11/08/2026
Afternoon tea, cream tea, high tea… whatever you call it, Ashbourne’s the place to take it.
It’s Afternoon Tea Week - a whole week dedicated to one of Britain’s most delicious traditions. Think sipping tea from dainty china teacups, egg and cress finger sandwiches, and fluffy scones plump with raisins.
It’s no wonder that this great British tradition is known by so many names. But what do they all mean?
A cream tea is the simple combination of tea, warm scones, clotted cream and jam.
Whereas afternoon tea takes things a little further with delicate sandwiches added to the menu as well as lots of other sweet and savoury treats, often displayed on a many-tiered cake stand.
And then there’s high tea, which, despite the name often being used today for a fancy afternoon spread, actually was a more substantial, savoury evening meal, often including things such as meat, fish, eggs, potatoes and bread, served with tea and all traditionally eaten from a chair with a ‘high’ back.
Here in Ashbourne, it’s most definitely afternoon tea and is a particularly lovely tradition to enjoy when you’re exploring this corner of the Peak District, whether in or out of town.
If you’re looking for somewhere to make the experience truly memorable, put Ilam Hall on your list.
Take a walk through the beautiful grounds of Ilam Park, then pause at the Manifold Tearoom for an afternoon tea with a stunning view towards Thorpe Cloud.
Or perhaps you prefer a glass of afternoon fizz?
One of the joys of staying at Derbyshire House is that you don’t have to venture far or take the car.
Just a gentle stroll through Ashbourne is The Little Shed, a cosy café with inside and outside seating and a charming gift shop.
So take time for tea this week and pop the kettle on.
