REVIEW: Afternoon Tea at Upwey Wishing Well

Stepping into the Upwey Wishing Well Tearooms for our very first Afternoon Tea together as a family was nothing short of magical.

My two little adventurers, aged 7 and 4, were absolutely enchanted; in fact, my eldest declared, “Mummy, this is the best review we’ve ever done”, and that’s saying something, as we’ve done plenty!

Tucked away in the charming village of Upwey, just outside Weymouth, this multi award-winning café on the River Wey truly is a hidden gem. Even at 3pm it was buzzing, with chatter, clinking teacups, and happy diners of all ages soaking up the atmosphere.

The High Tea Experience

We went all in with a Children’s High Tea for the girls and the Traditional Afternoon High Tea for me. The kids were thrilled to share a pot of tea with me; pouring it carefully into delicate china cups and saucers, which made them feel ever so grown up.

The food arrived beautifully presented on tiered stands. The children’s selection was a feast in itself:

• Ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches
• Sausage roll and mini pizza
• Lemon drizzle cake and chocolate cake
• The biggest scones we’ve ever seen, with generous servings of clotted cream and jam

My adult tier was equally indulgent, with a wonderfully creative mix of flavours:

• Roast chicken with a tarragon mayonnaise
• Smoked salmon with fresh dill and cream cheese
• Spiced egg and cress sandwiches
• Caramelised onion sausage roll
• Vegetable quiche and feta & beetroot tart
• Macaron, salted caramel cup, lemon drizzle slice
• Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam

The quality was superb and the portions extremely generous. Honestly, it was on par (if not better) than some five-star hotel afternoon teas I’ve tried, which usually stick to the standard sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Here, it felt elevated, creative, and truly indulgent.

Gardens & Exploring

After polishing off our feast, we went for a wander through the gardens to stretch our legs. The setting is simply stunning; expansive water gardens framed by the historic wishing well, with curious ducklings bobbing along the streams. There’s even outdoor seating if you’d like to enjoy your tea al fresco on a sunny day.

Beyond the tearoom, the surrounding village is perfect for a leisurely stroll or longer walk, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out. Parking is available in the nearby church car park, with donations welcome.

Pricing & Booking

• Afternoon High Tea: £25.95 per person
• Children’s High Tea: £15.95 per child

Food is served all day, with wonderful brunch options and a selection of varying afternoon teas to suit every taste.

Bookings require 24 hours’ notice and a £10 deposit per person.

Service with a Smile

The staff were truly wonderful; warm, attentive, and so friendly. They made a real fuss of the children, which of course delighted them, and added an extra touch of magic to the whole experience.

Final Thoughts

The Upwey Wishing Well Tearooms isn’t just about afternoon tea; it’s a whole experience. From sipping tea in china cups to wandering through the gardens, it gave us memories we’ll treasure. My daughters ended the day with full tummies, happy smiles, and a firm verdict that this was their best outing yet.

From a parent’s perspective, dining out with young children can often feel more stressful than enjoyable. But here, for the first time, we all sat calmly, chatted, and savoured every moment without rushing. The combination of the relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, magical surroundings, and a truly spectacular afternoon tea made it a unique experience we’ll remember for a long time.

Highly recommended for families, walkers, or anyone chasing a whimsical and indulgent afternoon in Dorset. Just be sure to book ahead, bring your phone/camera, and come with any empty stomach; the scones alone deserve their own review!

To find out more about Upwey Wishing Well visit their website HERE!

Loved this review? Explore more of our reviews here, or if you’re curious about other spots for afternoon tea in Dorset, don’t miss our complete Dorset afternoon tea guide.