17 best children's afternoon teas in London

It’s funny that we consider traditional afternoon tea experiences as an elegant, grown-up pastime when, essentially, it’s just a children’s tea party with real tea and a hefty price tag. When you stop and think about it, afternoon tea generally comprises all the things kids love: crust-less sandwiches, sweet scones and a variety of miniature cakes and treats that are perfect for little hands. Some kids even like a cuppa (although lots of the options below offer hot chocolate or milkshakes instead)!

There are so many reasons to treat your little ones to the perfect kids’ afternoon tea. It could be half term and they're driving you wild around the house – when any excuse to get out is a welcome distraction – or perhaps it’s a moment for a special celebration, a birthday or a significant rite of passage (you know, like moving from primary to secondary school or losing their last baby tooth). Whatever the reason, there’s something super sweet about seeing kids get excited about doing something that feels so grown-up. Why not get everyone to choose their favourite outfit, go for afternoon tea with kids and make a real day of it?

These days lots of hotels and afternoon tea pourers have devised special themed afternoon teas for kids, often riffing on popular children's books, plays and TV shows. Think Roald Dahl inspired afternoon teas, Beauty and the Beast, and interactive science experiences.

We often get asked where the best children’s afternoon teas are in London, so we've pulled together a guide which includes all of the top spots to spoil your mini-mes. We don’t think you can get much better than treating your child(ren) to afternoon tea that’s tailor-made for them. These bespoke kids’ afternoon teas we’ve rounded up for you are all fun and delicious, which makes them fantastic for all involved.

The best children's afternoon teas in London

Whether you're rounding off a morning's sightseeing around the capital, meeting friends for a half-term play date, or just need an activity saved for a rainy day, these extra special children's afternoon teas promise smiles all round.

Prince & Princess Afternoon Tea at The Milestone, Kensington

What: This Kensington hotel has curated a bite-sized selection of crowd-pleasing treats for little ones, starting with the likes of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, before moving on to scones with jam and cream, followed by neat little treats like macarons and choux buns. Kids can select to enjoy their sarnies on white or caraway seeded bread, while drinks include a choice of milkshake, hot chocolate or a soft drink.
Suitable for: Children 12 and under
How much: £45 per child
Where: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
Book now: The Milestone

A Blooming British Children's Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London, Bayswater

What: Step into a world of wonder with a children's afternoon tea that celebrates the beautiful flowers and precious pollinators of the newly transformed Royal Lancaster gardens. Little ones can expect a delicious selection of miniature finger sandwiches, warm baked scones and flora and fauna inspired sweet bites including a delicious blackberry Ladybird.
Suitable for: Children 12 and under
How much: £30 per child
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
Book now: Royal Lancaster London

Creative Jungle Themed Kid's Afternoon Tea at Pan Pacific, Aldgate

What: Alongside an afternoon tea with traditional flavours made for adult tastes, Pan Pacific offers the opportunity for little ones to unleash their creative side with a decorate-your-own children’s afternoon tea experience. They’ll choose their own icing, sprinkles and toppings to turn their sweet treats into works of art. Expect Singa lion biscuits, and jungle rice crispies with a choice of hot chocolate or (caffeine-free) iced tea.
Suitable for: Creative kids and younger age groups
How much: £29 per child, must be booked alongside an adults afternoon tea
Where: 80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Book now: Pan Pacific London

Paddington Afternoon Tea at ROBA Café & Bar, Paddington

What: If you’re looking for a fun, unfussy afternoon tea near Paddington, Roba is a hidden gem. Their kids' offering is a brilliantly colourful, interactive Paddington Bear afternoon tea, featuring plenty of sweet treats that younger diners will love. It’s a more casual affair than the grand hotels, making it a stress-free option for parents who want their children to enjoy the novelty of a tiered stand without the pressure of a formal dining room.
Suitable for: Children of all ages
How much: £14.95 per child
Where: 34 Norfolk Place, W2 1QW
Book now: ROBA Café & Bar

Afternoon Tea at Swan London, Bankside

What: The 'Young Person’s Afternoon Tea' at Swan London adds a touch of flair to an already theatrical trip to the incomparable Shakespeare’s Globe. Inspired by the Bard’s tales, the menu features creative sweets and savouries that bring a bit of drama to the table, from mini scones to bowls of jelly and ice cream. With stunning views of the Thames and St Paul’s, it’s the cherry on top of a brilliant cultural day out for the family, blending historic inspiration with some of the best scones in the area.
Suitable for: Children 10 and under
How much: £29.50 per child
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
Book now: Swan London

Sketch: The Gallery, Mayfair

What: While the adults enjoy the gallery's iconic velvet seating, the Children’s Afternoon Tea at Sketch ensures little ones aren't left out of the fun. This artistic spread features creative, kid-friendly sandwiches and whimsical pastries that look almost too good to eat, from lemon Battenberg to a mini chocolate Opera cake. To wash it all down, they can choose from exotic fruit juices or a classic hot chocolate, and they even walk away with their own ‘Pat the Bear’.
Suitable for: Children of all ages
How much: £55 per child
Where: 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG
Book now: Sketch: The Gallery

Afternoon Tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

What: This Chelsea boutique hotel offers a beautifully curated 'Children's Tea' that mirrors the elegance of its surroundings. Served in the cozy library or the stylish Hans' Bar & Grill, the menu features an array of fun sandwiches and pastries, from brownies to mini doughnuts, that are as delicious as they are pretty. This one is a little more sophisticated than others on this list, making it ideal for a quiet moment away from the busy King’s Road or the museums of South Kensington.
Suitable for: Children 12 and under
How much: £29 per child
Where: 11 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 2RJ
Book now: 11 Cadogan Gardens

Afternoon Tea at The Stafford, St. James's

What: The Stafford delivers a kids’ tea that is just as sophisticated as the adult version but tailored for smaller appetites. Set in the hotel's elegant lounge, children can tuck into a selection of familiar finger sandwiches followed by plain and fruit scones. The highlight is undoubtedly the collection of cakes and pastries, designed specifically by the hotel’s in-house patisserie team to appeal to younger palates. You’ll struggle to find a more polished afternoon tea experience in all of London, but keep in mind that outside of school holidays, The Stafford only serves kids’ afternoon tea for hotel guests.
Suitable for: Children 12 and under
How much: £50 per child
Where: The Stafford London, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: The Stafford

Tea and Tales at The Den, St Martins Lane, Covent Garden

What: The Den offers a 'Tea Tales' experience that turns snack time into a storytelling session. This playful menu moves away from tradition with bite-sized treats and colourful cakes that spark the imagination, with themes regularly changing to reflect nearby West End performances. It’s a fantastic option for families looking for a fun, relaxed pit stop in the heart of London, especially those who might find smarter hotels a bit too quiet.
Suitable for: Children of all ages
How much: £35 per child
Where: St Martins Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX
Book now: The Den, St Martins Lane

MiniTEA at Conrad London St. James, Westminster

What: Located just a hop from St James's Park, the MiniTEA in The Orchard Room is ideal for a post-walk treat. The chefs here focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, serving up mini versions of the classics alongside some creative, hands-on twists, like a decorate-your-own dessert platter, where you can top your own cupcakes and tarts with sprinkles, icing and more. The bright, airy setting is welcoming for families, ensuring that the experience feels like a luxury treat for the parents while remaining completely engaging and accessible for the kids.
Suitable for: Children of all ages
How much: £29 per child
Where: 22-28 Broadway, SW1H 0BH
Book now: The Orchard Room at Conrad London St. James

Little Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at Blakemore Hyde Park, Paddington

What: If you’ve spent the morning burning off energy at Hyde Park and the Diana Memorial Playground, the 'Little Prince and Princess' tea at The Terrace is a lifesaver. This hidden gem near Hyde Park offers a dedicated kids' menu that swaps out the scary stuff for familiar favourites like ham, cheese, and jam sandwiches. The real winner is the sweet tier, featuring mini brownies and cupcakes that are perfectly sized for smaller hands, as well as a choice of milkshake flavours.
Suitable for: Children 10 and under
How much: £15 per child
Where: Blakemore Hyde Park Hotel, 30 Leinster Gardens, W2 3AN
Book now: Blakemore Hyde Park

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, St. James's

What: You can't get more classic than Fortnum’s, and the Children’s Afternoon Tea is a masterclass in tradition, scaled down for younger diners. From the famous rare-breed hen egg sandwiches to the iconic plain scones, every detail is considered, even for the littlest ones. We really appreciate the way Fortnum & Mason’s tea still delivers that quintessential afternoon tea polish, without being overwhelming - for example, kids can choose between taster teas, or stay safe with a hot chocolate. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a special birthday, complete with the impeccable service that has made this salon a London landmark for centuries.
Suitable for: Children 10 and under
How much: £45 per child
Where: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Book now: Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason

Children’s Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London St James, St James's

What: Served in Sofitel London St James's gorgeous Rose Lounge, the Children’s Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea is every bit as dramatic as its namesake. The room is dressed in striking crimson velvet, setting the perfect backdrop for little ones to enjoy a curated selection of delicate sandwiches and fresh scones, followed by a parade of pastries that look like miniature works of art. The tea mixes things up with some easy-going sandwiches, like roast turkey, and egg mayo, alongside slick patisserie creations like a beautiful mango, passion fruit and coconut opera cake, as well as a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Suitable for: Children aged 10 and under
How much: £40 per child
Where: 6 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AN
Book now: Sofitel London St James

Little Prince and Princess Tea at The Rubens at The Palace, Victoria

What: Every child deserves to feel like a little prince or princess, and there’s nowhere better to give that joy than at The Rubens at The Palace. It’s especially true when the lineup includes the likes of vanilla custard slices and apple cinnamon doughnuts. What’s more, there’s a grown-up version offering salmon and caviar sandwiches and other luxurious treats for you to tuck into while the kids are getting their fingers good and sticky.
Suitable for: Children 12 and under
How much: £45 per child
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The Rubens at The Palace

Mini Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Georgian House Hotel, Pimlico

What: Calling all little witches and wizards: The Georgian House Hotel offers all the potion-making and delicious treat snacking you could wish for. Things start off with a selection of sandwiches stuffed with ham and cheese, cucumber, and egg mayonnaise, before continuing with vanilla scones with ‘curious cream’ and a selection of desserts. We’re talking magical macarons, iced cakes, and slices. It’s time to conjure up a booking!
Suitable for: Children ages three to 12
How much: £20 per mini wizard
Where: 35-39 St George’s Drive, SW1V 4DG
Book now: The Georgian House Hotel

Children's Afternoon Tea at Brown's Hotel, Mayfair

What: Brown's is one of London's oldest, most storied hotels, so there's nowhere better if you want to treat the family to the ultimate, quintessential afternoon tea experience. Tea in the Drawing Room is just as special for kids as it is for adults, as the expert kitchen team conjures up a menu of treats that includes roasted Iberico ham sandwiches, fresh scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of macarons, meringues, cakes and more. You can also buy a special edition hardback copy of Rudyard Kipling's 'Jungle Book' here - after all, it’s in this hotel that Rudyard wrote many of his tales.
Suitable for: Children of all ages
How much: £45 per child
Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: Brown's Hotel

The Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, Mayfair

What: Take your children to this sweet-tastic afternoon tea and they’ll be running around like... well, a kid in a candy store. Inspired by nostalgic and traditional sweet shops, this children's afternoon tea at The Chesterfield follows up the traditional finger sandwiches and scones with an array of sweet treats - think a Coca-Cola slice and strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake. This afternoon tea is undoubtedly suited to children, but fun-loving grown-ups are welcome too, and your efforts can be rewarded with a glass of Champagne.
Suitable for: Children under 12
How much: £39 per child
Where: 35 Charles Street, W1J 5EB
Book now: The Chesterfield

Love an afternoon tea? London is the place for you - there's a great afternoon tea around every corner in London, you just need to know where to look! Check out some of London's best themed afternoon teas here, or scroll through our complete list of afternoon teas in London to find the perfect one for you.