High Tea with kids at Armathwaite Hall, The Lake District, England

I've always had a fascination with the British and their tea traditions. Years ago I learned about a thing called "high tea" where you go to a fancy (or not fancy) place and are served tea with a whole basket of goodies! 

So of course, I've tried to adopt this practice for myself in California by having high tea at as many places as I can find! And I've also roped my 6 year old daughter in to the fun. 

As I was planning for our England trip, I asked my British friend Kate if she could find a lovely place to have high tea. And she did not disappoint! She booked us a high tea reservation at the absolutely stunning Armathwaite Hall in the Lake District! 

Located right on the lake in the town of Keswick (pronounced like Kezick), the scenery could not have been more lovely. Pulling up to the Hall, I felt a bit of an imposter. It was so posh! 

Stepping inside felt like going back a hundred years. It all felt a bit Downton Abbey-ish and I was glad Avonlea and I dressed up a bit. We were ushered into the tea room and seated by a gorgeous window that ran the length of the very tall room. We ordered our teas, and they were so wonderful to provide me with a full gluten and dairy free tea cake stand! 

We drooled over all the treats as the brought them out...meat pies and little cakes, custards, and all the beautiful British baked goods that I have no idea what they were called haha! (Kate knew them all, of course!) I need to brush up by watching the Great British Bake Off haha! 

After we ate and drank (with our pinkies up, of course haha), we went and explored the grounds of Armathwaite Hall. They had a lovely meadow that kissed the lake and a swing that the kids enjoyed. We just soaked in the natural beauty before waving farewell! 

If you're in the Lake District, don't miss high tea at Armathwaite Hall! You'll want to call ahead and make reservations. Armathwaite Hall was one of the few places in the area that offered a full high tea that was both gluten and dairy free. Everything was delicious! Enjoy! 

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