Christmas Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard
Guests dine in the grand Grecian Hall beside a roaring fire. The experience includes dainty finger sandwiches, home-baked scones with festive flavours, and miniature cakes crafted by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Diners can refresh their tea and sandwich plates if they have room for more.
What to Expect
Festive tea by a roaring fire in the grand Grecian Hall.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Howardian Hills
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Castle Howard Estate Ltd
Food & Drink
Menus include dainty finger sandwiches, home-baked scones with festive flavours, miniature cakes and tea, with Classic, Vegetarian, Plant-based, Wheat Free and Children’s options; a lighter tea with one fewer cake and savoury item is available on selected dates.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Afternoon-tea fans and festive-food lovers
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
£££
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: From £50 per person (£30 for children). – Get tickets
- Parking: £7.25 per car, pre-booked with your tickets. If you haven’t pre-booked you may be subject to higher charges on the day. Blue badge-holders park for free.
Tips & Advice
- Book Christmas Afternoon Tea in advance, as it cannot be purchased on the day.
- Add the tea to A Dickens of a Christmas or Gardens tickets, since it cannot be booked by itself.
- Choose a menu that suits your group; classic, vegetarian, plant-based, wheat-free and children’s menus are available.
- Pre-book parking with your tickets; Blue Badge holders can park for free.
- Consider Light Christmas Afternoon Tea on a selected date if you want the smaller menu option.
Special Events & Promotions
- Christmas Afternoon Tea must be added to A Dickens of a Christmas tickets or Gardens tickets; it cannot be purchased alone.
- A lighter Christmas Afternoon Tea is available on selected dates as a separate option.
- New for 2026: the Jellycat Shop is open daily.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is served at Christmas Afternoon Tea?
The menu includes finger sandwiches, festive-flavour scones and miniature cakes created by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Tea and sandwich plates can be refreshed.
Can I book the afternoon tea by itself?
No. Add it to A Dickens of a Christmas tickets or Gardens tickets.
Do I need to book ahead, and can I buy it on the day?
Christmas Afternoon Tea must be booked in advance; it is not available to purchase on the day.
Are dietary and children’s menus available?
Classic, vegetarian, plant-based, wheat-free and children’s menus are available.
Is there another afternoon tea option?
Light Christmas Afternoon Tea is available on selected dates. It includes one fewer cake and one fewer savoury item than Christmas Afternoon Tea.
More Christmas Events near York
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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