Local Afternoon Tea
By the early 19th century tea consumption had perhaps reached its peak of popularity. At about this time Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained to her butler at Woburn Abbey of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon.
It was usual to take only two main meals a day; breakfast and dinner at 8 o'clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. Later friends were invited to join her for "tea and a walk in the fields." at Woburn Abbey. Before long all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.
Traditionally afternoon tea would consist of a selection of delicate sandwiches (originally filled with cucumber, watercress, ham, smoked salmon or perhaps fish paste) along with a selection of fruit and other homemade cake and pastries.
Bedford Swan Hotel
The Embankment, Bedford, MK40 1RW 
Tel: 01234 346565
Email: info@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk
Website: www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk
Price: £10.50 per person.
Available from 10am - 10pm in the Sunken Lounge & Bar
Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa
The Mansion House, Luton Hoo, Luton, LU1 3TQ
Tel: 01582 698888
Email: reservations@lutonhoo.com
Website: www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Price: £22.50 per person for Afternoon Tea
£33.00 per person for Afternoon Tea Served with a glass of Louis Roederer
and Fresh Strawberries and Cream
Available from 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Milton Ernest Garden Centre
Radwell Road, Milton Ernest , MK44 1SH
Tel: 01234 828868, Fax: 01234 823562
Email: office@miltonernestgardencentre.fsnet.co.uk
Price: £3.45 per person for 1 scone with jam & cream and a pot of tea
Available from 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Moggerhanger Park
Park Road, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RW
Tel: 01767 641007, Fax: 01767 641515
Email: carrie@moggerhangerpark.com
Website: www.moggerhangerpark.com
Price: £10.50 per person
Available from 2pm - 4pm in the Tea Room
The Waterfront Brasserie
Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, MK44 3AL
Tel: 01480 212625
Email: sales@wybostonlakes.co.uk
Website: http://www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/
Price: £7.10 per person
Available all day in the Brasserie from 8am - 9.30pm
Wild Britain
Renhold Road, Wilden, MK44 2PX
Tel: 01234 772770
Email: enquiries@wild-britain.co.uk
Website: www.wild-britain.co.uk
Price: £3.50 per person for 1 scone with jam & cream and a pot of tea
Afternoon Tea available for groups of 10 or more for £5.50 per person
Available in the Tea Room from 2pm - 4pm
Woburn Abbey
Woburn Park, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Tel: 01525 290 333
Email: jhornsby@woburnabbey.co.uk
Website: www.woburn.co.uk
Price: £9.95 per person
Available 2.30pm - 4pm in The Duchess Tea Room
The Inn at Woburn
George Street,Woburn, MK17 9PX
Tel: 01525 290441
Email: enquiries@theinnatwoburn.com
Website: www.woburn.co.uk
Price: £11.95 per person
Available from 3pm - 5pm in The Tavistock Bar & Lounge