SpaSeekers’ guide to the best afternoon teas in Yorkshire & Leeds
Nothing beats combining spa luxury and pampering with an elegant and indulgent afternoon tea. Fortunately, the diverse county of Yorkshire is home to lots of wonderful venues which serve up fantastic spa experiences alongside decadent dining.
Here, we take a trip across the county to pick out some of our favourite spas which offer the best afternoon teas in Yorkshire. So, whether you’re in search of a spa day with afternoon tea in Leeds or a few hours relaxing in the stunning Yorkshire countryside, we’re sure to have the right package for you.
Why book a spa day with afternoon tea in Leeds & Yorkshire?
Afternoon tea has become hugely popular and it’s not hard to see why. The irresistible combination of savoury and sweet treats, all served with a refined pot of loose-leaf tea (or even a glass of bubbly) is the perfect way to spend a leisurely hour or two.
The experience is taken to a whole other level when you include a few hours of idyllic spa pampering. Enjoy indulgent treatments and access to relaxing thermal facilities before adjourning to the spa’s café or the hotel’s lounge or restaurant to linger over a delicious afternoon tea.
Let’s take a look at some of our superb Yorkshire spas and spa hotels where you can also enjoy an elegant afternoon tea.
Spas serving the best afternoon teas in West Yorkshire
We start our look at spas with the best afternoon teas in Yorkshire with a trip to the west of the county. West Yorkshire is home to the cities of Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield, as well as lovely countryside and charming towns, such as Ilkley and Otley.
[H3] Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Located close to Leeds, Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is a haven of tranquillity. Housed in an attractive 18th century building and set within pretty grounds, the resort is the perfect choice for a spa day enhanced by a traditional afternoon tea served in the refined Drawing Room. The spa features wonderful facilities, including an indoor heated pool, thermal suite, and relaxation areas.
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa
We move from the historic to the contemporary at the impressive Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa. Located on the edge of the city, it’s one of the best places for afternoon tea in Leeds. The spa facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. Then take a seat in the restaurant for your afternoon tea, which features a tempting mix of traditional favourites and regional delicacies.
Waterton Park Hotel
Our next choice takes us south of Wakefield to the picturesque Waterton Park Hotel. Located on its very own island in the middle of a lake, the spa hotel offers the perfect chance to really get away from it all for a day. After your indulgent spa escape, your sparkling afternoon tea is served on the mainland in The Grand Café, where you can enjoy views back to the stunning hotel and lake.
The Bridge Hotel & Spa
Our journey to find spas with the best afternoon tea in Yorkshire continues with The Bridge Hotel & Spa near Wetherby. This attractive spa hotel, a former 17th-century coaching inn, features a delightful Courtyard Restaurant, where your traditional afternoon tea will be served. First, retreat to the restful spa, where you can enjoy facilities including the eucalyptus crystal steam room and Japanese foot spas.
Spas serving the best afternoon teas in North Yorkshire
We move on to North Yorkshire, a large area which covers everything from the Yorkshire Dales to the North York Moors. Home to the city of York, as well as the towns of Harrogate and Skipton, not to mention the seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby, there is something for everyone here.
Crown Spa Hotel
Let’s start on the coast at Scarborough’s landmark Crown Spa Hotel. Boasting an enviable location close to the town centre on the majestic Esplanade, the hotel is a great choice for a spa escape with afternoon tea or lighter cream tea, served in the Taste restaurant. Meanwhile, at the serene spa, you can enjoy facilities including a swimming pool, hot tub, ice cave, and Rasul mud chamber.
Swinton Estate
For a luxury spa experience combined with one of the best afternoon teas in North Yorkshire, the Swinton Estate near Ripon is certainly at the top of the list. Nestled in acres of relaxing countryside, the hotel offers the perfect rural retreat, as well as superb amenities and delicious dining at The Castle restaurant. The spa’s extensive thermal suite and indoor/outdoor pools are sure to leave you thoroughly relaxed.
DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa
Next, we head to another landmark, the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa. Ideally located in the centre of the elegant spa town of Harrogate, the hotel has been welcoming guests since 1889. Look forward to afternoon tea at Frederick's Lounge Bar and Terrace, as part of your pampering spa day. The facilities include an extensive thermal suite and even an outdoor hot tub.
Nidd Hall Hotel & Spa
We stay in Harrogate for the last stop in our tour of North Yorkshire spas serving the best afternoon teas. Nidd Hall Hotel & Spa is a historic, picture-perfect retreat north of the town near Ripley, which promises refined relaxation. Savour your afternoon tea in the grand Brasserie32 and indulge at the sumptuous spa, with luxurious treatments, as well as a pool, sauna, and steam room.
Spas serving the best afternoon teas in South Yorkshire
Compact but diverse, South Yorkshire includes the “steel city” of Sheffield, as well as the towns of Barnsley, Rotherham, and Doncaster. It’s also home to lots of lovely countryside, including part of the glorious Peak District National Park.
Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa
We start at the Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, which is close enough to the city centre to be convenient but far enough away to offer a welcome escape. The 12-acre hotel grounds boast their own lake, while the facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. Take a seat in the lakeside restaurant to enjoy your traditional afternoon tea.
DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park
Our next spa hotel is also conveniently close to Sheffield city centre but also enjoys a calm setting. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park is a contemporary hotel, which offers impressive facilities, including the dining spaces, where you can look forward to your delicious afternoon tea. Meanwhile the health club & spa features luxurious treatments, a swimming pool, and thermal facilities.
Mercure Barnsley Tankersley Manor Hotel
Another great choice is the Mercure Barnsley Tankersley Manor Hotel. The charming and historic spa hotel enjoys a relaxed woodland setting and offers guests a great setting for a day or stay of leisure. There is a choice of dining on-site, with traditional afternoon teas a firm favourite on the menu. Slip off to the restful spa to enjoy treatments and facilities, which include a swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Looking for spas with the best afternoon tea in East Yorkshire? Try Akasha Wellbeing Spa in Brough or The Spa at Laceby Manor just over the border in North Lincolnshire.
All spas are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change – check our website for the latest availability
Secure your spa day with afternoon tea in Yorkshire
Now we’ve introduced you to some superb spas which are serving up the best afternoon teas in Yorkshire, it’s time to plan your perfect escape. You can book your afternoon tea spa package online or contact us with any spa-related questions.
If you need more flexibility or would like to gift one of our afternoon tea spa days, our vouchers are a great option. You can buy a voucher for a specific package on the booking page or opt for an open monetary spa voucher for any value (from £25).
Vouchers are valid for 12 months, so you or the lucky recipient have plenty of time to book and enjoy a wonderfully relaxing spa day, perfectly complemented with a tempting afternoon tea.
Like a bargain? Keep an eye on our latest Yorkshire spa deals. You can find offers on spa days with afternoon tea in Leeds, as well as pampering packages across the region.