Perfect Welsh Afternoon Tea for Mary Kate at Powys Castle

Wandering through the ancient heart of Wales, we seize the moment for a magical visit to Powys Castle, with its magnificent architecture in a truly breathtaking setting.

Now, up front, I’ll declare an interest – I’m passionate about the National Trust (and the Scottish National Trust) . Both organisations do such a splendid job of looking after our national treasures in Britain, including Powys Castle. But suddenly I realise that our membership tickets are not with us – and oh, the kindness of strangers – the National Trust do a quick check and we are in!

Powys was built as a 12th century stronghold against English invaders, and you can understand why when you are there, you can see for miles! Its history is steeped in that of the Welsh Princes, and while there is still an Earl of Powis, the title is on its third creation.

Welsh afternoon tea at Powys Castle

While Powys Castle is amazing, the jewel in its crown are its glorious gardens.

Melding seamlessly into the imposing hills, the garden’s are spectacular, even outshining the idyllic setting of the magnificent hills that surround it. Apple blossom floats in the fresh spring air. There is a sence of enduring nature, particularly of the Yew trees, planted and clipped since the 1700s, now belonging to that ancient vista.

I happen across a favourite portrait, that of Lady Henrietta Herbert, painted in 1777 by Sir Joshua Reynolds, still hanging at her ancestral home

I adore this painting, its captivating and her beauty radiates. Lady Henrietta lived life, and I am inspired by her adventurous nature, by all accounts, she was quite a character. Her collection of Indian artifacts remain at the Castle. It reminds me I have yet to visit India…..

Who could resist having afternoon tea and gorgeous butterfly cakes at Lady Violets Tea room.

It is warm enough to sit outside under the soft blue sky, surrounded by the first flush of the brightest scarlet red tulips, my sweet tooth satisfied by afternoon tea, who could wish to be anywhere else in the world.

Butterfly Cakes at Lady Violets Tea room - Glorious afternoon tea at Powys Castle

I am delighted to find my favourite ethical company Zimbolic are also here at Powys Castles’ lovely Garden Shop.

Their beautiful and ethical garden sculpture is enchanting, and I’m particularly taken with the cormorants that stand guard on the battlements.

Tea with Mary Kate seeks to connect us to the ancient beauty that radiates around us, where we are often in danger of just rushing past.

There is a palpable sence of belonging at Powys Castle, to its history and to the spectacular and ancient lands that surrond it. If only for the gorgeous afternoon tea, but for much more, do visit as soon as you can!

Tea with Mary Kate's Beautiful Tulips

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Tea with Mary Kate’s Cornish Delight at Carnewas Tea Room

A special tea shop with its own Legends of Giants

I hesitate to divulge details of this rather special tea room at Bedruthen Steps, but with a generous flourish of my electronic pen, if you happen to be in Wadebridge, Cornwall, do go to this marvelous tea shop and unmissable destination, replete with it’s own legend of giants. “It is the tradition of the country that a much larger race of men stalked over this ground”, writes J. T. Blight in 1861: the vibrations of their laughter shook the cliffs, their footprints marked the solid rocks, they hurled large stones, tossed them in games of quoits, arranged them in peculiar ways, or in the case of the Bedruthan Steps used them as stepping stones.

A sight to behold - Amazing Bethruthen Steps

The joy of the experience is that contrast of the exhilarating sea air with returning to the cosy, intimate tea room

Initially, and this will be very hard, resist the temptation to rush into the traditional building, with it’s inviting lights behind original green painted sash windows (the building is National Trust owned, hence the authenticity, the tea shop a wonderful concession). Instead, take the exhilarating walk to see the ancient steps. Without exaggeration, this is truly an awe inspiring view, and it’s a fair walk, as although it’s downhill to the beach, there is the walk back up! But it is so worth it, one of the most breathtaking beaches that I have ever, ever seen. I can highly recommend walking further round the coast, particularly when the beach steps are shut in Winter ( understandable, as those who have walked down them even in summer will appreciate!)

Gorgeous flavoursome food awaits

Imagine a gorgeous scone, jam and Cornish Clotted cream

Returning, breathless, having lost count of the number of steps that have led you back, you feel like you’ve earnt the embrace of the welcoming tea room. Carnewas lives up to its rather splendid location. The building is cosy, inviting in contrast to the blustery exposed cliffs. Rows of long wooden tables to greet you, large enough to accommodate a big group and to meet strangers if the tables are busy, which they often are. A lovely touch is the special crockery with its jovial seaside inspired theme.

The food is freshly prepared by its friendly crew. I have always been delighted with what I’ve ordered, including lovely touches like diced sweet beetroot and orange on the crisp side salad. No surprise to hear that my first choice are the scones though. Freshly made, light, moist and flavoursome, with a nice choice of jam, and of course, gorgeous Cornish clotted cream, who could resist? And need I add, a lovely pot of tea!

The footsteps of Giants inspire a visit at Carnewas Tea room

Tea With Mary Kate seeks to highlight the heart and inspiration for living – & tea, & the ceremony of tea, as it represents an opportunity to pause, to breathe, to connect with the aesthetic & ourselves that we rush past most days. Carnwas Tea room is a unique opportunity not only to savour the timelessness of the quite splendid and traditional tea rooms but right on its doorstep is one of the most amazing beaches to be seen – visit soon!

Down on the beach at beautiful Bedruthen Steps

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