Autumn Afternoon Tea at Harewood House
Nothing quite sums up the changing of the seasons like a stomp around a countryside, Wellies on, umbrella checked and in the boot of the car incase of an unexpected downpour, a balanced itinerary of indoor and outdoor adventures for the weekend ahead…
Like pumpkin picking or the first Sunday roast of the season, a day out in Yorkshire every autumn should include a visit to Harewood House for Afternoon Tea (with entry to the house, grounds and garden). The 18th Century estate brings a real front row seat: crisp walks with leaves turning from green to crisp burnt orange, and leisurely tours around the house itself until sunset. All ages will find history and nature coming together here (with a reasonable step-count), with warming tea and finger sandwiches acting as the perfect catch up spot inside the Billard Room.
With preparation for Harewood House Christmas 2026 starting to get underway (there’s definitely a quiet whisper of Michael Buble in the air), there’s only a few more weeks that you’ll be able to access Harewood House, the garden, grounds, and Billard Room for Afternoon Tea, before renovation fully takes over.
That’s why we’re recommending everyone to embrace the quiet calmness of the estate in October, and witness first-hand the changes across the grounds – gorgeous autumn walks, a quick stop at the Adventure Playground for the kids and a trip to the Walled Garden to find some of the ingredients used inside Harewood House’s own kitchen before heading inside for sweet and savoury bites during Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea naturally becomes the perfect place to warm up with a pot of fruit, herbal or traditional tea, after a brisk stroll through the estate – and every part of the menu takes takes inspiration from the impressive gardens on its doorstep, with seasonal ingredients at the very heart of their Afternoon Tea.
Naturally finger sandwiches like cucumber, lavender and mint infused cream cheese form the base of the savoury selection, whilst sweet accompaniments are made up of edible chocolate flowerpot layered with buckwheat and chocolate crumb and tropical mousse, as well as layered peach melba, macarons and scones.
Even the homemade individual quiches are designed to mirror the look of the walled gardens outside.
Perfect for catching up with family and friends alike, each sitting allows a good few hours inside the Billard Room. For those celebrating a special occasion (or just toasting to the weekend), add a glass or bottle of English sparkling wines, Nyetimber.
Afternoon Tea here also offers free entry into Harewood House to explore the history of the past three centuries. Linger in the Cinnamon Drawing Room, and find your way through three separate libraries: which offer panoramic views of the estate gardens.
Yorkshire Food Guide has partnered with Harewood House for an exclusive offer so you can save 10% on your Afternoon Tea visit to Harewood House, with entry included. You can find the full offer here.
Seasonal dining is just one of the ways we’ll be spending these longer nights. For more things to do in around Yorkshire this weekend, you can find our full guide here.
Hungry for more? We’re always on the lookout for the best Afternoon Tea in Yorkshire, and you can find our dedicated guide here.
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Written by
25/09/2026