Afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840 and remains one of the most enjoyed quintessentially British dining events.

Here are seven places to enjoy a tower of sandwiches, scones and cakes within the Norfolk Broads.

1. Afternoon Tea Cruise Experience

Price: £58 per person

Where: South Walsham

The Afternoon Tea Cruise Experiences set sail from South Walsham at 1.30pm.

Cruising for three hours the journey goes past St Benet's Abbey, Horning and towards Wroxham - thought to be the capital of the Broads.

Cakes include a blueberry Bakewell, lemon curd tartlet with fresh berries and chocolate and salted caramel posset.

2. Norfolk Mead Hotel

Price: £22.00 per person

Where: Church Loke, Coltishall, NR12 7DN

This Georgian country house nestled in eight acres of beautiful private parkland on the banks of the River Bure is one of the county’s most picturesque settings for afternoon tea.

Take a stroll around the grounds or watch the longboats on the river before relaxing in the stylish restaurant or the Grade II-listed walled garden to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones and patisserie.

3. The Galley Horning

Price: £36 for two people

Where: 43 Lower St, Horning, NR12 8AA

Finger sandwiches include roasted red pepper houmous, mixed chargrilled vegetables and rocket, and smoked salmon and cream cheese.  

Lemon polenta cake topped with pistachios and salted caramel are just some of the sweet treats to enjoy.

Afternoon teas are available to eat in or takeaway and a Gentleman's Afternoon Tea is also on offer.

4. Garden Kitchen Courtyard Café

Price: £19.00 per person

Where: Hoveton Hall Gardens, NR12 8RJ

The menu includes cheddar and onion tart, feta, spinach and sesame roll, salsa verde and pine nut scone, chocolate and orange tart and black cherry and almond gateau opera.

The high teas are run as a pop-up event every Wednesday from 2pm and booking is essential.

5. Wayford Bridge Inn

Price: £16.95 per person

Where: Wayford Rd, Stalham, NR12 9LL

The Wayford Bridge Inn, which sits alongside the River Ant, offers an afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and booking is recommended for larger groups.

Cream tea is also available for £5.95.

6. Bridge Stones of Potter

Price: £16 per person

Where: Bridge Road, Potter Heigham, NR29 5JD

Eastern Daily Press: Afternoon tea at Bridge Stones of PotterAfternoon tea at Bridge Stones of Potter (Image: Bridge Stones of Potter)

This tea is for collection only for people looking to enjoy a day out on the Norfolk Broads. 

The afternoon tea includes one sandwich per person, a miniature buttercream cupcake, freshly made fruit scones with jam and cream and cheese scones with butter and onion relish.

There are also sausage rolls, Kettle Chips and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Collection is from 9.30am from Bridgestones of Potter.

7. Fairhaven Gardens

Price: £19.95

Where: School Road, South Walsham, NR13 6DZ

Featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, much of the menu is locally sourced and a savoury option is available.

You do not need garden entry tickets to access the tearoom but visitors will need to give 24 hours notice.