Priory House Heritage Centre
Historic tea rooms and heritage centre in Dunstable, offering a vast tea selection, delicious food, and a glimpse into local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.
Priory House Heritage Centre
Best Time
Enjoy a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic tea rooms and heritage centre in Dunstable, offering a vast tea selection, delicious food, and a glimpse into local history.
"A must-visit for tea lovers and history buffs, offering a delightful blend of delicious food and rich heritage."
🚗 Parking Advice
Inquire about parking options beforehand; staff are helpful and knowledgeable. :car:
🍰 Don't Miss Afternoon Tea
Highly recommended! Generous portions, delicious food, and unlimited tea/coffee refills. :tea:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
13th Century Arched Ceiling
Dining Area
Dine beneath a stunning, historic arched ceiling dating back to the 13th century.
Extensive Tea & Coffee Menu
Tea Rooms
Explore a vast selection of 28 teas and unique specialty coffees, including the famed 'Cat's Poo' coffee.
Tudor Gardens
Outdoor Seating Area
Enjoy your meal or tea surrounded by a beautiful Tudor garden with historically accurate plants.
Dunstable History Exhibition
Upstairs
Discover the rich history of Dunstable, from Roman origins to significant events like Henry VIII's annulment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Dunstable's History
Tea Lover's Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
Inquire about parking options beforehand; staff are helpful and knowledgeable. :car:
🍰 Don't Miss Afternoon Tea
Highly recommended! Generous portions, delicious food, and unlimited tea/coffee refills. :tea:
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop
Browse handcrafted, local gifts and unusual items in the charming shop. :gift:
🌿 Garden Seating
Opt for outdoor seating on sunny days to enjoy the beautiful Tudor gardens. :sunflower:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
Inquire about parking options beforehand; staff are helpful and knowledgeable. :car:
🍰 Don't Miss Afternoon Tea
Highly recommended! Generous portions, delicious food, and unlimited tea/coffee refills. :tea:
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop
Browse handcrafted, local gifts and unusual items in the charming shop. :gift:
🌿 Garden Seating
Opt for outdoor seating on sunny days to enjoy the beautiful Tudor gardens. :sunflower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Priory House for its delightful afternoon tea and extensive tea selection, often highlighting the delicious food and friendly service. The historic ambiance, including the 13th-century architecture and Tudor gardens, adds to the charm. While most experiences are positive, some may find parking a minor inconvenience.
"Had a lovely afternoon tea at the Priory. My first visit but won't be my last. Entered through the front and saw a few tables in an area where sold and displayed lots of different eye-catching things from jewelry to small sculptured pieces. It looked really cosy and thought that was it, but kept going and there was a "formal" dining ... I kept going and came to another area and serving all sorts of local, lovely treats, teas, coffees drinks and the most delicious passion fruit cake! I enjoyed this with a nice glass of Chardonnay. We enjoyed our brunch in the gardens outside. It was just the perfect backdrop facing the wonderful gardens.
Staff are ever so nice (I had called earlier in the morning to ask about parking in the area) and in person were just as pleasant when describing what was on offer.
I thoroughly recommend this tea room and it's nice to enjoy on your own or with friends."
Tan Linda
"The best place to have lunch in Bedfordshire, delicious salads, perfect spot and super friendly service"
Patrick Lemaigre
"I LOVE the afternoon tea here. I have been 4 times now and every time I have had slightly different food to suit the time of year but always delicious. The staff are friendly and helpful and cannot do enough for you. There's unlimited tea/coffee and a phenomenal list of choices as well."
Gemma Dingle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Priory House is located in Dunstable. While specific public transport details can vary, it's situated in a historic town built around Roman crossroads. It's advisable to check local bus routes or use a sat-nav for driving directions. Parking information can be obtained by contacting the venue directly.
Parking availability can be a consideration in the town centre. It's recommended to call ahead to inquire about the best parking options near Priory House.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially for the tea rooms and exhibition. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current opening times before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking for afternoon tea is highly recommended, especially on weekends or during peak times, to secure your spot.
The heritage centre exhibition is usually accessible, but it's always a good idea to verify if there are any admission fees or if it's included with other services like afternoon tea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Priory House is renowned for its delicious lunches, salads, and particularly its afternoon tea. They also offer a wide variety of teas and specialty coffees. +1
The menu often features fresh, local ingredients. It's advisable to inquire directly about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options when booking or ordering.
Priory House offers an extensive tea menu with 28 varieties, catering to diverse tastes. They also have specialty coffees, including unique blends.
Many visitors rave about the passion fruit cake, describing it as delicious and a highlight of their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic 13th-century architecture, the charming Tudor gardens, and the beautifully presented food offer many picturesque moments for photos.
Photography rules can vary for exhibitions. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff if photography is permitted inside the Dunstable history exhibition.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. While there isn't a dedicated play area, the historical setting and the chance to see unique plants in the garden can add an educational element to the visit. It's a good spot for a family brunch or a special afternoon tea treat.
☕ Tea Enthusiasts
The experience is enhanced by the option of unlimited refills, allowing you to savor your chosen tea at your leisure. Paired with their highly-rated afternoon tea or a slice of their famous passion fruit cake, it's an ideal destination for a dedicated tea experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: Dining at Priory House
The menu is a celebration of local produce and classic treats. The tea rooms are particularly famous for their extensive selection of teas, boasting 28 varieties, alongside specialty coffees. Many reviewers highlight the delicious passion fruit cake and the generous portions of their afternoon tea, which often includes unlimited refills of hot beverages.
Uncovering Dunstable's Past
Beyond the major historical narratives, the centre also showcases the evolution of Dunstable through different eras. The presence of the 13th-century architecture within the building itself serves as a constant reminder of the town's deep historical roots. For those interested in local heritage, the exhibition provides valuable context and insights into the development of this historic market town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit