Langdale Chase celebrates 50 years of Swallows and Amazons with new Afternoon Tea

Langdale Chase is thrilled to launch its Swallows and Amazons inspired Afternoon Tea, celebrating 50 years since this iconic story first graced their screens.

The cast and crew of Arthur Ransome’s beloved novel were personal guests of the hotel during filming in 1974, making this the ideal moment to reflect on the magical story that has inspired numerous generations to visit The Lakes. The tea will be presented on crockery made and hand-painted by local artisans and will be served in the picturesque dining room, many lounges and on the hotel’s lakeside terrace, weather dependent.

New this summer, guests can indulge in a themed afternoon tea that brings the enchanting world of Swallows and Amazons to life. The Swallows and Amazons inspired tea will also take place in Langdale Chase’s majestically decorated dining room and is available to both hotel guests and visitors, framed by Lake Windermere. The setting is so enchanting that if you close your eyes and let your imagination to take control, you could be a member of the crew on board The Swallow.

The Afternoon Tea menu is a delightful nod to the culinary escapades of the novel’s young protagonists and its author. Sandwiches include Smoked Salmon with Beetroot and Cream Cheese, honouring Ransome’s love of smoked fish, and Pemican Beef with Horseradish and Red Onion, a nod to the corned beef the young protagonists regularly indulge in.

Langdale Chase - Swallows and Amazons Afternoon Tea — Langdale Chase – Swallows and Amazons Afternoon Tea

Potted Shrimps with Crumpets and savoury Cheddar Donuts will tantalise taste buds, while sweet fancies pay tribute to the whimsical tales. A Chocolate and Marmalade fancy recalls the chocolate eclairs at the Pirate’s Party and the children’s beloved marmalade sandwiches, Gooseberry Choux reflects the berries picked on the children’s adventures, and Titty’s Bun Loaf is a must try. The menu will change seasonally, ensuring fresh flavours throughout the year.

In addition to Afternoon Tea, The Terrace and the AA Rosette Dining Room are available to book daily for both hotel guests and non-residents alike. The Terrace serves lunch daily, and the Dining Room is open for daily à-la-carte dinner and Sunday lunch.

A Rich Literary Legacy

Langdale Chase’s connection to Arthur Ransome’s work is a point of pride. The hotel not only hosted Dame Virginia McKenna, the film’s lead actress, but also served as the venue for the wrap party of the cast and crew in 1974. This historical tie adds an authentic charm to the themed afternoon tea, making it a must-visit for fans of the novel and classic British literature.

Ransome himself is also believed to have been a frequent visitor to the hotel during his time in the lake district. Langdale Chase’s lakeside views, and formal gardens may well have inspired his book.

The Cumbrian Makers

Supporting local businesses, the afternoon tea will be presented on beautiful tableware designed by local artisans, from local hand thrown potters to woodwork craftsmen.

Fiona May Ceramics – Bowls and plates are made by Cumbrian potter Fiona May in a small kiln in her garage, where pottery dries alongside kayaks and mountain bikes. Her pieces take inspiration from the surrounding fells and nearby lakes, with nods to Swallows and Amazons in the finely painted adornments.

Croglin – The fancies will be presented on stunning handcrafted and hand illustrated wooden display boards.

Miles Moore – Adding depth to the table is the craft of Martin Miles-Moore. Working with clay for over a decade, Martin is not only inspired by the lakes, but he also uses the Earth beneath us in his pieces. Discarded materials and minerals from Lakeland quarries are introduced to the clay, providing a unique finish and a clear connection to the landscape.

Lauren Frost – Adding the finishing touches, Lauren Frost brings the layers of the Lakeland landscape to life in her pieces. Her beautiful pottery with lines of earth, water and sky become like islands as they hold jam and cream and more.

Langdale Chase opened its doors in November 2023 following an extensive 12-month restoration, with interiors that transport guests back to the 1920 and 1930s heyday era of the Lake District. The stunning 30-room Grade II listed property has seven spacious suites with cosy reading nooks overlooking the lake, five dog friendly rooms, an AA Rosette restaurant and art deco style bar, a cinema room and boundless outdoor activities.

Tea prices start at £55.00 per person

Room rates at Langdale Chase start from £390 per night, on a B&B basis