The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Afternoon Tea

Fancy afternoon tea with a view? Learn exactly what is included in the Blackpool Tower Afternoon Tea experience and book your tickets today.

Looking for somewhere in Blackpool for afternoon tea?

Just searched the internet for the ‘best afternoon tea in Blackpool’ or even simply ‘afternoon tea near me?’ Well look no further! If you’re in the mood for a traditional, English afternoon tea and fancy something a little more magical and majestic, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Afternoon Tea experience is definitely the one for you!

With a delectable array of sandwiches and sweet treats, along with the nation’s favourite scone (and all its preserves), all complemented by an elegant and captivating setting, this luxury experience is certainly the no.1 in Blackpool.

Whether it’s an afternoon tea for two with a loved one, a long overdue catch up with friends, or a special treat for the little ones, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is the perfect setting for all to enjoy.

Book your enchanting afternoon tea today!

A brief history of afternoon tea

Afternoon tea has long been a popular pastime in British culture. Steeped in a rich and flavoursome history, this quintessentially English ritual comes with a charming story.

In essence, the afternoon tea origin dates to the 1840s, when Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford who, at the time was a close friend of Queen Victoria, often complained of feeling hungry in the late afternoon. The main evening meal within her family household was usually served fashionably late around 8pm, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner.

Anna often requested something small to satisfy her hunger, nothing too large, just something to see her through until dinner time. The Duchess would ask that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a favourable habit, spurring Anna to make more of an occasion of it by inviting friends to join her.

This break for tea and finger food soon evolved into a fashionable and sociable event. During the 1880’s, upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea which was usually served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock.

From this period onwards, the afternoon tea ritual continued into a pleasurable and indulgent social event in the present day.

Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea experience in a historic setting

Prepare to be lost in a world of sophisticated charm and refined beauty! The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is one of the truly iconic venues of the 19th century, with its beautifully decorated ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, stunning sprung dance floor and ornate balconies - there really is no other venue like it.

The Afternoon Tea experience includes all-day admission to The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where you will take in the elegance of the famous dance floor whilst relaxing at your table or spectating from up on the balconies amidst this spectacular setting. Now that’s what we call an afternoon tea with a view!

You will enjoy live music from the mighty Wurlitzer provided by our talented organists, and observe the wonderful dancers as they glide and twirl around the beautiful dance floor. If you’re feeling in the mood, you can even join in yourself!

The visit will leave you entranced by the magic of the Ballroom and you’ll want to return time and time again, as so many of our regular guests already do.

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom Afternoon Tea menu includes:

Selection of Sandwiches
Ham & Cheese
Tuna Mayo
Egg Mayo & Cress
Cream Cheese & Cucumber

All served on White & Rye Bread

Fruit Scone
Clotted Cream & Strawberry Jam

Cakes Selection
Chocolate Brownie
Macaron

FAQs about afternoon tea in the Blackpool Tower ballroom

If you or someone you are ordering for have a food allergy or intolerance, please speak to our customer services team before placing your order.   

We are able to provide food that is vegan or made with ingredients that does not contain gluten or milk, but please be aware that we require 5 days notice prior to your visit so that we can source appropriate ingredients. We may not be able to fulfil any requests received after this time.   

While every effort is made to reduce cross-contamination, allergens are present in the kitchens.

For assistance or to notify the team about your allergy, email: guestservices.theblackpooltower@blackpooltourism.com.

Absolutely! The bigger your group, the greater the saving.

Prices range from £30pp for an afternoon tea for two, £25pp for a tea for three and £25pp for groups of four or more.

Looking for an afternoon tea offer that’s even more fabulous? How about booking the ultimate Strictly Experience?

First, you’ll visit the exquisite Blackpool Tower Ballroom, host to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing live special, for a luxurious afternoon tea, then you’ll finish your day with a visit to Blackpool’s magnificent Madame Tussauds. Here you’ll immerse yourself in the Strictly Experience and come face to face with judge Craig Revel Horwood and the glam presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. You can also take a sneak peek backstage into the show's glittering costume wardrobe. How sensational darling!

Book your visit now

There are no official rules as to what should and should not be included within an afternoon tea, and many modern cafes and restaurants today opt to add their own unique and creative spin to the assorted offering.

Having said this, traditional afternoon tea menus tend to include a variety of light cakes, scones with preserves and sandwiches. Traditional sandwich fillings are often cucumber, smoked salmon, coronation chicken or egg mayonnaise. But they should always be served with the crusts cut off - Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, was quite insistent on this point!

We do not operate a strict dress code for The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, so you are welcome to dress smart casual. Many of our guests do dress up to dance however this is not mandatory.