The Orchard Tea Garden

The setting is absolutely beautiful — peaceful gardens, classic deck chairs under apple trees, and a lovely atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. It’s a charming place to relax, especially on a sunny day. We ordered scones and cakes, which looked promising, but were a bit disappointing. The scones were large but served cold and quite dry, and the cakes tasted like they had been sitting out for a while — not very fresh. For the price, we expected better quality. Service is self-serve and quite slow, especially when there’s a queue. Also, be aware of the parking system — you need to register your car at the till, or you might get fined, even if you’ve paid. It’s not very clearly communicated. Overall, it’s worth a visit for the atmosphere and setting, but the food and service could definitely be improved to match the charm of the place.

Best scones in Cambridgeshire. Nice selection of simple seasonal lunch menu and soup of the day as well. Self-service and seating in beautiful outdoors picnic style. They do have seating indoors for rainy days but recommended for day with good weather when you can enjoy a stroll in grantchester meadows

The scones were wonderful and we had a nice time seating outside in the garden. Luckily we arrived just before the peak of visitors. It is true that there are a lot of wasps and they loved the raspberry jam (as did we).

Best scones in Cambridge! Crispy on the outside. Soft and dense on the inside. Absolutely divine with clotted cream and jam followed by a nice cuppa. It was such a lovely day. If there weren’t any plans afterwards we could have sat there until sunset. Will have raisin scone again on the next visit.

So disappointed. Pasteurised clotted cream was the biggest let down. I’ve never come across it before and it doesn’t taste as good and fresh clotted cream. It’s been a while since I’ve been to The Orchard and it really has changed. It was particularly disappointing as I had been raving about it to my visitors. Really lacked the atmosphere and charm it used to have. I know it’s always been busy but the service was very functional with the tray being quickly dumped on the counter without the friendly warmth that you used to get even if there was always a sense of urgency. Only breakfast tea and Early Grey as options and tea pots without knobs on them so difficult to lift and stir. The only saving grace was that the scones were good, a lot smaller than they used to be, but well baked. Such a shame.

Lovely and friendly team, we sat outside in their garden, they had plenty of tables and deck chairs. The food was the biggest surprise of all, it was delicious and beyond expectations Dog friendly Great for families, friends meet up and I’m sure dates can be cute there too.

Very pretty tea house, amazing scones, probably best you can find around Cambridge even if you have to walk out to Grantchester for it. So worth it. Afternoon tea is a bit pricy but comes with a lot and we were so full. Scones by themselves make a good afternoon tea snack so no need to go for the full afternoon tea menu if price is a factor

We had a lovely lunch at The Orchard Tea Gardens. We had the Haloumi salad with strawberries and pecans. Reasonable prices, cream teas with freshly baked scones were £4.50. We sat in the Orchard, which is lovely, and you can walk down to the river. There is paid parking but if you eat at the Orchard you can park for free for 3 hours.

This a beautiful place to have tea. You can walk there. The scones are nice. You can sit outside. There are a lot of birds. Peaceful place. Virginia Woolf used to go here.

Our friends in Cambridge took us to the Tea Garden for a 10am tea. We took an Uber there as we had a small child with us but my wife and I walked back to Cambridge afterwards - which was really nice. The claim to fame of the orchard is that Virginia Wolfe wrote in a back room of the tea house. We ordered scones, tea, coffees and a sausage roll. The scones come with clotted cream and a small jam. My wife got the Black Currant Jam and I had the cherry - we both preferred the ones we selected. The serves were very kind and the food was quick! The orchard has canvas and plastic seats scattered about amongst the trees. We found a good table and dried off our chairs. ***pro tip- bring a towel to dry off the chairs as they are usually wet.*** The food was amazing as was the ambiance. There were a few bees buzzing around and some song birds - we really enjoyed this as did the child. Overall, a great experience and I would gladly return.

If anyone ever asks me, "Would you like a cup of tea?" I'll most immediately reply, "YES! At the Orchard Tea Garden, of course!" The Orchard Tea Garden is the most delightful destination for tea, scones, clotted cream, community, and everything else in between. I would frequent this place with friends to "talk" ofc, but mostly here for the food lol. Specifically, the clotted cream with my scone and jam (in that order). It's Rhodda's clotted cream, fresh baked scone, Triptree/blackcurrant jam. I'm drooling again as I write this. Clotted cream has my whole heart. Once you've gotten a taste of Rhodda's clotted cream, there's no going back! Ok, that's a tad bit dramatic sounding, but farewell cream (for now)!!! A perfect afternoon course (for me) would be walking in the Grantchester Meadows, then heading over to The Orchard for afternoon tea. Hope you all get the chance to experience everything The Orchard has to offer!

For a place that advertises an afternoon tea that you have to book ahead, the staff seem woefully unaccustomed to serving tea and unaware of what tea even entails. One of the servers seemed to think we'd have to get our own tea and carry it over on a tray. Good news, he was wrong. But he brought the food and his explanation of items ended with "and I don't know what cake this is." It's also not as cute or nice or clean as the website indicates. It's more a rundown, self-serve cottage than what they advertise. The food itself is hit or miss. The cold sandwiches were not all edible. The egg salad was extremely oniony and the ham was more of a pate. The hot sandwiches were better with a delicious quiche and sausage roll. The best sweets were the scones and jam and the spice cake (the one the guy didn't know what it was). The blueberry cake tasted heavily like almond extract and the Victoria sponge was extremely dense, almost like a cornbread. There was a dog in the lunch room and it was crying and whining. It made the atmosphere unpleasant.

Being that Orchard Tea Garden had such high reviews, we wanted to experience high tea here. I called and was told either no same day reservations or they were booked-I forgot which. However I was told we can go, and order stuff off the menu. So we got here and it was more of a order food, we bring to your table place. We got scones, tea, sandwiches. I was disappointed that there was no option to do finger sandwiches as that is what it sounded like. Anyhow, inside was not spectacular, they didn't have utensils and we had to ask. Saw a couple of bees buzzing by the windows inside. Scones & clotted cream were pretty good. Overall a bit of a disappointment.

The perfect setting for a delightful afternoon! I would have loved to spend hours here reading! You lounge under a heavenly orchard, soaking up (or hiding from!) the sun. Just wonderful! The scones were my favorite. I could have done without the Brie and cranberry sandwich. Go for tea and scones! But, even if you just bring a book, do not miss this lovely setting!

The most beautiful place near Cambridge! In summer you can relax in the sun loungers. They sell many delicious cakes. Unfortunately, the garden closes early.

Amazing for family meet ups of just Creme tea after a walk through granchester. In the summer, sit outside in the chairs and drink lemonade

Really lovely and informal tea gardens with beautiful surroundings. The place is great on a sunny day to sit outside. You order your selected tea cafeteria style inside and grab a tray. There are freshly baked scones both plain and sultana and lots of mini jam pots and clotted cream. I noticed there were also gluten free cakes inside and juices. Tea is Twinning's and you can order a larger pot for two to share. The only thing you may want to prepare for in advance is for ensuring the strongest person in your party can carry the tea tray outside!! The scones were really fresh. Overall I really enjoyed as was nice to have tea in such a laid back environment outside.

yrscore: F4, E4, R5 Fresh and delicious scone with a good range of tea to choose. The food on the menu is decent too. The garden is a lovely and serene place for afternoon tea in the summer. Having scones and tea in the garden is a very fulfilling British experience. Parking is free for two hours. Bring part of the parking ticket to the counter when you are buying food, they will deduct it from your meal. The only picks I have got is that it is slightly pricey and occasionally the chairs in the garden can be dirty. Been here a few times now. Would visit this place again when I am back!

We had a lovely day! The area was nice however there were lots of bees which can be expected in the height of summer. The tea and scones were lovely and just as expected. We also ate lunch which was yummy. The best part was the scones with fresh cream and butter.

I went in 2008. This place was pretty magical, especially as a destination on a walk along the Cam from Cambridge.

I'm really tempted to give this place one star due to the fact that I stood in a never ending queue feeling myself age and become disillusioned with life, while the staff in the servery moved at a snail's pace and everyone died a little inside. The queueing and serving system is entirely inefficient. But - it's a really lovely place. My queue stress melted away once I settled into a deckchair and ate my scone. The scone was giant and super tasty with jam and clotted cream. My pot of Earl Grey was tiny, and also was just a teabag and not loose tea, but fine nonetheless. If it's a nice day you should definitely take a little walk here.

Perfect for afternoon tea in summer. Take a short walk along the river Cam, (you can punt there, if you've got the energy) - and pause for a while in this rural idyll. Set in a picturesque apple orchard planted over a century ago, the tea garden was a haunt of Rupert "If-I-should-die-think-only-this-of-me" Brooke and his friends. Excellent cakes, scones and tea to be had, as well as other light meals. An absolute must. http://www.orchard-grantchester.com/

Indeed, the history is part of the experience, but nothing beats an impromptu stop at a 'forever England' spot where time stands still as you dine and people watch. We stopped in here recently after visiting a trusted colleague who was reviewing my manuscript. Nothing fancy, but quite leisurely and relaxing. I took a veggie with cream cheese, the spouse enjoyed an egg mayo and cress, and the picky monster devoured her cheddar sandwich. Nothing earth-shattering but it fit the bill. Service was prompt and cordial, but respectful of our desire to be left in peace. We grabbed scones to go for later and continued on our way.

The Orchard is to afternoon tea what siamese twins are to restrooms: they just go together.

Is there anything better on a summer day in Cambridge? No wonder poems have been written about it. Bring a book, get a pot of tea and a scone, and find a secluded table between the apple trees. Or go in winter, when it is quieter and warm up after the walk with a coffee and a piece of cake. Whether visiting or studying in Cambridge, we all want a way to feel that we are a part of the history of the place. A walk along the backs and then by the river to Grantchester is one of the best ways I know.

The Orchard is the sort of place that inspires poetry. Even in the bleak mid-winter locals stroll through the Orchard and sip tea (with gloves and scarves on) -- perhaps not sitting in the canvas chairs under the trees -- but in the makeshift cafe instead. This is a special, special place. It doesn't matter that the food is not perfect. That's not the point. The point is: in the warmer, greener seasons, you ease yourself into one of the hammock-like chairs, with friends, in the high grass, under the low apple trees, with tea in hand -- and just experience it.

Lovely place to chat with friends after a walk to grantchester from the usual town centre... but overpriced in my opinion. The food's not amazing and is way overpriced, but I guess you go there for the ambiance, not the food. It's just the 'thing' to do after an afternoon stroll so you're paying for its history not its food or service. Be careful about when you go though. If you go on a lovely spring day, it can take an hour just to queue up and get your food!

The Orchard Tea Garden is really special. Here you can sit amongst the trees on deckchairs sipping tea and munching cake after a walk across Grantchester Meadows. Several varieties of tea and coffee are available to accompany light lunches and cakes galore. All are of a superlative quality. Service here is smart and efficient - grab a tray, select the 'eats' you want and then order your tea/coffee, pay the charming staff what is owed and away you go . . . . The tea garden is about 2 acres in all, bounded by thick hedgerows and dotted throughout with fruit trees like pear, meddlar and apple. Knowledge of the various luminaries that have trodden this path before you only adds to the sense that this is a proper treat . . . . in my view one that should be earned only after a lovely walk across the meadows, a must for any visitor to Cambridge.

We go to the Orchard a couple of times a year when the weather is good, only we pile into the works minibus and head out there on Wednesday at 10:00 am for our weekly business meeting. It's usually quiet at this time, we find a quiet place and the meeting goes by very pleasantly. The only problem with us is of our own doing, it's very difficult to peel ourselves off the deckchairs and get back to the real world. The cakes are first-class, scones are excellent, service is friendly. It's by far the best tea and cakes venue in Cambridge. We especially like it as it's dog-friendly as long as they're on a lead, so we bring our two office dogs with us.

This is my favourite place to hang out on a gorgeous summer's day - whether it's reading a book on my own, lazing the day away with friends or showing visitors the delights of Cambridge and its most picturesque villages! The Orchard is iconic amongst locals - a place where Cambridge intellects, writers and philosophers (including Lord Byron, Wichtenstein, Virginia Woolf and Rupert Brooke used to hang out). There's nothing more glorious than enjoying real cream teas and organic ginger beer in an orchard surrounded by apple trees on a glorious summer's day! Grantchester isn't too far out of Cambridge - and the walk or bike ride across Grantchester Meadows, watching the punters cruise by on the river, is part of the fun. This place is very relaxed although it gets ridiculously busy in the summer and its prices are definitely on the steep side! But we'll forgive it because it's so seasonal - and besides, it's fabulous. While you're there, you can burn off some of those cream teas with a lovely walk in nearby Byron's Pool.

The Orchard is a pretty unique place and, along with the backs, the medieval street layout and the University, is part of what makes Cambridge such a special place to live. In our household, we judge the quality of a place by whether we have been there more than three times - well, I have lost count of the number of times we have been to the Orchard. It is great for taking relatives, friends, visitors and children. For us, a typical visit is to have scones with jam and cream, coffee for the adults and fizzy drinks for the young ones, followed by a read of the papers / run around the Orchard and finally a stroll along Grantchester Meadows and climbing a few trees. Bliss !

A unique spot of tranquillity, only a short drive from the centre of Cambridge. The Orchards provides you with the opportunity to enjoy delicious food - big sandwiches, Ploughman's, amazing cake, delicious juices - whilst sitting among the trees. The food is a little bit pricy for what it is, however you are really paying for the whole experience - which is worth it. It is a very popular site, and so finding a car parking space can prove a bit tricky so be prepared to drive around a bit once you arrive. The staff are very friendly, and clearly enjoy working there, which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable. The low deck chairs might prove difficult for the elderly to get in and out of, and the ground is quite uneven in some places. This is the ideal place to spend a summer's afternoon, and fantastic for people with children - children are very welcome, and have great fun running around the trees! But, remember to slap on the sunscreen, as you will want to sit out there for hours.

The orchard is amazing place to while away a few hours. You are morally obliged to have the cream tea with all the trimmings. Its a lovely walk over from town and on a fine sunny day there is nowhere I would rather be. Its always really rammed, and I dont think you can book, but its got to be worth a try. Have a read of all the people who used to come here! Its like a whos who of British society. Makes you feel like you're a part of something special.

The Orchard Tea Gardens were the perfect place to spend a sunny Bank Holiday Sunday. On their never ending quest to give the Northern boyf the stereotypical Southern weekend, my parents suggested walking over to the tea rooms for a spot of jolly good fun. The walk is nice, though you do have to be aware of a few obstacles (stiles and cow pats to name the obvious) and the general starting point isn't exactly idyllic, with our path starting off from a car park. However, once you get in to it you really are having a Southern experience, wondering past rowers and children called Ptolomi. The tea room itself is basically all outside seating scattered throughout, you guessed it, an orchard! Although the ambience is lovely and you get a real feel for the English country garden, their customer service/serving method could really do with a change. The room you choose your food from is tiny, forcing you into a single file queue, not always giving you enough time to peruse the menu at your leisure. Easy problem solver - put some laminated menus up outside. Instead they choose to have rather brash signs informing you that 'if you are not at the tillpoint AT 3 o'clock then you WILL NOT be served!', with a lot of underlining and none of that Northern charm I have become accustomed to. The ladies toilets was tiny and became cramped as soon as there were more than 2 people waiting; I understand that the place isn't busy 100% of the year but it would be nice to see them recognising their popularity with an extra cubicle or hand drying space! (My mum didn't even get to use the hand dryer because there was a small child drying its teddy bear's hands first...cute in one way, so annoying you want to throw the teddy into the toilet in another.) The food itself was actually really good, especially for the amount of people eating. I enjoyed my hot open sandwich, with roasted peppers and goats cheese, though they did double cheese me with feta, pushing my intake slightly over the top for my liking. The boyf and I also enjoyed a slice of victoria sponge, not willing to face the mountain-esque scones! My huge bug bear of the place? The visitors who don't clean up! It's such a lazy, and modern, trait to expect someone to clean up after you. Plus there are signs everywhere telling you where to put your trays when you have finished! Very quaint and worth the trip, though do be weary of litter and gaggles of tourists. Or gaggles of tourists with litter. Or just needing a wee.

The Orchard was one of my highlights of my trip to Europe! It was a complete experience back into another time. The walk alone to get there was such a treat. You walk quite a ways along the river where you'll find picnic-ers having some lunch on the grass, or couples punting on the river. You'll cross foot bridges, and pass ladies in their dresses and hats and men in their sport coats and ties, leisurly all walking to the same destination. Then you come to the entrance and you have to climb a real turn style. Then you'll arrive....the apple trees are everywhere.and under the trees you'll find tables and chairs waiting for you.You go to the building where you go through a buffet type que and order. We chose scones and tea, (which in itself was nothing to write home about, but I was not there for the food alone.)You take your tray (Be sure to pick up the little book of poetry they have at the exit to read while sipping your tea.) Relax...this is a corner of England where time stands still. The orchard has been around for the Cambridge students since 1868.It became a popular 'up-river resort.The owners took in lodgers to help supplement their income and one of those lodgers in 1909 was Rupert Brooke.. He drew a great deal of visitors with his charisma. One such visitor was Virginia Wolfe. These poets wrote poems about their times in Cambridge, and today we can experience a bit of what those young students did in the 1900's. I would return again and again!!!

The absolute best setting for having tea or lunch. Imagine sitting out in a beautiful fruit orchard on reclining lawn chairs, having tea where the likes of Virginia Woolf spent many a quiet afternoon. It's absolutely idyllic, and the scones here are delicious. Yes, it's overpriced for the quality of the food, which is why it loses 1 star, but I think the experience is worth it. A must do if you are in the Cambridge area, as it's easily accessible; only an hour away by taking a leisurely stroll down the river Cam and through beautiful meadows. You can also take a short taxi ride or a bus there from the Cambridge city centre if the weather is crap or you don't feel like walking.

Like everybody else cannot but give a 5 to this amazing place.

Makes a lovely end to a walk from Cambridge in the summer. Relax among the apple trees in a deck chair and sip pimms or tea (as is your want). If you're really pretentious, you could even recite some poetry.

This is a lovely tearoom, but I owuld avoid in the winter. there is little space inside, which means if you have small children like we do it isn't the easiest place to be. In the summer though it is lovely having tea between the apple trees and with such a history too.

Here you can step back in time and relax with a book among the apple trees. There is history which is all around you and if you close your eyes you can get whisked back there!!! They have a little tribute to Rupert Brooke (who lived in Orchard house) and V.Wolfe who used to gather with various other friends there. It feels very typically English and it helps when there is an array of freshly baked goodies, teas and coffees on offer to finish off the mirage. There is a lovely walk through the trees and down to the river. The deck chairs are lovely and complete the 'look' but can be a little difficult to get in and out of!!!! All together a very special somewhere.

Ditto everyone else's comments. No friend comes to Cambridge and doesn't get taken here for the cakes among the apple trees

From Rupert Brooke on, punting upto the Orchard for afternoon tea in summer has become a Cambridge rite of passage. In spring the blossom makes this one of the most beautiful places in Cambridge, and as you sit outside with friends you can soak up the atmosphere and pretend to be a carefree bright young thing, although alas, you will have to leave at some point if you don't want a fine for returning your punt late!

A simple hour of so out of Cambridge by punt, so only just down the road, is the only place to have tea and scones on a summer's afternoon. I have been here with friends and whiled away the whole day in the shade of the fruit trees. Chanpagne on the way there, tea and cake when you arrive, and if you have planned well Pimms on the way home. A truly sophicated way to spend your afternoon.

This is a great place to come for a cup of tea and a slice of cake especially in summer. It is open all year round and is usually really busy in the summer. You can punt here from Cambridge although it does take about an hour each way but it is a beautiful journey along the river.

Great location, but the only coffee available is filter coffee.

This is pricey for what you get, but if you just have to do it, grit your teeth and forget the money. It is nice, especially when the weather`s good and the girls serving are really lovely ( Really !!! )

It's busy, especially when the weather is good and it's not cheap, but it's well worth a visit. Given the location and the quality of the food, prices are reasonable value. A large garden, with tables and chairs (many deckchairs) around tables among the trees. Although it gets crowded, there are some relatively peaceful corners. The menu is not extensive, but everything we have had has been good. Tea with a scone with jam and clotted cream is about £5, but it is a huge scone, freshly baked and very tasty. The bread for the baguettes is also very fresh. Tea for two was served in a small pot, but they were happy to provide another pot of water on request. Tap water and ice is freely available with plastic glasses. If you need to wait for food, you are given an electronic gismo that flashes when your order is ready for collection. There are some tables undercover. Before /afterwards take a walk around Grantchester or walk/put to Cambridge - a mile or so to Newnham. There are a few cows and a lot of bikes to dodge - even on the lower path by the river which is supposed to be a footpath - but it's a pleasant walk through the meadows and a famous day out.

A great place to go to in the summer. A lovely walk leads you to this amgical garden where you can relax with tea and scones! Could be great to go punting there, get your energy back up with some nice food in the Orchard, and then head back. But, be aware, it is quite a long ride to Grantchester

Brilliant location for a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of cake or something more substantial. Does fill up really quickly during summer. Car park isn't huge, so on bike or foot would be best.

Gorgeous setting, yummy teatime treats, and an inspiring literary heritage - what's not to love? Enjoy the walk from Cambridge, then settle in with newspapers and plenty of cakes and tea. Bliss, and a Cambridgeshire institution.