Everyone knows I love Afternoon Tea and the Beatrix Potter inspired afternoon tea at the New Park Manor Hotel in the New Forest is definitely a treat, not just for grown ups but also for the kiddies too.

The hotel is set within the most stunning grounds and we arrived early so the children could have some fun in the outside play area while we sat and watched the deer grazing on the heathland nearby.

Although we could have dined on the terrace in the sunshine something told me it wouldn’t last long and so we chose to eat in the lounge instead. We were offered a variety of teas and coffee which then arrived promptly with our cutlery and napkins. When the adults tea stand arrived at the table I had to bat the kids away and tell them to just sit and wait patiently for theirs which luckily came shortly.

I won’t lie, I would have actually quite happily devoured the kids afternoon tea and I can confidently say that they loved every bite. They had little sandwiches, a hummus and crudities flowerpot, carrot and orange juice, scone with jam, Peter Rabbit gingerbread which came with a little piping bag for decorating, chocolate brownie with cute carrots on top, rhubarb and custard macaron and Jemima Puddle Ducks mini eggs in a miniature wheelbarrow.  Everything was beautifully served on a lovely wooden tray with fake grass.

Ours was a struggle to eat but boy did we give it a good try! My husband is not normally one for afternoon tea but said that this was by far his favourite with the delicious finger sandwiches and the individual lamb pie which I agree was exceptional. With the savoury bites now all gone it was time to slowly make our way through the fresh scones with jam and clotted cream (we only managed one each), Benjamin Bunny’s carrot cake with a mascarpone and orange frosting, Mr McGregor’s stolen vegetables with a dark chocolate mousse and chocolate crumb soil inside and Mrs Tiggywinkles rhubarb and custard crunch which was served in a little glass pot. By the time we finished we were good for a nap but the sun was now out again and the children couldn’t wait to get back out in the garden to play with the others who were dining and staying at the hotel.

If you are staying at the hotel then you’ll be familiar with The Den which is full of toys and activities for the children and the team were more than happy for our children to have a look around. Under normal circumstances the indoor room would have been utilised more but because of Covid-19 they had moved many of the toys and activities outdoors and the children enjoyed archery on the lawn and even had a go at mocktail making. I have made a note that my daughters one would be delightful with a good shot of vodka in haha.

We loved our afternoon at the New Park Manor Hotel and can’t recommend it enough. It is worth noting that the chef uses Beatrix Potter’s 168 year old gingerbread recipe for the bunny and they have kindly shared the recipe below for anyone who would like to make it at home.

The Beatrix Potter inspired Afternoon Tea runs up until the 20th of September 2020 and I have no doubt it will be a popular one so I’d definitely recommend booking in advance.  For more details, please visit the New Park Manor Hotel. 

Dorsetmums was invited to the New Park Manor Hotel for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.