Fancy sipping by the sea with the perfect cuppa tea? Over 150 years since the seventh Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea remains a cherished ritual in British society. Whether you prefer sipping a glass of bubbly or a classic cup of Earl Grey, sitting down for a mid-afternoon bite can be wonderfully transportive. Luckily, this town has no shortage of five-o'clock treat options, with most restaurants offering stunning seaside views. To help you find the best afternoon tea in Portsmouth, we've brewed up the ultimate guide, delivering all things tiny cakes, finger sandwiches, and perfect pots of tea.

Spinnaker Tower

Get ready to elevate your tea time to new heights — literally. Afternoon tea at Spinnaker Tower allows you to dig into delicious cakes from 105 metres up, courtesy of jaw-dropping, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views stretching more than 23 miles over some of the most epic sights in the British Isles. They serve all the classics, from fruit scones to mini quiches with cheddar and beetroot, along with delightful lemon tarts, cupcakes, and macarons, plus your choice of tea or coffee.

For a teatime treat with a sky-high view, make your way to Spinnaker Tower.

Slug And Lettuce

Craving a decadent afternoon tea to enjoy with your nearest and dearest? Head over to Slug & Lettuce, where they serve up teatime treats in a beautiful birdcage display. Here, the savoury goodies are just as delicious (and Instagram-worthy) as the sweet treats. We're talking tasty sandwiches like pulled chicken brioche buns, salted caramel cheesecake bites with Lotus Biscoff sauce, and strawberry Eton mess shots. Sublime.

Slug & Lettuce is the perfect spot to create memories over tea and treats.

The Chambers 

The Chambers, born in 2012 from the ashes of a solicitor's office in Landport Terrace, is furnished like a typical London Gentlemen's Club, brimming with antiques and taxidermy that give it heaps of character. Dive into their afternoon tea, where tradition reigns supreme with roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, homemade scones with all the fixings, and a delightful array of petit fours. It's a charming daytime spot where every bite comes with a side of warmth and welcome.

For a quintessentially British experience, head to The Chambers to revel in a quirky afternoon tea in Portsmouth.

Queens Hotel

In the heart of Southsea's landscape stands the historic Queens Hotel, a Grade II-listed stunner blending Edwardian grandeur with contemporary charm. Indulge in afternoon tea within the elegant confines of its lavish Restaurant 1865, echoing the opulence of the Belle Époque, where you'll get to feast on finger sandwiches and savoury delights alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. For a sweet finale, dive into a parade of decadent sweet treats like cherry bakewell choux as well as lemon and pistachio Battenberg.

Crafted daily by their skilled pastry team, Queens Hotel offers high tea treats that are the perfect fusion of sweet and savoury.

The Parade Tearooms

At The Parade Tearooms, perched right by Southsea Common and Gunwharf Quays, you'll find two cosy, independently run cafes that are the ideal spots to fulfil your dose of indulgence. Dive into the decadence of their high tea with delightful Whittard's brews, complete with fruit scones, coronation chicken and cream cheese sandwiches, paired with three irresistible macarons. And for those seeking an extra dose of sparkle, a bottle of champagne or prosecco awaits (for a small splurge).

Spoil yourself tea-riffically at The Parade Tearooms, offering a cute afternoon tea in Portsmouth's Gunwharf.

The Tenth Hole

Looking for the best afternoon tea in Portsmouth with a view? Sink your teeth into cake heaven at The Tenth Hole on Southsea's Eastern Parade. Nestled on the seafront and paired with a nine-hole golf course, this cosy gem is the perfect spot for a delicious high tea. For just £21.50 per person, you'll get to indulge in mini scones, delightfully sweet and savoury nibbles, as well as freshly brewed Teapigs tea. It's a tee-rific treat that's sure to putt a smile on your face.

Get your cake fix at Southsea's pretty daytime cafe, The Tenth Hole.

Marjorie's Tearooms & Bistro, Cosham

For a fancy-schmancy teatime experience, look no further than Marjorie's Tearooms & Bistro in Cosham. This pretty pink venue offers a whimsical 5 o'clock experience filled with pastel hues and floral crockery, as well as a delightful selection of scones, homemade cakes, petit fours, and even fruit and marshmallow kebabs. Their sandwiches include yummy options like prawns with Marie Rose sauce or chicken tikka and minted yoghurt paired with a brew-tea-ful variety of teas and coffees to choose from.

Head to Marjorie's Tearooms & Bistro to feast on scrumptious cream tea delights in a cutesy venue.

Gracie-Ann's Tea Room

Cosy and charming, Gracie-Ann's Tea Room, located in the heart of Port Solent, is the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in freshly baked goodies. Treat yourself to homemade scones with a twist – think flavours like cheese, blueberry, cherry, and coconut – and pair them with a steaming pot of tea or coffee. Despite its small size, this cafe oozes personality and boasts fantastic sights of Port Solent Marina, making it a must-visit for a spot of cream tea with a view.

At Gracie-Ann's Tea Room, they've got you covered with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.

For more edible inspiration, check out our list of restaurants in Portsmouth and sign up to our UK newsletter.