Sussex


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-elegant-one">The elegant one </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheGrand.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Grand, Eastbourne, Sussex" class="wp-image-83569" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheGrand.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheGrand-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheGrand-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheGrand-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: The Grand, Eastbourne</figcaption></figure>



<p>Not for nothing is The Grand in Eastbourne known as the White Palace. <a href="https://www.grandeastbourne.com/mothers-day-afternoon-tea-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afternoon Tea</a> is always a serenely five-star affair here but on Mother’s Day, every mother will also be treated to a Molton Brown gift. Fancy an upgrade? Add a glass of Canard Duchêne. For anyone with a less-than-sweet tooth (nope, not us!), a savoury afternoon tea features the likes of Spring Onion &amp; Red Leicester Scones with Chive Cream Cheese and Spiced Chutney. </p>



<p>Bringing children along? Check out a menu specially designed for littler guests, just don’t expect to be allowed near the chocolate dipping pot.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-steamy-one">The steamy one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/BluebellRailway.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea on the Bluebell Railway's Wealden Rambler, Sussex" class="wp-image-83570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/BluebellRailway.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/BluebellRailway-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/BluebellRailway-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/BluebellRailway-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image credit: Bluebell Railway</figcaption></figure>



<p>Enjoy a steam-powered treat with Bluebell Railway, where a <a href="https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/wealden-rambler-mothers-day-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wealden Rambler Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea</a> is accompanied by picture-perfect vistas. Vibe-wise, we’re talking 1950s polish thanks to beautifully restored carriages. Yes, rock up in jeans or trainers and you’ll be turned away. A complimentary glass of Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine sets the tone as the train departs from Sheffield Park, and every mum on board will receive a special gift as a keepsake. </p>



<p>The round trip to East Grinstead and back lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 mins. Definitely time enough for an extra sandwich – smoked chalk-stream trout with lemon balm crème fraiche, say? And we won&#8217;t be passing up another strawberry shortbread, either!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vineyard-one">The vineyard one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Bolney_tea.jpg" alt="Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Bolney Wine Estate, Sussex" class="wp-image-83473" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Bolney_tea.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Bolney_tea-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Bolney_tea-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Bolney_tea-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bolney Wine Estate chefs know that nothing pairs better with a classic <a href="https://bolneywineestate.com/product/mothers-day-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afternoon Tea</a> than the pop of a cork, especially on Mother’s Day. Head directly to the source for a vineyard banquet of dinky delights, including tempting sandwiches and an array of cakes. Scones are accompanied by lashings of jam and cream, naturally. </p>



<p>To sip, choose from a glass of Bolney Bubbly or Bolney Bubbly Rosé.&nbsp;The tea is available on 14 and 15 Mar – don’t forget to enter here for a chance to <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-a-mothers-day-sparkling-afternoon-tea-for-2-a-bottle-of-bolney-cuvee-rose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">win a Mother&#8217;s Day Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two</a> plus a bottle of Bolney fizz to take home. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-asian-inspired-one">The Asian-inspired one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Blossoms.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at Blossoms in Brighton, Sussex" class="wp-image-83572" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Blossoms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Blossoms-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Blossoms-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Blossoms-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tootle over to Blossoms in Brighton and you’ll feel like you’ve continent hopped. <a href="https://blossomsbrighton.co.uk/afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afternoon Tea</a> here comes with an Asian twist, meaning delectable morsels like Crispy Chicken Katsu Sando, Duck Gyozas and Avocado Maki. Don’t panic, there are sweet treats, too: think Chocolate Mochi balls and indulgent Miso-Chocolate Brownies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pup-friendly-one">The pup-friendly one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Kennels, Goodwood, Sussex" class="wp-image-83574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/TheKennels-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Simply can’t wait for Mother’s Day? Celebrate a day early in <a href="https://www.goodwood.com/visit-eat-stay/the-kennels/calendar-of-events/mothers-day-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Kennels</a> over at Goodwood, where the whole family is welcome, even four-legged members. Alongside delicate sandwiches, warm scones and delectable pastries and cakes, you’ll find children’s options and – woof! – a Doggy Afternoon Tea.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-foodie-one">The foodie one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/SouthLodge-2.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at South Lodge, Horsham, Sussex" class="wp-image-83576" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/SouthLodge-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/SouthLodge-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/SouthLodge-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/SouthLodge-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>South Lodge is home to Michelin-starred The Pass but even its more relaxed scoffing and quaffing options are exceptional. That definitely includes <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/dine/afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea</a>, with sandwiches featuring no less than four different types of bread (we can’t decide which is more tempting, roasted butternut squash, sage butter &amp; pumpkin crumb in spinach bread or poached salmon, dill &amp; lemon cream cheese, caper puree in a brioche roll). We&#8217;re also intrigued by the runner bean chutney that accompanies the sausage rolls. </p>



<p>Something sweet? Along with scones we’re talking pear and vanilla chestnut tart, black forest cheesecake or a cheeky smores chocolate choux bun with marshmallow fluff. For smaller guests, check out the Little Lodger’s Afternoon Tea.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-country-manor-house">The country manor house</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/AlexHouse.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at Alexander House, Sussex" class="wp-image-83580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/AlexHouse.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/AlexHouse-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/AlexHouse-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/AlexHouse-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Alexander House hotel and spa is peak luxury in an expansive Jacobean setting. <a href="https://alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander-house/food-drink/afternoon-tea/?srsltid=AfmBOoorH4POTTRvHFvdrk9rk8UNBChggDixIV67ser2r-LIX0KMwSwk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afternoon Tea</a> is an equally elevated experience: toothsome sandwiches come with haute flourishes (can we pass you a free range hen egg and vintage cheddar mayonnaise with charred gem lettuce?), scones are of course freshly baked, and the patisserie tier includes glazed rhubarb and meringue tart, and rose and white chocolate choux. Raise a toast with a glass of fizz or a strawberry gin and tonic, or stick with teas from Brighton-based Hoogly.&nbsp;Chink! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-weekday-one">The weekday one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG.jpg" alt="Buttered and Baked afternoon tea at The PIG in the South Downs, Sussex" class="wp-image-83578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/ThePIG-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Keen to avoid the Mother&#8217;s Day hordes or just feel the need for a midweek pick-me-up? Hoof it over to The PIG in the South Downs to sample <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/eat-and-drink/buttered-and-baked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buttered and Baked</a>, their Mon-Fri take on Afternoon Tea. Sweet and savoury goodies include Garden herb salted popcorn, Coastal Cheddar Scones and Bacon Jam, Spiced Squash and Goat’s Cheese Quiche, Lemon Meringue Tartlet. It&#8217;s served with all the tea or coffee of your choice that you’re able to guzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-playful-plant-powered-one">The playful, plant-powered one</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Terre-2.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at Terre à Terre in Brighton, Sussex" class="wp-image-83582" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Terre-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Terre-2-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Terre-2-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/02/Terre-2-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You won’t find a more playful take on afternoon tea than the three-tiered feast served up by veteran clean-eating star Terre à Terre. Named the <a href="https://terreaterre.co.uk/food" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terre à Tier Tea</a>, it&#8217;s a joyful blend of sweet and savoury treats with a uniquely umami twist – expect miso, soy and sesame mingling with more traditional tastes. There&#8217;s an equally beguiling cocktail list and a predominantly wine list, too. Pure indulgence.&nbsp;</p>



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The best afternoon teas in Sussex for Mother’s Day

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