11 of the best Harry Potter afternoon teas in the UK

If you know your Lovegoods from your Longbottoms and your Polyjuice from your Patronus, this list of the best Harry Potter themed afternoon teas around the United Kingdom is sure to tickle your fancy. With options for tea on a steam train, cakes in a castle and even bubbles at some of the series’ iconic film locations, there are plenty of Harry Potter afternoon teas that will make you feel like you’re part of the story. It's the best way to relive the nostalgia from your childhood or take the little ones on a truly magical adventure. 

The British tradition of afternoon tea has been around since the 1840s and even today, it still has its charm, drawing together tea-drinking friends to celebrate bridal parties, birthdays, baby showers or anniversaries. It was first made popular by Queen Victoria as a fashionable grand social ceremony known as a ‘tea reception’, where hundreds of guests were invited to quell their hunger pangs before a dinner later in the evening.  

To cut a long story short – the tradition has stuck. Wherever you are in the UK, you’re bound to be able to find somewhere that serves it. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for the best afternoon teas in Cardiff or where to eat tea and cake in Leeds, we’ve probably written a guide about where to find the much-loved pastime. But traditional offerings are no longer enough, with themed afternoon teas and child-friendly teas all taking the ritual up a notch.  

Which leads us here: to the best Harry Potter afternoon teas in London and the UK. Believe it or not, there are quite a few and despite what you might think – they’re not just for kids! Scroll down for our top wizard, witch and magic-themed afternoon teas where you can tuck into a range of enchanted sweets, mystical savouries, and perfectly-brewed pots of tea. So, don your house colours and your best witch's hat and let the magic begin. Accio finger sandwich!&nbsp

Harry Potter afternoon teas in London

London, a magical city in itself, is home to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child theatre play and was the location for many filming spots during the Harry Potter film series, including Harry’s first encounter with magic in the Reptile House at London Zoo and platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station. So grab your broomstick and get ready to explore.

Wizard Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel, Pimlico

What: The Georgian House hotel’s enchanted themed afternoon tea involves three courses of treats.  An adult wizard menu includes whipped avocado and smoked salmon tartlets or roast beef and horseradish on olive bread, whilst a mini wizard menu offers ham and cheese and egg mayonnaise finger sandwiches. Both include a selection of delicious scones and ‘curious’ desserts, as a sweet way to end your meal. If you feel like making it boozy, upgrade the adults to bottomless bubbles for an extra £20. This enchanted afternoon tea, combined with a stay at the hotel’s wizard chambers, is the ideal way to complete your magical experience. No worries if you're not staying at the hotel, because this tea is open for everyone: whether you are a die-hard wizarding fan or just want something a little bit out of the ordinary.
Where: 35-39 St George’s Drive, SW1V 4DG
How much: £40 per adult and £20 per child
Book now: Georgian House Hotel

Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands and Wizard Exploratorium, Soho 

What: You wouldn’t believe it, but nestled in the heart of Soho is a Wands and Wizards Exploratorium housing five floors of pure magic. Created by The Cauldron Company, you can choose from a range of wizard experiences including this bewitching Wizard Afternoon Tea. Choose your wand, use it to unlock a chest of magic ingredients, then experiment brewing up your very own teas! You’ll also receive a selection of sand-witches and desserts, including 'elven' scones and ‘wizard’ sweets. Enjoy this magical experience with a 1 hour 45 minute slot, slightly longer than most standard offerings. Plus, there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and kids menus available too, so everyone can take part.
Where: 26 Greek Street, W1D 5DE 
How much: £47.99 per adult and £34.99 per child
Book now: Wand & Wizard Exploratoriam

The Afternoon Tea That Must Not Be Named at Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross

What: If you’re going to go for a Harry Potter themed afternoon tea, then King’s Cross is clearly the place to be. The Great Northern Hotel offers a luxurious backdrop to enjoy a whimsical afternoon tea, available from 1-5pm, Thursday to Sunday. Served in the hotel's Rails restaurant, it's perfect for those looking to take a trip down memory lane. Menus are rather magical, offering the likes of ‘Enchanted’ arancini, ‘Butterscotch beer’ panna cotta and a passionfruit ‘Snitch,’ all washed down with unlimited loose-leaf teas, or a glass of fizz - if you'd prefer. Stroll on down to the station once you're done and get your picture taken at Platform 9 3/4 if you really want to complete the whole experience.
Where: Pancras Road, N1C 4TB
How much: £39.50 per person
Book now: Rails Restaurant at Great Northern Hotel

Cutter & Squidge - The Potion Room, Soho 

What: Wrap your wizard’s cloak around your shoulders and take a seat at a school desk in potions class. The potions master will arrive shortly and take you on a spellbinding journey that gets the cauldron bubbling. Mix your own potions and watch as it magically transforms in this immersive experience before you drink your creepy concoctions. The menu tantalises with a few magical surprises alongside a selection of sweet treats including brownie bites, an entire sweet station and a collection of macarons. The Potion Room is decorated with faux school badges, beakers of brews, and other-worldly knick-knacks everywhere you look. Plus, there’s the option to buy a bottomless ticket for unlimited Prosecco or G&Ts to add a bit of extra magic to the day.
Where: 20 Brewer Street, W1F 0SJ 
How much: £44.99 per adult and £34.99 per child
Book now: Cutter & Squidge 

The Hansom at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, King’s Cross

What: Visit one of the franchise’s most famous locations: King’s Cross station and see where Harry caught the Hogwarts Express steam train from platform 9 ¾. See the gothic architecture, find The Harry Potter Shop, and pose at the trolley in the wall. Then finish it off with an afternoon tea in the Hansom Lounge at St Pancras Renaissance hotel which resides in parts of the original rail station. Here you’ll be able to tuck into a selection of sweet delicacies and pastries to recharge after all your enchanted exploring. Although the afternoon tea isn't strictly Harry Potter themed, this one really is all about the location and you can take part in all manner of Harry Potter-inspired activities while you're in the area.
Where: Euston Road, NW1 2AR 
How much: £70 per person  
Book now: The Hansom

Wizard's Afternoon Tea at Tower Suites, Tower Hill

What: Enjoy a three tiered selection of afternoon tea treats at Tower Suites, with enchanted dessert options including a Sorting Hat carrot cake, salted caramel Golden Snitch and a cauldron of Butter Beer. All of this combined with views of the Tower of London is sure to leave you spellbound. It's quirky, fun and even comes complete with various costume accessories! If you've got a bit of time, and fancy walking off all those cakes, then take a stroll down the River Thames and along to the Millenium Bridge to tick another of the iconic film locations off your bucket list. 
Where: 100 Minories, EC3N 1JY
How much: From £35 per person
Book now: Tower Suites

Harry Potter afternoon teas in England

Other filming locations around the country including Hogsmeade station, Oxford University and various castles where many Hogwarts shots were filmed. So, it's no surprise that there are a handful of wizard-friendly afternoon teas around the UK to choose from.

Afternoon Tea at Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Watford 

What: A two-in-one adventure that will even delight muggles - enter the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford. Available as an add-on to the studio tour, why not finish up a truly magical day with this themed afternoon tea? On the menu is a selection of sandwiches, savouries and sweets, served alongside a collection of loose-leaf teas. You can choose to enjoy your afternoon before or after the studio tour, which is served beneath the enchanted ceiling in the Food Hall. We can’t imagine a more magical afternoon tea!
Where: Studio Tour Drive, WD25 7LR 
How much: From £79.90 for two people (although studio tour tickets are also required)
Book now: Warner Bros. Studio Tour 

Platform 10, Bridgnorth

What: This quaint yet quirky cafe in Bridgnorth serves a Witches and Wizards afternoon tea at a very reasonable price, complete with 'Philosopher's scones', Bertie Bott's jelly beans, a chocolate frog and butterscotch beer. Plus, your choice of tea or coffee is served in a 'my dear, you have the grim' hand-painted paper cup! The cafe is decorated with a starlit ceiling, velvet sofas and items and ornaments inspired by the books and movies. This Harry Potter themed tea certainly gets top marks for attention to detail.
Where: 10 Bank Street, WV16 4AJ
How much: £19.50 per adult and £13.95 per child
Book now: Platform 10

Durham Cathedral, Durham  

What: You’ll recognise Durham Castle as a film location for many Hogwarts scenes. Erected in 1093, the cathedral features beautiful Romanesque architecture with rounded arches and school corridor cloisters. There isn't a dedicated afternoon tea offer per se, but you can still indulge in plenty of freshly-brewed teas, scones, homemade cakes and sandwiches separately in the grounds. Durham Cathedral is A UNESCO World Heritage Site which shows up in the first three Harry Potter movies. See if you can spot where Ron threw up slugs and find McGonagall’s Transfiguration classroom.
Where: The College, DH1 3EH 
How much: Entry is free for the cathedral, but donations are welcome 

Harry Potter afternoon teas in Scotland

Scotland is the mystical land up North where Harry Potter came to life. Venture into the Highlands to find eerie film locations, castles, and steam trains, while in Edinburgh, find the café where J.K. Rowling began her story and stop by Victoria Street, the inspiration behind Diagon Alley.

Jacobite Steam Train over Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort Williams

What: Probably the most famous scene in Harry Potter is when the Hogwarts Express steam train travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which boasts picturesque Scottish Highlands scenery on every side. You can board the Jacobite steam train from Fort Williams and cross the viaduct while enjoying The Jacobite High Tea in first-class. Bite into Scottish cheddar and coronation chicken sarnies, homemade cakes and scones with strawberry preserves and clotted cream. This luxury experience is magical in many ways – not only do you get an elegant afternoon tea aboard a steam train, but you get to experience the untouched countryside that Harry Potter is famous for.
Where: Tom-na-Faire, PH33 6EN 
How much: £28 per person

Inverlochy Castle, Fort Williams

What: Feel like you’ve stepped into the Wizarding World with the idyllic 19th century Inverlochy Castle in Fort Williams on the banks of Loch Eil. Pair this majestic castle with an afternoon tea complete with scones, cakes and other savouries of the day, as well as gourmet freshly-made sandwiches. You can even add a glass of rosé Champagne to top it all off. Here, you can explore the picturesque Glencoe area and reminisce over the familiar countryside you’ve seen in the Harry Potter films while gracefully tucking into your afternoon tea. You can make a day of it by taking a car ride to find the loch which inspired Hogwarts' Great Lake, Loch Shiel (as seen in the Triwizard tournament) or take a trip up to Loch Eilt, the famous resting place of Albus Dumbledore.
Where: Torlundy, PH33 6SN 
How much: From £45 per person
Book now: Inverlochy Castle

All this talk about tea has got us hankering for a freshly brewed pot. If Harry Potter isn’t your cup of tea (sorry, we had to), check out our list of the best afternoon teas in London. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time is afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is roughly served between 1-4pm, acting as a light meal between lunch and dinner.

What is the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?

High tea is often confused with afternoon tea, but they are vastly different. High tea is not a social affair with finger sandwiches and scones like its counterpart, but more of a buffet-style sit-down meal served after 5pm. Originally, it was served as the main meal of the day containing hearty dishes such as pies, sausage, fish dishes, cheesy casseroles, cold meats and cheeses. To clear things up a bit more, afternoon tea is often known as low tea.

How do you dress for afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea is the perfect time to get dressed up, but most teas have a smart-casual dress code. If you’re going to somewhere like The Ritz for tea, dress more formally but otherwise smart casual is fine. Of course, cloaks, witches hats and brooms are widely accepted at Harry Potter afternoon teas. 

Can you drink alcohol at afternoon teas?

There are no formalities against drinking alcohol at afternoon teas and most offer an option to upgrade to a glass of fizz. When adding a glass of Champagne or Prosecco to afternoon teas, it gets the name ‘royal tea’. We somehow think a Butterbeer doesn't quite count though. 

Let’s get Sirius. The above mentioned afternoon teas are in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. All of which are inspired by alchemy, magic and wizards and not based on any specific story or character, and they are not Harry Potter Afternoon Teas. Harry Potter characters, names and related information are registered trademarks of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.