Article
Best Afternoon Tea in London Worth the Splurge (From About $100)
Written by
Tammie King
If there’s one experience in London that feels like a true splurge, but still worth it, it’s afternoon tea.
This is one of those things where I would not try to go as cheap as possible. You’re not just paying for food. You’re paying for the setting, the atmosphere, and that classic London experience you probably pictured before your trip.
The good news is you don’t need to spend hundreds to enjoy it. There are a few standout places that feel special without going over the top.
What to Expect (and What It Costs)
Most afternoon tea experiences in London include:
- Tea (of course)
- Finger sandwiches
- Scones with clotted cream and jam
- Pastries and desserts
For the places that are actually worth it, you’re usually looking at:
- Roughly $80–$175 USD per person
That puts this right in your “worth it splurge” category. Check to see if a tip is already included as some places have an automatic gratuity.
The Milestone Hotel (More Intimate and Personal)
From about $120+ per person
This one feels a little different in a good way.
It’s:
- Smaller and more personal
- Cozy rather than grand
- Right near Kensington Palace
If the big hotels feel too formal, this is a really nice alternative that still feels like a proper experience.
Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea (Most “Royal” Setting)
From about $160+ per person
If you want something that feels tied to London’s royal side, this is a great option.
You’re getting:
- A beautiful garden setting
- A more relaxed royal feel
- A setting that feels a little more special than a typical hotel
It’s a nice middle ground between formal and atmospheric.
Fortnum & Mason - The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (Best Overall Choice)
From about $120+ per person
If you want one place that feels classic, polished, and still reasonably priced for what it is, this is it.
It has:
- A beautiful tea salon
- That traditional London feel
- A strong reputation without being the most expensive option
This is the one I would recommend to most people. It feels like the experience you’re looking for without pushing too far into luxury pricing.
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (Fun and Different)
From about $100+ per person
This is one of the more unique ways to do afternoon tea.
You’re:
- Riding a classic 1960s Routemaster bus
- Seeing London landmarks along the way
- Having tea while you move through the city
It’s less traditional, but a fun way to combine sightseeing with the experience.
The Ritz (Most Iconic Experience)
From about $135+ per person
This is the one people picture when they think of afternoon tea in London.
It’s:
- Formal
- Elegant
- Very traditional
If you want the full “this feels like London” moment, this is it. It’s more expensive, but it delivers on the experience.
Claridge’s (Classic and Refined)
From about $135 per person
Claridge’s is another iconic choice, very similar in level to The Ritz but with a slightly different feel.
It’s known for:
- Beautiful presentation
- Calm, refined atmosphere
- Consistently high quality
This is a great pick if you want something classic without feeling overly formal.
Afternoon Tea River Cruise (Best Views)
From about $75+ per person
This is another great option if you want something a little different.
You’ll:
- Cruise along the Thames
- See landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye
- Enjoy tea with a view
It’s more relaxed than a hotel setting and works really well if you want something scenic.
The Savoy (Great Balance of Price and Experience)
From about $130+ per person
The Savoy sits right in that middle space:
- Still iconic
- Slightly more relaxed
- A bit more approachable
It’s a really solid option if you want a well-known London experience that doesn’t feel too formal.
sketch (Most Unique Option)
From about £160 per person
If you want something different, this is it.
sketch is:
- Stylish
- Colorful
- More modern than traditional
It’s less about classic London and more about a fun, memorable experience. If that’s your style, this one stands out.
How to Choose the Right One
If you’re deciding between them, here’s the easiest way to think about it:
If you’re after that classic London afternoon tea, go with Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz. Those are the ones that feel the most traditional and iconic.
If you want something refined and elegant, but a little calmer, Claridge’s and The Savoy are both lovely choices.
If you like the idea of a tea that feels a little more intimate and personal, The Milestone Hotel is a really nice fit.
If you want something that feels a little more royal and romantic, the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea stands out. The setting gives it a special feel that is different from a standard hotel tea, and it works especially well if you want the experience to feel a little more memorable.
If you want your afternoon tea to feel like part sightseeing experience, part splurge, the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is one of the most fun options. Riding through London on a vintage Routemaster while having tea makes it feel more playful and different from the traditional hotel setting.
If you want something a little more scenic and relaxing, the Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames is a great choice. Having tea while passing some of London’s best-known sights gives it a special atmosphere, and it’s a really nice option if you want views to be part of the experience.
And if you want something more stylish and different, sketch is the one that stands out most.
- Classic London tea: Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz
- Elegant and refined: Claridge’s or The Savoy
- Intimate and personal: The Milestone Hotel
- Royal and romantic: Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
- Fun and sightseeing: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
- Scenic and relaxing: Afternoon Tea River Cruise
- Stylish and different: sketch
You really can’t go wrong with any of these, it just depends on the kind of experience you want.
Is Afternoon Tea Worth It?
This is one of those experiences where I would say yes, if you pick the right place.
- You don’t need to do it multiple times.
- You don’t need the most expensive version.
But doing it once, in a setting that feels special, is something that tends to stay with you.
What I Always Keep in Mind
This is not an everyday meal. It’s an experience.
Save on simple meals throughout your trip: bakeries, quick lunches, casual dinners, and then pick one afternoon like this to slow down and enjoy it.
That’s the balance that makes it feel worth it.
Tammie King
Tammie has traveled extensively across Europe, including time spent in England, France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. She focuses on making smart travel decisions and getting the most value from every trip. Her advice is honest, practical, and designed to help others experience Europe for less without missing out.
