The lively and historic market town of Lymington sits right on the edge of the glorious New Forest, and offers an inspiring mix of coastal and woodland experiences for you to enjoy. Add to this the treatsome prospect of a scrumptious afternoon tea at a variety of stunning venues close by, and we have to say, life doesn’t get much better than this.
All New Forest Collection hotels and restaurants offer their own unique take on this quintessential British tradition, with all your favourite classics nudging up next to some deliciously contemporary morsels, each one presenting itself for your ultimate indulgence and delight.
We challenge your mouth not to water now as we offer you a little taste of the delectables in store when you visit Lymington and fancy a spot of afternoon tea.
Let’s imagine you’re in any one of the stunning New Forest Collection hotels right now, as a teetering tea trolley, laden with goodies, is being proudly and expertly whisked over to your beautifully laid table. The crisp white linens and shining silverware provide the perfect backdrop as delicious savouries are placed centre stage, just for you and your companion; there are delicate sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, light and comforting quiches…
With the finest seasonal and locally-sourced produce already on show, you’re anticipating more, and when it arrives, the main event is more than worth waiting for.
There are scones with juicy jam and Dorset clotted cream, followed by the perfect brownie, a slice of cake, and well, perhaps just the smallest piece of dark chocolate honeycomb; you can hardly resist the light lemon posset and surrender to just one more of the exquisite fruit tarts in jewel-like colours. A luscious array of sweet things enjoyed with a cup of your favourite tea or one of the many herbal infusions on offer.
It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? But read on, as we bring those delicious dreams to life…
Burley Manor is a luxurious baronial-style manor house hotel set in spectacular grounds, combining heritage charm with a boutique feel. You might take your afternoon tea in the grand drawing room, join friends outside on the terrace or in the orangery, or cosy up next to the fire in one of the elegant lounges.
Savouries include roasted vegetable and feta quiche, honey-roasted local ham, and smoked salmon, and as well as the freshly baked scones, the cake stand tempts you with passionfruit curd tart, lemon drizzle, and the signature Burley pot, a strawberry coulis and cream confection.
Vegan Afternoon Tea at Burley deserves its capital letters as it is also an absolute delight: sample the sun-blushed tomato, basil and balsamic tart or nibble on an artichoke, lovage pesto and rocket sarnie; follow this with the fresh-from-the-oven vegan blue cheese and rosemary scone with black olives, but be sure to leave room for the signature Burley chocolate brownie, a slice of vanilla cake with orange blossom icing, or the rosewater panna cotta with honeycomb.
Another unforgettable venue for afternoon tea near Lymington is Bartley Lodge. Whether you choose to take your tea and scones in one of the beautiful dining rooms, or outside on its impressive stone terrace, afternoon tea at this delightful country house hotel is a sumptuous experience in every sense. With a menu boasting so many locally sourced ingredients, how will you ever choose between the Chalk stream smoked trout, the Hampshire cooked ham, the Coastal Cheddar, and the warm pork and apple?
Sweet treats include the lemon drizzle with poppy seeds, spiced rhubarb fool and the Dorset apple cake that you’re encouraged to share with your companion – though if there’s fighting over the last spoonful, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The Drift, next to The Beaulieu Inn, is another gem of New Forest Collection you’ll want to visit for afternoon tea if you’re in Lymington. This stylish country pub is laid back and comfortable, and the perfect spot to meet up with friends – it’s dog-friendly too, so after a day of walking or family time on the beach, it’s a wonderful place to receive a warm welcome, and indulge.
Choose from a mouth-watering menu of savouries featuring coronation chicken, Wiltshire ham and mustard, salmon and dill, and the very special cucumber, chives and Tunworth cheese – this is the local Camembert, unctuous and creamy and oh-so very British.
After your scones – fruited or plain? Jam first, or cream? – it’s time to bring on the sweet trolley, and you’re treated to rich chocolate choux buns and eclairs, spiced carrot cake, and cranberry and vanilla macaron. A gentle stroll around the ancient village of Beaulieu afterwards could be just the thing!
And last, but certainly not least, if you’re looking for the perfect afternoon tea in Lymington, we highly recommend the sophisticated and stylish townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed outside on the terrace or in one of their elegant indoor spaces, where the hotel’s unique style is reflected in the menu of their in-house restaurant, 1820.
Think hummus and beetroot, smoked salmon and creme fraiche sandwiches, and crispy brie and cranberry sauce. Then, with a few crumbs the only evidence that your delicious scones were ever there, you linger over lemon posset with shortbread, Absolem’s macaron with blackcurrant filling, The Queen of Heart’s bakewell tart, or a slice of McTwisp’s carrot cake. (Please remember to check your pot of Earl Grey for the odd sleeping dormouse).
Located within the New Forest district of Hampshire, Lymington is just an hour from London and easily accessible, with fantastic transport links by both road and rail. You can fly into Southampton International Airport, or arrive by sea at both Southampton and Portsmouth.
If you’re looking to enjoy afternoon tea in Lymington, Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst is only a 20-minute drive along the A337, and 5 minutes further along, approached along its exquisite woodland drive, you’ll find Bartley Lodge.
The Drift, next door to The Beaulieu Inn, is just a 20-minute drive away from Lymington starting out on the B3056. Burley Manor is also close by at only 30 minutes away along the A337, after a drive through spectacular scenery to reach your afternoon tea.
As an historic market town and thriving sailing resort, Lymington offers something for everyone. As well as its stunning coastal walks and easy access to all the forest has to offer, it also boasts a bustling Saturday market, Hurst Castle, and the impressive Iron Age settlement at nearby Buckland Rings.
And a dainty and decadent afternoon tea experience, just round the corner? Surely the stuff that New Forest dreams are made of.
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