After exploring Bury St Edmunds' numerous historic spots, a delicious afternoon tea will be very well earned. Here are 8 great places for you to try in and around the market town
1) The Angel Hotel
With its stunning, ivy-covered exterior, The Angel is quite possibly one of Bury's most distinctive buildings - that's saying something for a town that is also home to the likes of Moyses Hall and the various Abbey properties.
Located conveniently next to the town's main shopping and tourist areas, it's the perfect spot for finger sandwiches, scones and cakes after a long day out.
Where: 3 Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LT
When: Daily between 12 pm and 4 pm
More information: www.theangel.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea
2) Harriets Cafe Tearooms
If you walk into town from The Angel up Abbeygate Street, you'll eventually find this tearoom in one of the historic Cornhill Buildings just around the corner from one of the smallest pubs in Britain, The Nutshell.
Previously the property has been used as a library and a fire station, meaning you'll be surrounded by the town's history while eating your afternoon tea.
Where: 57 Cornhill Buildings, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1BT
When: Open daily at various times
More information: www.harrietscafetearooms.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds-tearoom
3) Ravenwood Hall
Drive for just ten minutes to the east of Bury to this pretty countryside hotel for either the Suffolk cream tea or the full afternoon tea, including their 'dine and swim' experience.
The hall is set with seven gorgeous acres, and we'd recommend taking those green areas in - you could also head further out into the countryside if you're feeling limber - before settling in for your scones and tea.
Where: Ravenwood Hall Hotel, Rougham, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9JA
When: Fridays between 3 pm and 5 pm
More information: www.ravenwoodhall.co.uk/afternoon-tea
4) Ickworth Hotel
Another location that you'll have to hop in a car to reach, The Ickworth Hotel, is based within the same stunning grounds of the eponymous National Trust property.
This majestic countryside setting is the perfect match for afternoon tea, a tradition that's been around nearly as long as the house itself. Take your pick of the conservatory, drawing room, library or terrace for an eating experience fit for the English gentry.
Where: The Ickworth, Horringer, Bury Saint Edmunds IP29 5QE
When: Daily between 12 pm and 4 pm
More information: www.ickworthhotel.co.uk/afternoon-tea
6) Really Rather Good
If you get lucky and secure the right spot in this Abbeygate cafe and coffee house, you'll be able to enjoy your afternoon tea while enjoying views of the Abbey Gate straight ahead and the Pillar of Salt just to your left.
With 100s of excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and other platforms, we think the name Really Rather Good is more than justified.
Where: 31 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LW
When: Available daily
More information: www.reallyrathergood.co.uk
7) Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, Horringer Road
Afternoon tea at Bannatyne's is served within Woodlands Restaurant, a cosy location that also serves modern British comfort food made from local ingredients.
Tea is served between 3 pm and 6 pm daily, but there will be plenty to keep you entertained at the spa throughout the day if it's more than just the food you're after.
Where: Horringer Court, Horringer Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 5PH
When: Daily between 3 pm and 6 pm
More information: www.spa.bannatyne.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds
8) Procopio's Pantry
Situated in Langton Place, Procopio's Pantry is a relatively new addition to Bury St Edmund's, having only opened at the location last summer after previously having a shop in Cambridgeshire. In this very short space of time, the team behind this tasty eatery have established themselves as a fantastic location for a comfortable and cosy place for a superb spot of afternoon tea.
Where: 17 Langton Pl, Hatter St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1NE
More information: www.facebook.com/procopiospantry
9) Grange Country House Hotel
Hidden in the quiet countryside around the town, this rustic hotel proudly describes itself as 'Bury St Edmunds' best-kept secret'.
We'd recommend getting in now before too many others find out about the hotel, its delicious afternoon teas and outdoor areas that are made delightfully secluded by the surrounding treeline.
Where: The Grange Country House Hotel, Barton Road, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3PQ
More information: www.grangecountryhousehotel.com
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