Italianate Glasshouse
A charming, idyllic tea garden attached to a Victorian glasshouse, offering homemade cakes and a serene escape in Ramsgate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for tea garden to be open
Italianate Glasshouse
Best Time
Best chance for tea garden to be open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, idyllic tea garden attached to a Victorian glasshouse, offering homemade cakes and a serene escape in Ramsgate.
"It's so charming and idyllic that it has a vaguely unreal quality."
📞 Call Ahead for Tea
Opening hours are erratic; call to confirm the tea garden is open before you visit. :telephone_receiver:
🍰 Don't Miss Homemade Cakes
The Victoria Sponge and carrot cake are highly recommended. Delicious and affordable! :cake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanting Tea Garden
Attached to the Italianate Glasshouse
Enjoy homemade cakes and delicious treats in a charming, idyllic setting with mismatched china.
Homemade Cakes & Cream Teas
Tea Garden
Indulge in perfectly baked Victoria Sponge, tempting carrot cake, and generous cream teas.
The Italianate Glasshouse
King George VI Park
Explore this beautiful glasshouse, often open more frequently than the tea garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours First!
Embrace the Idyllic Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Tea
Opening hours are erratic; call to confirm the tea garden is open before you visit. :telephone_receiver:
🍰 Don't Miss Homemade Cakes
The Victoria Sponge and carrot cake are highly recommended. Delicious and affordable! :cake:
🐶 Puppy Friendly Seating
Well-behaved dogs are welcomed with open arms in the outdoor seating area. :dog:
💰 Great Value Treats
Prices are significantly lower than typical coffee chains for similar treats. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Tea
Opening hours are erratic; call to confirm the tea garden is open before you visit. :telephone_receiver:
🍰 Don't Miss Homemade Cakes
The Victoria Sponge and carrot cake are highly recommended. Delicious and affordable! :cake:
🐶 Puppy Friendly Seating
Well-behaved dogs are welcomed with open arms in the outdoor seating area. :dog:
💰 Great Value Treats
Prices are significantly lower than typical coffee chains for similar treats. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors adore the Italianate Glasshouse tea garden for its incredibly charming and idyllic atmosphere, delicious homemade cakes, and surprisingly low prices. The mismatched china and serene setting create a unique, almost magical experience. However, the tea garden's famously erratic opening hours, dependent on fine weather, can lead to disappointment if not checked in advance.
"This tea garden attached to an ancient glasshouse, hidden away in a remote corner of King George VI Park in Ramsgate, is so charming and idyllic that it has a vaguely unreal quality.
Combined with the suspiciously low prices (less than half the cost of a similar treat in Costa Coffee or Starbucks), the mismatched fancy china, delicious home-made cakes and the erratic opening hours ("The Tea Garden is open weekends on fine weather days" states the website ambigously) and its proximity to extremely basic refreshment huts in the park or on the cliffs that tend to be packed with sunburnt sandy types accompanied by screaming kids and barking dogs, you would be forgiven for imagining that you'd walked into some kind of magical tea garden wormhole which only opens when the planets are in exactly the correct conjunction, or something.
There are home-woven lavender spindles, actual towels and knick-knacks in the lavatory cubicle. They put complimentary Nice biscuits in the saucers of our tea cups. We were en route to a booked lunch, or would have stayed for sandwiches which we saw passing by to other tables and which looked delicious.
We shared a slice of perfect Victoria Sponge, and eyed up a tempting carrot cake.
Certainly it was closed when we've tried to go in on a previous visit, leaving us pressing our noses sadly up against the bars, and our friends who live locally assure us the glasshouse is open MORE often but that the tea garden is not always operational, leaving them to wander sadly through the glasshouse wishing for cake and tea.
You might want to try telephoning in advance to avoid disappointment, or if you feel lucky, head in its direction on a sunny weekend, cross your fingers, click your heels together and wish. Good luck!"
Helen Aver
"Amazing, friendly staff and loads of DELICIOUS food included in the afternoon tea. Everyone having a cream tea was jealous! Can't wait to go back"
Katie Pope
"Was a lovely serene location, well planned and risk assessed in current covid situation. Clean and comfortable with shade if required outside seating. Service and food lovely"
Miriam Turner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Italianate Glasshouse is located within King George VI Park in Ramsgate. You can reach the park by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve local bus routes that stop close to the park.
Yes, there is parking available within or near King George VI Park, making it convenient to access the glasshouse and tea garden.
The park is situated near the cliffs and seaside, so a pleasant walk from the seafront is possible, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Italianate Glasshouse itself is generally free, though it's always best to check for any specific event or seasonal charges. The tea garden operates separately.
The glasshouse is often open more frequently than the tea garden. While specific hours can vary, it's usually accessible during daylight hours, especially on weekends.
The tea garden's opening hours are famously erratic and weather-dependent. It's highly recommended to call ahead or check their website for the most up-to-date information to avoid disappointment.
There is no admission fee to enter the tea garden itself, but you will pay for any food and drinks you order. Prices are noted as being very reasonable.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The tea garden offers delicious homemade cakes, including Victoria Sponge and carrot cake, as well as sandwiches and cream teas. Complimentary biscuits are often served with tea.
While specific options aren't detailed, the focus is on homemade cakes and traditional tea garden fare. It's advisable to inquire directly about dietary options.
Yes, the glasshouse and its surroundings offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the charming tea garden elements.
Yes, puppies are welcomed with open arms in the outdoor seating area of the tea garden, making it a great spot for dog owners.
The atmosphere is described as charming, idyllic, serene, and almost unreal, offering a peaceful escape with mismatched fancy china and a relaxed vibe.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the intricate details of the glasshouse architecture, the charming mismatched china in the tea garden, and the surrounding park scenery. Golden hour can add a magical touch.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors enjoying their experience.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the idyllic atmosphere for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to check opening hours beforehand as the tea garden can be unpredictable. If you're visiting with young children, consider bringing a few small toys or books for them to enjoy while waiting for food, especially if the garden is quieter. The welcoming atmosphere extends to families looking for a peaceful break.
🐶 Dog Owners
Enjoy a delightful cream tea or a slice of cake while your dog rests comfortably beside you. The serene environment makes it a pleasant experience for both you and your pet. Just remember to keep them on a lead and clean up after them.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience without breaking the bank. The generous portions and high quality of the food mean you get a lot for your money, making it a highly recommended spot for budget-conscious travelers seeking a charming experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Italianate Glasshouse
Visitors often find the glasshouse to be a tranquil escape, offering a glimpse into historical horticultural practices. The architecture itself is a point of interest, with its elegant lines and glass panels that allow natural light to flood the space. It's a place where one can wander, admire the plant life, and soak in the peaceful ambiance before or after enjoying refreshments.
The combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes the Italianate Glasshouse a must-visit for those seeking a quiet and aesthetically pleasing experience. It stands as a testament to a bygone era, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling modern world outside its walls.
A Taste of Charm: The Tea Garden Experience
Patrons rave about the quality of the food, particularly the Victoria Sponge and carrot cake, which are described as perfect and tempting, respectively. The cream teas are also a highlight, often praised for being generous and delicious. The experience is further enhanced by the friendly staff and the little touches, like complimentary biscuits with tea, that add to the overall delightful visit.
However, it's crucial to note the erratic opening hours. The tea garden operates on a 'fine weather days' basis, primarily on weekends, making it essential to check in advance. This unpredictability, while frustrating for some, also adds to the place's unique, almost magical allure, as described by visitors who have managed to catch it open.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit