Tea drinking is arguably our country’s biggest ritual. 

Introduced in Britain in the early 1840s afternoon tea started off as a mini-meal used to curb people’s hunger before their evening meal at 8pm. 

The delightful affair usually comprises delicate finger sized sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. 

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed almost anywhere including at home or in the park. However, the most splendid way to enjoy this British tradition is whilst being waited on in a hotel or classy establishment. 

No matter your budget or taste, there is guaranteed to be an afternoon tea venue on this list to suit your preferences.

Did we miss your favourite place off the list? Let us know about it in the comments.

Hotel Miramar 

Bournemouth Echo:

The country house hotel is a seaside venue that serves afternoon tea every day. 

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Miramar is served in the Drawing Room or outside on the deck or terrace. They can also arrange a bespoke afternoon tea party in The Library for a larger group of guests.

Prices start at £16.50 per person for the 'Miramar Tea by the Sea' which includes: ham, cucumber, prawn and smoked salmon sandwiches, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as tea pastries and tea or coffee.

Hotel Miramar also offers a ‘Champagne Tea by the Sea’ as well as a gluten free and vegetarian option.

For those who don't have a sweet tooth, there's a savoury offering featuring a cheese scone, a mini pork pie and a Scotch egg which is priced at £19.95. 

The Norfolk Royale Hotel

The Norfolk offers afternoon tea every day from 2pm to 5pm which can be enjoyed in the lounge, art deco veranda or private garden. 

The tea is similarly priced to the Miramar, starting at £14.50 per person.

It includes an assortment of finger sandwiches including home cooked ham, cucumber, egg mayonaise, smoked salmon as well as, warm scones with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam, cakes and pastries tea or coffee.

The Norfolk offers a prosecco tea as well as a champage tea, additionally they have a children's afternoon tea party option costing £9.99 per person.

Steam Vintage Tea Rooms

This shabby-chic, retro tea rooms offers a wide array of team option including their applauded 'Steams Afternoon Tea' which has been heralded as "the best ever" by reviews on TripAdvisor. 

The high tea costs £12.95 per person with gluten, vegan and dairy free options available.

It includes; sandwiches, homemade cake, scones with preserves, honey and clotted cream and tea or coffee with a free refill.

Steam Vintage Tea Rooms  also offer afternoon tea to takeaway with all the trimmings. 

The Living Room

The Living Room is a boutique B&B and tea room which can be found on Drury Road in Westbourne. 

If you're looking for something a bit snazzy and different, The Living Room could be the place to try a tea, always served on vintage china. 

The Living Room offer a traditional afternoon tea option, which is available with gluten free or vegan options, or they have a savoury tea for those of us without a sweet tooth. 

The tradition afternoon tea costs £14 per person and includes seasonal sandwiches, cakes, scone with jam and clotted cream as well as specialist loose leaf tea or filter coffee. 

Ventana Grand Cafe at The Cumberland

Bournemouth Echo:

Self described as the 'ARTea' the Ventana Grand offers an art deco inspired afternoon tea experience. 

The priciest option out of all the tea rooms, Ventana's classic afternoon tea starts at £18.95 per person and includes: an array of finger sandwiches such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, egg mayonaise and chicken with mustard mayonnaise as well as homemade raisin and cinnamon scones with jam and cream, mini puddings and cakes as well as loose leaf tea of Illy coffee. 

Although the most expensive of the five, the Ventana also has a wider selection of teas available including prosecco, champage, gin or cocktail teas which cost between £25 and £30.