I went to an English castle that claims to be where afternoon tea was invented. Here's what it was like and why I want to go back.

Brendan SainsburyMay 11, 2022, 00:16 IST

Belvoir Castle was first built in 1067.Brendan Sainsbury

I went to Belvoir Castle in England. It claims to be where afternoon tea was invented in the 1840s.
I thought the tea service was excellent, and I especially enjoyed the fresh-baked scones.

Belvoir Castle in England claims to be the place where afternoon tea was invented in the 1840s. On a recent trip to my native UK, I decided to pay it a visit for the first time.

I brought my family with me to afternoon tea at Belvoir Castle.Brendan Sainsbury

Belvoir Castle in England claims to be the place where afternoon tea was invented in the 1840s. On a recent trip to my native UK, I decided to pay it a visit for the first time.

Belvoir Castle sits on a vast 15,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, England.

Belvoir Castle enjoys a strategic position overlooking the Vale of Belvoir.Brendan Sainsbury

The initial view of the building with its towers and turrets framed by yellow daffodils was dramatic.

The first sight of the castle walking up the path from the entrance gate.Brendan Sainsbury

I paid extra to view the castle's opulent interior rooms.

Brendan Sainsbury

There was no dress code for tea at the castle, although most of the people I saw were well dressed.

The Elizabeth Saloon was seen in the Netflix show, "The Crown."Brendan Sainsbury

Our table was set with well-polished china and cutlery and an extensive tea menu.

The menu from The Aviary Tearoom at Belvoir Castle.Brendan Sainsbury

The tea arrived in bespoke teapots emblazoned with the Rutland family motif – a peacock.

Tea is served in matching chinaware.Brendan Sainsbury

For me, the make-or-break of any afternoon tea is the scones. Get them right and I'm pretty much sold.

I thought the scones were the best part of the whole spread.Brendan Sainsbury

Post-tea, we continued our tour of the castle with a walk outside through the extensive grounds culminating in the two-mile-long Duke's Walk.

A bust of the Duke of Rutland on the Duke’s Walk at Belvoir Castle.Brendan Sainsbury

My verdict? We might have only come for the tea, but Belvoir Castle with its lush grounds, refined rooms, and beautiful views makes for an excellent day trip from London.

The ballroom at Belvoir Castle.Brendan Sainsbury

My verdict? We might have only come for the tea, but Belvoir Castle with its lush grounds, refined rooms, and beautiful views makes for an excellent day trip from London.

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I went to an English castle that claims to be where afternoon tea was invented. Here's what it was like and why I want to go back.

Belvoir Castle in England claims to be the place where afternoon tea was invented in the 1840s. On a recent trip to my native UK, I decided to pay it a visit for the first time.

Belvoir Castle sits on a vast 15,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, England.

The initial view of the building with its towers and turrets framed by yellow daffodils was dramatic.

I paid extra to view the castle's opulent interior rooms.

There was no dress code for tea at the castle, although most of the people I saw were well dressed.

Our table was set with well-polished china and cutlery and an extensive tea menu.

The tea arrived in bespoke teapots emblazoned with the Rutland family motif – a peacock.

For me, the make-or-break of any afternoon tea is the scones. Get them right and I'm pretty much sold.

Post-tea, we continued our tour of the castle with a walk outside through the extensive grounds culminating in the two-mile-long Duke's Walk.

My verdict? We might have only come for the tea, but Belvoir Castle with its lush grounds, refined rooms, and beautiful views makes for an excellent day trip from London.