From cranberry scones to gingerbread cocktails, the traditional English tea party has had a festive makeover this year.

If you're looking to ditch the cold Christmas markets for a warmer delight, we've compiled a list of the best Christmas tea parties in Kent.

Hempstead House, Sittingbourne

This afternoon tea in Sittingbourne runs from Monday, November 29, through to Thursday, December 30 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

It will cost you £25 per person from Monday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday £27.50.

There is also the option to add a glass of mulled wine or champagne to the table for an additional cost.

The menu includes festive favourites such as turkey and cranberry sandwiches and home-made mince pies.

The Falstaff, Canterbury

Take a step away from the Christmas shopping in Canterbury city centre and into the merry lounge of the Falstaff for a festive tea party.

It's available for £22.50 daily throughout December including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The menu boasts both sweet and savoury delights with some seasonal treats such as Christmas cake to incorporate the festive theme.

The Falstaff also sells afternoon tea vouchers for the perfect Christmas gift.

Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks

The Great Comp Garden in Sevenoaks is launching a Christmas afternoon tea in the Old Dairy Tearoom with the log fire burning to create the ultimate cosy atmosphere.

The menu is kept traditional with scones, clotted cream, jams and a collection of sandwiches.

Tea and coffee is locally sourced and unlimited, but for those who like a tipple at Christmas there is a wide range of alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

It costs £26.99 per person and runs from Sunday, November 28 to Tuesday, December 21.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Dartford

This hotel tea party in Dartford runs from Wednesday, December 1 to Wednesday, December 29.

Prices start at £25 per person with children dining for £12 and under fives eat for free.

The menu boasts turkey, festive stuffing and cranberry sandwiches, as well as Christmas fruit cake and mandarin cheesecake.

Seasonal surprises are also in store for all who book a table.

Whitstable Castle, Whitstable

This fairytale tea party is set in Whitstable Castle in Tower Hill and is the bringing the magic this festive season.

Tables in the Orangery can be booked for up to eight people throughout December until Christmas Eve.

This comes in at £30 per person but also includes a glass of their special Christmas cocktail.

The menu includes festive classics like sticky pigs in blankets and ginger biscuits served with traditional tea and coffee.

Fleur de The, Rochester

This tea room in Rochester is renowned for its afternoon tea, but the festive tea is the perfect seasonal gift.

For £29.95 you can enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and brioche rolls in the newly expanded Fleur de The cafe.

The sample sandwich menu has turkey, sage and onion stuffing with cranberry sauce as well as roast gammon with honey mustard.

Of course there is also a selection of scones and this is all served with a glass of mulled wine, orange juice, tea or coffee.

Hythe Imperial Hotel, Hythe

This is the cheapest afternoon tea on our list with prices starting at £22 per person.

The Windsor Tea Parlour in Hythe is transformed into a winter wonderland from noon until 4pm every day in December (excluding Christmas day).

The vast sandwich selection includes a mature cheddar, fig and apple chutney sandwich. Sweet treats range from mince pies to a spiced orange cake. The afternoon tea can be served with a glass of bubbly for a supplement of £9.50.

For a guide to pantos this Christmas across Kent click here

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