We thought there was no magical spell strong enough to turn rainy Sunday frowns into happy faces, but here it is: afternoon tea at Dreamery Gardens (formerly Northwood Trail). Located outside Stamford Bridge, just a short drive from York, Dreamery Gardens is more than just a walk in the woods — it’s a chance to escape the devices and distractions of everyday life, and now there’s another reason to visit: afternoon tea.
Over the years, we’ve visited Dreamery Gardens many times, to walk the woodland trail, take part in their Christmas experiences, or do the lantern walk at Halloween. No matter the season, Dreamery Gardens always finds a way to sprinkle a bit of magic into every trip. This latest offering, their woodland-themed afternoon tea, is no exception. It exceeded our expectations and worked its magic on our 9 and 12-year-olds, who were totally enchanted by it and left with a spring in their step.
Afternoon tea is served in the Northwood Kitchen, the gorgeous cosy cafe at the start of the trail. It’s an interior designer’s dream come true and a lovely place to spend time in. From the moment the afternoon tea was brought to our table, beautifully displayed on a tiered, woodland-themed platter, it felt as though we had stepped into a fairytale. There was something special for everyone, from chocolate eggs tucked up in chocolate nests to toadstool chocolate chip cupcakes to the traditional scones with cream and jam and delicious savoury sandwiches. The highlight for our girls (and for us, too) was the attention to detail. The chocolate “soil,” the mushroom-shaped meringues, and the rice paper butterflies were almost too pretty to eat (and the Twiglet twigs were genius!). Afternoon tea can feel overwhelming, but there was just the right amount of food and the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, too.
Afternoon tea is just one of many reasons to visit Dreamery Gardens. A walk along their enchanting fairy trail is lovely, and has been visited ‘Most Magical Experience’ by Little Vikings followers. It’s an easy trail through the trees that’s enjoyable for children and adults alike as you search for tiny fairy houses hidden among the woodland. The little Fairy Museum is well worth a visit and gives you a glimpse into the lives of fairies. Don’t forget to look behind the secret door…
Dreamery Gardens has really raised the bar with their afternoon tea offering. There are plenty of afternoon teas available in York, and we’ve been lucky enough to try many of them. However, this one stands out as memorable because of the beautiful theming and unusual setting. The service is warm and friendly, and it’s a family-run, independent business too. If you’re thinking about trying the afternoon tea for yourselves, you’ll need book in advance. It’s served on Sundays and slots fill up fast.
Dreamery Gardens, Stamford Bridge, York YO41 1AP
