With Christmas just around the corner and gift gathering in abundance, it can at times be challenging to think of unique, special and all together personal gifts that won't simply be stored at the back of the wardrobe. Amidst all the shopping frenzies that are being embarked upon, I visited Wynyard Hall to experience their Festive Afternoon Tea, and let me tell you, it was an afternoon to remember. Wynyard Hall is an illustrious stately manor nestled on the outskirts of the County Durham countryside in the Tees Valley, so it is the perfect place to stay if you are interested in visiting some of the North East's most exquisite landmarks including the stunning Durham Cathedral. With 150 acres of beautiful historical landscape surrounding Wynyard Hall, it is a magnificent place to escape to for some true peace and tranquillity away from the demands of the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
The striking four star hotel has played host to a plethora of special occasions, including proms, weddings and sophisticated birthday parties. With such a grand exterior and interior décor to the hall, it really is no surprise as to why Wynyard Hall is one of the North East's best loved locations to gather with friends and family for a variety of celebratory purposes! With Christmas feeling somewhat commercialised today, it is more important than ever to put true thought and consideration into the gifts which we buy for our loved ones. Experiences in my book count for oodles more than materialistic goods, so an afternoon tea experience in a beautiful country setting allows you to get some quality time and with your partner, mother, friends, sister or whoever else and make some fun new memories, which is always a good thing.
We started our Wynyard Hall experience by having a leisurely walk around their beautiful walled gardens. They have water features and meandering paths which you can follow to get lost in the luscious botanical world that they have created. Nestled within the edible garden adjacent to the walled section is their Victorian inspired glasshouse which was decked out with festive decorations and is the setting of numerous winter craft workshops during December. After we had explored the gardens, visited the glasshouse and the garden shop too, we headed off to the main hall to begin our festive afternoon tea experience...
Upon entering the walled gardens, home to over 3000 beautiful David Austin roses in the summer months
The sun setting behind the walled garden, reflecting on the water's surface and within the waterfall feature
Read more about Wynyard Hall's gardens here
Beside 'The Grotto'
Upon our arrival for our afternoon tea booking, we were greeted by Wynyard Hall's friendly and welcoming staff and taken through to the grand library where afternoon tea is served daily. It is true that the setting makes all the difference and we were captivated by the beauty of the exquisite set up. Wynyard's library room is adorned with fine crystal chandeliers, tall candles and mahogany furniture, making you feel like you have been drawn back in time. The room is a sumptuous, deep shade of gentry green and we were seated beside the window which overlooked the lake, frequented by Wynyard's resident ducks, with a backdrop of the trees silhouetted against the ever changing colours of the sky as the evening drew in. Such an opulent setting was even further enhanced by the fantastic music which the live pianist was playing, making the ambiance one of a truly festive nature and totally blissful.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sun, 12pm – 4.30pm
We selected our tea choices from the tea menu, and there really as such a good variety we were spoilt for choice. My guest selected the Granny's Garden tea which is a sweet and fruity blend including vanilla bean and rhubarb, and I chose Morning Dew, a light, fruity yet floral tea which really did remind me of the delicate, botanical scent of a fresh morning.
We chatted as we sipped on our tea and watched the world go by outside, which was truly serene it must be said. When our afternoon tea stands arrived, we were delighted to be brought such a selection of Christmas inspired treats, including a mini-lemon merengue pie with red currents, mini Christmas cake slice with a rich cinnamon spiced topping, mini mince pie and a peach and passion fruit macaroon. There were two sweet scones; one fruity one lemon and lavender, served with raspberry or strawberry jam and cream and a mini sandwich selection too. It was such a generous offering that we had to take some of it home with us!
Read about Wynyard Hall's Festive menus on their website here
an artsy hot chocolate
You can review the different Afternoon Tea experiences which are available exclusively to Wynyard Hall on their website.
The library by evening ~ interior décor inspiration!
*This blog post is written in collaboration with Wynyard Hall. All opinions remain honest and my own.*
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