We will be in London the first week in April. Any suggestions for a place that serves an afternoon tea and also has a regular menu for someone who doesn't want the tea menu (husband...)?
Also we will be doing a day trip to Bath and would like to make a quick side-trip to Castle-Combe. I read that a taxi from Bath to Castle-Combe takes approximately 25 minutes. Has anyone done this or know of other transportation options or specific company that would get us there and back? Thanks!
Oh my. If you are just doing a day trip to Bath I'd spend all my time in Bath. I've been to Castle Combe several times and while it's scenic I'd not make a special trip there unless you were staying several days in Bath. Did you want to see something special there or just heard it's scenic?
Of course you have to travel your own trip.
You could have afternoon tea at the Pump Room in Bath!
https://thepumproombath.co.uk/
(Although it looks like they are not offering a lunch menu right now...)
Mad Max has a tour named "The Cotswold Villages Experience" that includes Castle Combe. It starts from Bath at 8:30 am and returns at 5:45 pm. That might make for an interesting day. You might investigate their private tour options.
I thought Castle Combe was one of the most magically picturesque places I've ever seen.
Two of my visits to Castle Combe were on Mad Max day trips (different trips in different years) but if you are coming in from London that morning it might be difficult to connect to the Mad Max tour at 830 and then you'd not see anything of Bath.
Sharon,
Afternoon tea in London is served in lots of places, including nice hotels. I’ve had it in both Harrods and Fortnum & Mason—as I recall, they both have other menu options besides scones and cake. And you get to be in those lovely shops.
Bath is beautiful and definitely worth the day; I can’t speak to Castle Combe as I’ve never been.
Enjoy your trip!
Debbie
The orangery in Kensington gardens is a great place for afternoon tea in London. But I second the earlier posters recommendation to take your tea in the pump room in Bath! One of my favorite spots for afternoon tea.
Another vote for tea at Pump Room-they had musicians playing when we were there.
I've also been to Castle Combe a few times. It's good for a 30 minute stop. But not worth an expensive taxi ride for just that. If you were visiting other areas of the Cotswolds then yes, I'd suggest making a stop, but not just for that.
You can walk from one end of the village to the other in about 5 minutes. There's a pub, a gift shop, and a lady who puts out cakes you can purchase on the honor system. There is also a small church.
