To celebrate National Tea Day on 21st April, we’ve rounded up six interesting tea experiences that you and your group will love, from tours to tea parties.
1. T-Lovers tour
London is a fantastic location for groups to enjoy afternoon tea due to the sheer number of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants which serve tea packages and cream teas. For those who want to learn that bit more, T-Lovers offers special tours of London dedicated to tea. Allowing guests to explore hidden tea gems in Mayfair as well as tea tasting tours in Shoreditch, these bespoke packages can help tea-crazed groups make the most of their trips. Booking for these tours is essential and they take place on various dates throughout the year.
2. Tea up high at Spinnaker Tower
Ever wanted an afternoon tea with a view? The Emirates Spinnaker Tower offers a High Tea Experience for those feeling brave. Towering high above Portsmouth’s Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays and with views across to Gosport and the Isle of Wight, this experience is sure to entertain those who like to dine in style. Plus, groups might like to combine a visit to the Spinnaker Tower with a trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where you can learn all about the maritime history of the town. Group bookings are available online.
Pictured: Dining at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
3. Secret Garden Tea Tours
Visiting Scotland with your group? The Secret Garden Tea Tours company offers the chance for you to explore some of Scotland’s most loved tea spots, in locations such as Glamis Castle, the Highlands, and the moors. The tours a pre-planned and are set for certain dates, so group organisers should check the website for updates. The company also runs tours in London; here you’ll visit hotels and restaurants with fun afternoon tea experiences.
4. A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
The most famous tea party of all time? The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party some would say. The Sanderson Hotel in London offers Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, complete with themed desserts and decoration inspired by Alice in Wonderland. If you’re wanting an evening trip, it also offers a Mad Hatter’s Tipsy Evening Tea, which includes an alcoholic twist to your tea experience. Large group bookings are available via the website.
5. Tea on the move
London lovers can take a trip on a B Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, which not only takes you on a trip around central London to spot the iconic sites such as Big Ben and the London Eye, but offers a vintage afternoon tea onboard, capturing the tastes of France and some delicious tea. The experience lasts around one and a half hour and groups can hire out the whole bus.
6. World Tea Tours
If you’re looking to take your love of tea abroad, then World Tea Tours provides specialised tea tours in China, India, Ceylon and Japan. Each tour takes you to a variety of famous sites; for example, the tea tour of China will include sites such as The Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, tea gardens where you can hand pick your own tea, and central Beijing. The India trip visits tea producing areas, from Darjeeling to Kangra Valley, and will also include a variety of entertainment.
Is it tea time for your group? Share your photos and recommendations with us by emailing editorial@groupleisureandtravel.com
