twist. Their Matilda afternoon tea is themed along the lines of the Roald Dahl book. It’s available for adults as well as kids, of course, and the star of the show is the rich, gooey slab of ‘Brucie’ chocolate cake. For a children’s afternoon tea in the New Forest, this has to be the best of the bunch.
Children even get some Matilda-themed activity sheets to use at the hotel or take home. Ideal for kids who can’t rest without something to do with their hands. Other than smothering yummy food all over their faces, that is. The hotel is located on the main road between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst.
The Buttery tea rooms
25 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RB
Best for a bargain
The Buttery tea rooms are located slap-bang in the centre of Brockenhurst. As there’s a mainline train station here and regular services, it’s a great one for those travelling by train. It’s also ideal for anyone on a budget, as the prices here are a steal for a luxury afternoon tea in Hampshire.
It’s a traditional tea room, and a classic afternoon tea. Expect finger sandwiches, your choice of cake and scones piled high with jam and clotted cream. I’ve had coffee and cake here and loved the homely atmosphere. You’ll also adore the local ponies, who often wander on by while making their way along Brookley Road.
Which is the best New Forest cream tea for you?
If you want to enjoy a Hampshire afternoon tea in the New Forest, then I can highly recommend any of these hotels or tea rooms. All offer good value for money, lovely surroundings and lots of freshly baked treats. By the way, never be afraid of asking for a doggie bag if you can’t devour it all at once – it’s a great way to combat food waste.
Find the best pubs serving food in the New Forest here, 10 of the best Lymington pubs and restaurants here or the top 15 restaurants in the New Forest here.
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