A young girl eating a scone at Brownsea Island — There's always time for a scone | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Places to eat in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Whether you feel like a cup of tea or coffee, a slice of homemade cake, or a meal made from fresh, local ingredients, you’ll find the cafés and tea-rooms in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are great places for delicious food and drink.

A woman eating a scone at Glendurgan Gardens

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Eating and Shopping at Hatfield Forest

The café at Hatfield Forest has views across the lake. You can also buy venison and firewood from the Estate Office when in season.

Close-up of a girl holding a sandwich close to her mouth

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Eating and shopping at Dunstable Downs

Enjoy stunning views and tempting treats in the café’s large indoor and outdoor seating areas. Discover seasonal and locally sourced gifts in the shop for a souvenir of your visit.

Vegan 'creem' tea with jam and vegan clotted 'creem'

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Eating and shopping at Ashridge

You will be able to enjoy a delicious selection of hot and cold food, drink and snacks from the outdoor café, while we work on plans for a new permanent café.

Two female visitors drinking cups of tea in the outdoor seating area of the tea room at Paycocke's House and Gardens, Essex

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Eating at Paycocke's

Visit our tea room for a light lunch or tea and cake stop during your visit to Paycocke’s.

If you're seeking peace and quiet, or somewhere the family can get together in the great outdoors, here are some great picnic locations with picturesque backdrops.

Kite flying at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

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Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Dunstable Downs is the highest point in Bedfordshire. From here you can enjoy scenic views for miles around, whilst enjoying your picnic, as birds soar overhead.

Tree in a buttercup meadow, with Bridgewater monument in the distance at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

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Ashridge Estate

Make your way to Meadleys Meadow, behind the visitor centre, where there is lots of open space for family games, large groups and room to spread out your picnic blanket.

Two adults and a child sitting in a field with yellow flowers at Hatfield Forest, Essex

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Hatfield Forest

Enjoy a picnic in the lake area at Hatfield Forest. There’s plenty of opportunities for children to burn off excess energy and the trees can offer shade or shelter.

The garden at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire

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Shaw's Corner

Roll out your picnic blanket on the lawn and soak up the rural idyll that is Shaw's Corner. Will the gardens inspire you like they did author George Bernard Shaw?