Afternoon Tea at the Knoll House Hotel
Living in Dorset, we are spoiled with miles and miles of stunning coastline to explore, but one of our favourite places to visit is Studland.
With its unspoiled beaches and stunning views over Old Harry Rocks at the start of the Jurassic Coast, Studland Bay has a fascinating history which can still be seen, with lines of Dragons Teeth tank traps, pill boxes and Fort Henry over looking the bay.
Possibly less well known, but equally fascinating are its links to Enid Blyton’s, who based the Famous Five adventures on the Isle of Purbeck and PC Plod (Noddy) on a local Policeman.
Enid Blyton used to stay at the Knoll House Hotel up to four times a year in the Fifties and Sixties and the hotel itself proudly displays memorabilia from her work.
I can certainly see why she was inspired here, as she always chose room no.40 which overlooks the bay, but all rooms at the front of the hotel are treated to the stunning view.
We were invited to try Afternoon Tea at the Knoll House Hotel which is held in their Bistro, which was once the children and nannies’ dining room and still has a small children’s playroom and toilet.
The Bistro overlooks the front gardens and Studland Bay, so you can enjoy the view whatever the weather, and has outdoor seating available on the patio.
The kids enjoyed setting up and playing a game of croquet on the lawn as we waited for our food to arrive.
We chose the Afternoon Tea for children and adults which offers a selection of sandwiches, scones with preserves and cream & delicious cakes, served with tea or coffee and squash for the children.
They also offer a traditional Afternoon Tea and Champagne Afternoon Tea options.
The adults afternoon tea came out on a cake stand, but the kids sandwiches, with their chosen filling, were served on plates with crisps, with a jelly or brownie dessert to follow.
We ate the scones in the traditional Dorset way, where you spread the clotted cream on the scone, then finish with a dollop of jam.
Of course, despite having their own cakes, the kids wanted to try ours too!
The miniature lemon meringues and the jaffa cake profiteroles were the biggest hit!!
The afternoon tea worked well for our family as the kids are not very adventurous with food and got to choose what they wanted to eat, rather than being presented with a selection of unknown foods.
There is also a fabulous play park for them to enjoy behind the hotel, perfect for burning off all those sugary treats.
Afternoon tea is served every day in the Bistro, from 2-5pm and costs £54 for two adults and two children.
The Knoll House Hotel is the perfect place to visit after a walk out to Old Harry Rocks, a kayak tour with Fore Adventure or a bracing stroll along the beach.
We will definitely be back soon to check out their lunch menu, as it looks delicious.
Disclaimer: We were guests of the Knoll House Hotel for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
Cristina Petrini
A lovely place not only for children, it really feels like the tea break you see in Alice. I love this place!
Claire
The view over the bay is stunning, I see why she booked that room.
I love afternoon tea, and that looks like a good one! Although I’m a jam then cream kinda girl!
Jennifer
Looks like a really cozy place and the pastries look delicious too! I loved Enid Blyton’s books as a child so interesting to find out more about her.
rhian westbury
I really want to visit here and see where Enid Blyton wrote some of the stories. The afternoon tea looks lovely, it’s nice that the kids got their own version. Plus I have my scones the same way and put the jam on last x
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
A beautiful place to visit as a family, the afternoon tea looked amazing – so pleased to see you were eating scones the correct way too!
Arya
This is so Alice in Wonderland! Love the scones with jam, delicious! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sarah
I love everything here – the views, the cakes and the play area! It all looks brilliant (and your kids’ faces say it all to be honest!) Dorset is fabulous and there’s so much to do there.
Olya AMANOVA
It seems like a very nice place to stay. I always look for a nice family and kids friendly locations and now can put this place on my list.
Norma
This seems like a wonderful place to spend time with family. The food looks delicious especially the scones with cream and jam.
Ella @ Typical Mummy
This sounds and looks really lovely. I especially like the Enid Blyton connection as I used to love her books as a child!
Ali Rost
I was completely captivated by the Bistro! Those adorable ceiling lights and I love how they’re child-friendly. Everything about it makes me want to order lunch and stay for hours chatting with a good friend. xx
Rosey
It does look like a pleasant way to spend the day. The scones look scrumptious. I haven’t had any of those for years, I am way overdue!
Liona
Looks like a wonderful day. Lovely food and a beautiful location.
fashionandstylepolice
What a lovely hotel. I can see the kids enjoyed their time there. Great location.
Rebecca Smith
That afternoon tea looks absolutely delicious and I love that play park! The hotel looks absolutely fantastic, a great place to stay.
Jenny
I love Afternoon Tea. This sound like a lovely place, especially with the Enid Blyton connection.
Nayna Kanabar
This sounds like a lovely place to stay and who doesn’t love afternoon tea? It all sounds wonderful and I loved reading that they have memorabilia about Enid Blyton. As a child I was a big fan.
Jenna Parrington
This looks like such a lovely place to visit and it’s great to know that it’s so child friendly too!
Lauretta At Home and Horizon
I want to go there every afternoon and have tea. The lemon meringues really look delicious. It’s a nice place for kids and adults alike.
Laura Schwormstedt
Oh wow what a gorgeous place to have an afternoon tea and I love that it’s so family-friendly as well – what a treat
Laura x
Jenni
It looks absolutely delicious and it’s not a bad price for all 4 of you either! I like it when the children get to choose the sandwich fillings