Taking Tea in Helmsley

If you want to have a proper afternoon tea, then you need to travel to Helmsley, north of York, to the Black Swan.

The Black Swan has just been awarded the Tea Guilds "Top Tea Place" award. And my husband and I can confirm - we had a beautiful cup of tea with all the extras - finger sandwiches, cakes, scones.... !! And it has to be said, it's worth the 45 minute drive as the scenery is beautiful. Helmsley is a special market town (Prince Charles apparently comes up hunting pheasant) and you have Riveaulx Abbey about a 10 minute drive away -which is one of my favourites!

However, if you can't get there, Betty's is always an option and certainly won't disappoint! (photo is of Betty's in York)