Dreaming of buttery scones and steaming loose leaf teas? As the bank holiday approaches, why not treat yourself to a delectable afternoon tea.

There's plenty of places to relax and enjoy a cream cake or a light scone in Dorset. We've whittled down the list to a few of the lovliest spots for afternoon of cake and comfort.

Dorset Echo: Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a glorious array of cakes and delicacies

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant

There is nowhere better to savour a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea than Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant with a backdrop of the idyllic English countryside and surrounded by Dorset's rolling hills.

For many years we have welcomed guests for our famous Afternoon Tea, which can be enjoyed indoors, or during finer weather, al fresco on the terrace overlooking our beautiful gardens.

Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a glorious array of cakes and delicacies.

9 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 0JR.

Web: summerlodgehotel.co.uk

Email: summerlodge@rchmail.com

Bookings: booksl@rchmail.com

Tel: 01935 48 2000

Dorset Echo: Indulge yourself with a Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Makers Yard Kitchen at Sculpture by the

Sculpture by the Lakes

Indulge yourself with a Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Makers Yard Kitchen at Sculpture by the Lakes. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and clotted cream and a delicious selection of cakes with a choice of hot drink. Or indulge yourself with a glass of bubbly!

Afternoon Tea is served between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, £22.50 and please book 24 hours in advance.

Entry to The Makers Yard with the Kitchen, Store, Pantry and Gallery is free.

Entry to the Sculpture Park £14.50 and £12.50 after 2.00pm.

Pallington Lakes, Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU.

Web: sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

Email: kitchen@sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

Tel: 07899 802483

Dorset Echo: Enjoy a splendid three-tier tea at The King’s Arms in Dorchester, a beautiful 300-year-old

The King’s Arms

Enjoy a splendid three-tier tea at The King’s Arms in Dorchester, a beautiful 300-year-old coaching inn turned foodie pub with boutique rooms.

Their scrumptious traditional afternoon tea is all made in house.

Sweet treats of scones with strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, delicate profiteroles and miniature doughnuts, luscious cakes, rich chocolate delice and jars of creamy lemon posset and red berry compote, are served alongside delicate sandwiches and pastries. Make it sparkling with a glass of fizz.

Saturday 12pm-5pm. Booking 24 hours beforehand.

30 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HF.

Web: thekingsarmsdorchester.com

Email: info@thekingsarmsdorchester.com

Tel: 01305 238238

Dorset Echo: The Rose & Crown oozes charm with traditional flagstone floors, exposed beams, open fires, cosy

The Rose & Crown

The Rose & Crown oozes charm with traditional flagstone floors, exposed beams, open fires, cosy nooks and crannies alongside a large beer garden.

We offer everything from great local ales and local draught cider, to a traditional pub food menu with hearty portions and tremendous flavours.

Rose & Crown, Longburton, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5PD.

Web: roseandcrownlongburton.com

Email: becgibbons@btinternet.com

Tel: 01963 210202

Dorset Echo: Minterne House has been the home of the Churchill and Digby families since 1620.

The Dovecote Café

Set in The Walled Garden, The Dovecote Café offers a diverse seasonal menu of homemade meals, including breakfasts, lunch, sandwiches and cakes.

Our signature cream and afternoon teas remain a popular choice among visitors. Indulge in fresh homemade scones, served with fruity Dorset jam, clotted cream and a pot of tea.

Visit today and catch up with friends, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings by yourself.

Open 7 days a week. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Free parking. Formal gardens donation admission. Dogs on leads welcome!

The Walled Garden, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RG.

Web: walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

Email: dovecote@walledgardenmoreton.co.uk

Tel: 01929 462243

Dorset Echo: Minterne House has been the home of the Churchill and Digby families since 1620.

The Himalayan Tea Terrace at Minterne House

Welcome to The Himalayan Tea Terrace at Minterne House, home of the Churchill and Digby families since 1620.

We are incredibly proud to be the current custodians of Minterne and it is our pleasure to share with you our new tea terrace, and unique gardens that lie in this tranquil valley setting in the heart of Dorset.

All our cream teas and light lunches are made by us, at home, daily, using locally sourced, delicious ingredients.

Cream Teas from £6.50.

Minterne House, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, DT27AU, Dorset.

Web: www.minterne.co.uk

Email: enquries@minterne.co.uk

Tel: 01300 341 370