Tea with a View

No. 5 Angel Hill is a stylish café and wine house perfectly positioned in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, directly opposite the historic Abbey Gate. Set within a beautifully designed space featuring elegant, contemporary touches, it offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere ideal for lingering over coffee, cake, or a glass of wine.

What truly makes No. 5 special is the view — from its windows and outdoor seating, you can take in sweeping sights of Angel Hill, the Abbey Gardens, and the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Whether you visit for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, it’s a spot that blends modern comfort with the timeless charm of Bury St Edmunds’ most iconic setting.

Tucked away in the heart of the historic Abbey Gardens, this welcoming little café is perfectly placed for a peaceful tea break surrounded by nature and echoing with centuries of history. The menu offers barista coffee, speciality teas, fresh scones, sandwiches, and yummy cakes. Find a spot out on the terrace and luxuriate in the calm, flower-filled gardens, where formal beds burst with colour through the changing seasons with the majestic ruins of the medieval Abbey just beyond.

Once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England, the Abbey of St Edmund was founded in 1020 and became a major pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from across Europe to the shrine of the martyred king, Saint Edmund. Today, you can take in this iconic view, enjoy a cuppa and relish being surrounded by echoes of history in one of Bury St Edmunds’ most beautiful green spaces.

For a café experience with a twist, the Greene King Beer Café offers something quite unusual right in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Located within the iconic Greene King Brewery, this rooftop café provides panoramic views over the town’s rooftops and historic skyline; a perfect spot to settle down with a refreshing drink- though probably beer rather than tea, and take in the scenery from above. Inside, the café’s large windows provide a close up view of the fascinating brewing process, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into workings of a brewery.

While it’s not your traditional tea stop, the café also serves a selection of speciality teas and light bites, making it a great choice for those seeking something different. The lively atmosphere, combined with the unique industrial-chic setting makes this a great spot to soak up the spirit of Bury St Edmunds in a very special way.

Located at 57 Cornhill, Harriet’s Café Tea Rooms transports visitors into an early 20th‑century interior with chandeliers, waiting staff in period uniforms, and occasional live piano music. The menu includes loose‑leaf teas, freshly filled sandwiches, and lovely cakes handmade on the premises. Settle down on the outdoor seating under the grand columns and enjoy a cuppa with a beautiful view of the Cornhill below; ideal for people watching and to while away the time.

Part of All Saints Hotel, the Lodge Café (also known as The View) features floor‑to‑ceiling glass and terrace seating overlooking Suffolk Golf Course, perfect for golfers taking a break or spectators looking to observe from afar. The menu offers coffee, classic teas, pastries, and lighter options. Settle down with a cuppa and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of green fairways, landscaped gardens, and golfers taking the game in their stride

Tucked beside the cathedral cloisters on Angel Hill, Pilgrims’ Kitchen offers rustic furniture, pots of herbs, indoor sofas, and a tranquil walled garden with a lovely view of the cathedral itself. The café serves tea and coffee, alongside their famous cheese scones, home‑baked cakes, and light lunches. Take in the view while you savour a delicious treat and watch cathedral arches and cloister stonework bathed in soft light.

This is no ordinary tea stop. This cafe sits in a landscape steeped in early English history, home to one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the country; an authentically reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village. After exploring the ancient dwellings and imagining life here 1,500 years ago, head to West Stow's Café at the visitor centre and take in the view while you savour a delicious slice of cake: through the windows, you’ll see woodland, heath and maybe some wildlife. On warmer days, sit outside and soak up the sunlight in this important setting.

Nestled within the grounds of Tudor-era Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, the Paddocks Tea Garden is a tranquil oasis steeped in history. The Hall itself dates back to the early 1500s and is one of Suffolk’s finest moated Tudor houses, still privately owned and lovingly maintained. Over the centuries, Kentwell has played host to royalty and rebellion alike, and today, its grounds are a haven for visitors seeking heritage and peaceful exploration.

Located beside the historic paddocks, this open-air tea garden offers fine views of the rolling parkland and pastures below. You may even catch sight of grazing sheep, ponies, or wandering peahens, an authentic countryside setting to enjoy alongside your drink. Seasonal offerings include a good selection of speciality teas and coffees, along with freshly made cakes and light lunches.

Housed in the original 1865 booking hall of Clare Railway Station, Platform One Café offers a unique setting for a tea break. The café has been thoughtfully refurbished to retain its Victorian charm, featuring a cosy log burner for colder days and outdoor seating with views across the park. Visitors can enjoy a selection of freshly made coffees, teas, light lunches, and homemade cakes, including the café's famous Eccles cakes. The café is dog-friendly and welcomes families, cyclists, and walkers alike.

Just a short walk from the café, visitors can explore the remains of Clare Castle, including the 60-foot-high motte offering stunning views over the park and the surrounding countryside.