There’s something undeniably special about sitting down to a beautifully prepared high tea. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a moment. An occasion to pause, to indulge, and to connect with the people around you over delicate bites, fragrant teas, and a table set with elegance and care.
At Vineyard Cottages, we’re proud to bring the tradition of high tea to life in the most idyllic setting imaginable — surrounded by vines, rolling hills, and the quiet beauty of the countryside. Whether you’re marking a milestone, treating someone you love, or simply craving an afternoon escape, our high tea experience is designed to make every visit feel like a celebration.
The origins of high tea date back to 19th-century England, where the ritual was less about grand occasions and more about solving an everyday problem: the long wait between lunch and dinner. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is credited with starting the custom of enjoying tea and a light snack in the late afternoon, inviting friends to join her for this delightful pause in the day. Over time, the tradition blossomed into a social event, complete with tiers of beautifully presented food, fine china, and good conversation.
Today, high tea remains one of the most charming ways to gather with friends and family. And at Vineyard Cottages, we’ve taken that classic tradition and infused it with local flavours, hospitality, and a distinct sense of place.
When you arrive at Vineyard Cottages, you’ll quickly understand why high tea here is more than just an ordinary afternoon treat. The setting itself is enough to transport you into a slower, more thoughtful rhythm — nestled among mature vines and native gardens, with the gentle sounds of birdlife and the fresh country air offering a true escape from the everyday.
Our high tea menu is crafted to reflect the best of both tradition and local flair. You’ll find a generous selection of both savoury and sweet delights, prepared fresh in our kitchen with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Expect the classics — fluffy, warm scones served with lashings of house-made jam and rich, velvety cream. Delicate finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings, each one prepared with care to balance flavours and textures. You’ll also enjoy an ever-changing assortment of bite-sized pastries, petit fours, and slices, each as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.
And of course, no high tea is complete without the perfect brew. We offer a thoughtful range of teas to suit every taste, from fragrant Earl Greys and classic English Breakfast blends to soothing herbal infusions. If you’d like to elevate your afternoon even more, you can add a glass of local bubbles or a carefully chosen wine from the region — the perfect companion to your selection of sweet and savoury bites.
One of the things that makes high tea at Vineyard Cottages so special is the chance to truly slow down. In our fast-paced world, it’s rare to sit at a table for an hour or two with nothing to do but enjoy great food and great company. High tea encourages exactly that. It’s a ritual of appreciation — for flavour, for conversation, and for the simple joy of being present in the moment.
Whether you’re catching up with old friends, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or treating Mum on Mother’s Day, high tea offers a beautiful way to connect and create lasting memories.
High tea is a wonderful way to mark life’s little (and big) celebrations. We love welcoming groups who are honouring birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, and baby showers. The setting at Vineyard Cottages is intimate and relaxed, making it ideal for both small gatherings and larger groups.
For those looking to create an extra personal experience, our team is happy to work with you on special touches — whether that’s dietary customisations, a glass of bubbly waiting on arrival, or even a private table tucked away for extra intimacy.
And of course, Mother’s Day is one of the highlights on our calendar. Each year, we host an elegant Mother’s Day High Tea that offers the perfect way to say “thank you” to the women who do so much for us. Tables fill fast, and we always look forward to seeing generations of families gather here, sharing laughter and stories over a beautiful spread.
One of the most common pieces of feedback we hear from guests is how “at home” they feel when visiting Vineyard Cottages. Our goal has always been to create an experience that feels welcoming and warm — an invitation, not just a service.
When you visit for high tea, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re settling into a space designed for connection. Whether you choose a table on the veranda, in our garden, or in the cozy lounge when the weather turns cool, every corner of Vineyard Cottages is designed to help you feel relaxed and at ease.
If you’re searching for the perfect way to celebrate, to gather, or to simply enjoy a beautiful afternoon, high tea at Vineyard Cottages is waiting for you. Our sittings are offered on select weekends, and for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Christmas, and seasonal events, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we promise an experience that’s equal parts delicious and memorable.
To make a booking or to enquire about group options, simply visit our website or give us a call — we’d be delighted to help you plan your perfect high tea escape.
High tea is more than just tea and cake; it’s about the people you share it with and the moments you create. At Vineyard Cottages, we’re proud to offer a space where those moments can flourish, surrounded by nature, nourished by local flavours, and wrapped in genuine hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming you soon for an afternoon that’s as timeless as it is delicious.
