Afternoon tea is one of those quintessentially British traditions that never goes out of style.
While nothing quite matches the ritual and theatre of a grand hotel tearoom, with its polished silverware, delicate porcelain, and soft murmur of oh-so genteel conversation, the next best thing might just be a well-stocked hamper.
These carefully curated boxes, brimming with scones, clotted cream, mini cakes, and enough tea to see you through a long, leisurely afternoon, have the power to transform even the most ordinary kitchen table, park bench, or train seat into a personal tearoom.
Once the exclusive domain of stately country houses and grand hotels, the afternoon tea hamper has undergone a modern makeover.
Today’s hampers are as much about style as substance: expect heritage tea tins adorned with classic designs alongside macarons in improbable pastel hues, finger sandwiches wrapped like precious gifts, and jars of homemade jam so artfully presented they could easily double as mantelpiece décor.
Some hampers stick to the purist’s vision by offering nothing but tea and tradition, while others embrace a more theatrical flair – pairing delicate Darjeeling with a chilled glass of Champagne or replacing a slice of Battenberg with exotic éclairs.
The appeal of an afternoon tea hamper goes far beyond the food and drink inside. Each hamper arrives imbued with a sense of occasion – sometimes literally baked into its contents – and serves as a gentle reminder that not all indulgences need to be hurried or squeezed between Zoom calls.
There’s a definite satisfaction in peeling back each layer of tissue paper and straw, discovering the clotted cream nestled beside the buttery shortbread, or spotting the elegant tea caddy hidden just beneath a cluster of fresh strawberries.
In a city that often prides itself on speed and efficiency, an afternoon tea hamper insists that you slow down, if only for an hour or two. It offers a moment of nostalgia wrapped up in wicker and ribbons, best enjoyed with company. Though, of course, there’s no shame in keeping the last scone all to yourself.
From Fortnum’s to Harrods, shop the best afternoon tea hampers below.
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Fortnum & Mason The Champagne Cream Tea Selection
For those who fancy elevating tradition, Fortnum & Mason’s Champagne Cream Tea Selection delivers pure indulgence.
Scones arrive with the promise of clotted cream and preserves, but the star here is the Champagne — perfect for raising a toast to an afternoon well spent. This hamper balances classic elegance with a hint of sparkle, ensuring your tea feels like a celebration, whether on a lazy weekend or a special occasion.
As with all Fortnum’s, the packaging is almost too beautiful to unpack. Almost.
Buy now £100.00, F&M
Panzer's Time for Tea
This Time for Tea hamper is simplicity perfected. Inside you’ll find a stylish teapot, Panzer’s Cantucci, and a quality loose-leaf Afternoon Tea blend. It’s designed for those who appreciate the essentials of a proper British tea without fuss or frills.
Whether as a gift or a personal treat, this hamper offers a charming, pared-back teatime experience that focuses on the perfect brew and delightful biscuits, celebrating tradition in its purest form.
Buy now £50.00, Panzers
John Lewis Afternoon Tea Treats Hamper
A solid all-rounder, the John Lewis Afternoon Tea Treats Hamper strikes a lovely balance between tradition and modern convenience.
Think refreshing lemonade, scrumptious chocolate cake, chewy fudge and plenty of tea from Cartwright and Butler. The packaging is neat and gift-worthy without fuss, making it a smart choice for anyone keen to enjoy a classic tea break without the faff.
It’s straightforward, well curated, and hits every note you want from a quality afternoon tea experience.
Buy now £60.00, John Lewis
Cutter & Squidge Afternoon Tea At Home - UK Delivery
Cutter & Squidge’s Afternoon Tea At Home brings a boutique bakery feel right to your doorstep. This compact box includes their signature soft, buttery scones, two chocolate brownies and two mini lemon drizzle cakes. Paired with a small jar of clotted cream and their house jam, it’s a playful and indulgent treat, perfect for a cosy teatime escape.
Buy now £29.99, Cutter & Squidge
M&S Afternoon Tea Letterbox Gift
M&S’s Afternoon Tea Letterbox Gift is designed for maximum convenience with a classy finish.
Sized to fit through your door, it contains a variety of delectable mini treats including two Victoria Sandwich Cakes, two Millionaires Shortbread bars, two Carrot Cakes with Walnuts and an impressive 16 luxury gold tea bags.
It’s a petite but perfectly formed offering for sharing or solo indulgence, combining ease with traditional teatime pleasures.
Buy now £20.00, M&S
Bettys Afternoon Tea Gift Box
Bettys’ Afternoon Tea Gift Box offers a quintessential Yorkshire tearoom experience delivered to your door.
Inside, you’ll find freshly baked buttery scones with clotted cream and jam, pretty pink Macarons, and an assortment of classic pastries and cakes—all crafted with Bettys’ signature finesse. Beautifully presented in a branded box, it’s perfect for those who appreciate traditional teatime elegance combined with home comfort.
Whether for a special occasion or an indulgence, Bettys brings a touch of timeless charm and sophistication to every bite.
Buy now £50.00, Bettys
The Cornish Company The Sweet & Savoury Deluxe Hamper
The Cornish Company’s Sweet & Savoury Deluxe Hamper strikes a delightful balance between flavoursome indulgence and hearty comfort.
This generous hamper features artisan savoury treats such as Cornish pasties and saffron cake, alongside sweet delights including Cornish clotted cream, preserves, and shortbreads. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy a varied teatime spread with a distinctly Cornish twist.
Presented in a rustic style, it’s perfect for casual gatherings or a cosy teatime at home, celebrating the best of Cornish produce.
Buy now £44.99, The Cornish Company
Madame Valerie's Afternoon Tea for 4
Patisserie Valerie’s Afternoon Tea for 4 is a generous, elegant selection designed for sharing. It includes an assortment of classic cakes and pastries showcasing their signature French patisserie flair, alongside plain and fruit-studded scones, clotted cream and jam.
Beautifully presented and ready to enjoy, it’s perfect for intimate gatherings or family teatimes.
Buy now £55.95, Patisserie Valerie
Harrods The Tea Time Treats Hamper
Harrods’ Tea Time Treats Hamper is a sophisticated celebration of afternoon tea luxury. Featuring a selection of both tea and coffee, an eight-piece milk chocolate selection box, all-butter British shortbread rounds with chocolate, and house marmalade that Paddington himself would envy, it captures the essence of the famed Harrods food halls and is presented in an elegant wicker box to boot.
Buy now £95.00, Harrods
