Afternoon Tea at the Zoo

Our Afternoon Tea experiences are currently not available. Stay tuned for future dates.

This August join us for a delicious afternoon tea in our historic Grade I listed Marwell Hall at the heart of the zoo located next to our white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra and scimitar horned oryx.

Our afternoon tea experiences are served every afternoon throughout August 2024 and are a perfect treat for all the family.

You can choose from two arrival times each day: 1.45pm – 2pm or 2.15pm – 2.30pm. Whichever slot you choose, you’re welcome to stay until Marwell Hall closes at 4.30pm.

  • Afternoon tea (vegetarian option available) £18.95
  • Children’s afternoon tea (recommended for under 12s) £9.95
  • Babies and toddlers (baby pouches available for £3 each)
  • Add a glass of prosecco for £6

Afternoon tea must be pre-booked online before 10am on the day of your visit. A £10 deposit will be payable to reserve your table. Same day bookings after 10am can only be made in person at Marwell Hall between 10am and 12pm, subject to availability.

Zoo entry tickets are not included in your afternoon tea reservation. Each afternoon tea guest must purchase a zoo ticket online prior to their visit or hold a valid Marwell membership.

Reserve Your Table

Afternoon tea is currently unavailable. Please stay tuned for future dates.

Please make sure you’ve already booked your zoo tickets, or have a valid annual membership for the date of your visit.

Grade I listed Marwell Hall is at the heart of the zoo.

Once owned by Sir Henry Seymour, the younger brother of Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour, Marwell Hall still shows signs of its Tudor and royal connections. Sir Henry was also the uncle of the young Tudor King Edward VI and the king’s coat of arms, once fixed above the main door, are still on view, now set into a magnificent fireplace in the main hall of the building.

The original medieval hall was built from stone and timber around 1320 and the intricate roof of this building still exists today. Marwell Hall as it looks today was rebuilt around 1816 and is now a Grade I listed building that still sits, as it has for 700 years, at the heart of the Hampshire landscape.

A man pours tea during Afternoon Tea at Marwell Hall. Afternoon tea at Marwell Hall, including cakes, wraps and sandwiches, plus a children's afternoon tea with a fruit caterpillar.

We hope you have a wonderful experience with us. There are just a few terms & conditions you need to be aware of before your visit.

  • Your afternoon tea will be served in Marwell Hall, and guests can choose between two arrival times: 1.45pm – 2pm or 2.15pm – 2.30pm. All guests are welcome to stay until Marwell Hall closes at 4.30pm.
  • All afternoon tea bookings are only valid for the date booked. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable and subject to availability.
  • Zoo entry tickets are not included in your afternoon tea reservation. Each Afternoon Tea guest must purchase a zoo ticket prior to their visit or have a valid Marwell membership.
  • Guests are asked to arrive at their designated sitting time. Tables will only be held for 15 minutes before being released without further notice. If guests are running late for any reason, we kindly ask that you notify us by telephone at your earliest convenience.
  • Please allow at least 30 minutes to walk from the zoo entrance to Marwell Hall.
  • Children up to and including the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • One drink per person is included with your afternoon tea. Additional drinks will be available to purchase.
  • If you are lucky enough to look under 25, we will ask for ID on any purchase of alcohol.
  • No personal food or drink items are permitted to be consumed inside the premises.
  • We advise all guests not to leave any personal belongings unattended at any time. Marwell Zoo will not be liable or responsible for any loss, theft or damage to your personal belongings.
  • We accept card payments only. Your £10 online deposit is non-refundable and redeemable against the cost of your afternoon tea on the date of your visit.
  • All our products are produced in an environment with all ingredients and possible allergens, therefore there is always a risk of contamination. Guests must inform us of any allergies or intolerances.
  • Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee window tables or specific areas when taking bookings, but we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
  • Please remember to dress in a respectful and appropriate manner for the environment. We reserve the right to ask guests to leave the premises in the event of inappropriate behaviour.
  • Minimum of two guests per booking.
  • Our car park is free of charge, please park with courtesy for other guests. Guest use of the car park is at their own risk.
  • Our standard entry terms & conditions also apply. For more information please visit our website to read our full terms and conditions.

Our Members

  • Members will be able to book a table for afternoon tea on our website.
  • Members discount does not apply.

Marwell Zoo reserves the right to close all or any part of the event as necessary without prior notice.

All terms and conditions, activities, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

A man pours tea during Afternoon Tea at Marwell Hall. Afternoon tea at Marwell Hall, including cakes, wraps and sandwiches, plus a children's afternoon tea with a fruit caterpillar.