As a nation of tea drinkers, it's always time for tea - especially this weekend, as it's National Tea Day. We take a look at the drink that has us hooked and 10 of the best places to take it across the county

1. THE ROMNEY AT MOTE HOUSE, MAIDSTONE

Sample some edible English charm with one of The Romney’s afternoon teas, with traditional tea, finger sandwiches, homemade scones and cakes, to G & Tea - quintessentially English gin and tonic served in a china cup. It's the perfect treat for a special celebration or laidback Sunday. Details at romneyrestaurant.co.uk

2. THE FAIRMILE, WILLICOMBE PARK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

It's a decadent experience to try one of the Fairmile’s afternoon teas. There's tea, scones and cakes or a summery Pimm’s Afternoon Tea. Find the Fairmile at Willicombe Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3UU. To book call 01892 278141 or go to fairmilerestaurant.co.uk

3. HOTEL DU VIN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

It’s tradition, taking tea in the afternoon. At Hotel du Vin, it's next level with a classic experience of finger sandwiches, scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, cakes, tea breads and savouries. Or you can enjoy a glass of Champagne, a gin or a classic cream tea. The hotel has a range of tea infusions, developed with Twinings from far-flung lands to a Full English blend. Afternoon tea is served every day between noon and 6pm. Find the hotel in Crescent Road, TN1 2LY. More details at hotelduvin.com or call 01892 320749.

4. THE YARROW HOTEL, BROADSTAIRS

There are traditional afternoon teas, freshly made sandwiches, and mouthwatering scones, cakes and pastries on offer at the hotel, which is adding £2 to the afternoon teas on Saturday, April 21 towards the Teenage Cancer Trust.

5. MRS KNOTT'S TEA ROOMS, DOVER

The National Trust's Mrs Knott's Tea Room gives a whole new meaning to high tea as it's at the South Foreland Lighthouse at St Margaret's Bay, Dover, overlooking the sea. After a two-mile stroll along the clifftops, pop into the 1950s-style tea rooms, with vintage wallpaper and china cup. There is no parking at the tea rooms themselves. For details call 01304 852463.

6. JEMIMA'S TEA ROOM, RAMSGATE

The tea rooms in Minster High Street offers vegetarian friendly treats and plenty of tea to take. Find the tea room at 77 High Street, Minster, CT12 4AB, or call 01843 319206.

7. HOME FRONT TEA ROOM, RAMSGATE

Keep calm and carry on at the Home Front Tea Room in King Street, Ramsgate, with its nostalgic feel, offering cakes, scones, sandwiches, cream teas, soup and light lunches. Find it at 13A King Street, CT11 8NN, or visit 40stearoom.co.uk

8. TOWER HILL TEA ROOMS, WHITSTABLE

The tea gardens are a great place to sit and watch the world go by, stationed at Tower Hill in Whitstable. For details call 01227 281726.

9. THE GOLDING HOP TEA HOUSE, PLAXTOL

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and head to the secluded tea house and to the babbling stream as you sip your tea. The dog friendly spot is at Sheet Hill, Plaxtol and is open selected hours.

For details call 01732 887162 or search the golding hop on Facebook.

10. TEAPOT ISLAND, YALDING

No tea celebration would be complete without a visit to Teapot Island in the village of Yalding outside Maidstone, on the banks of the River Medway. The family-run business has more than 7,600 teapots on display in an exhibition open to the public for a small charge. There are also teapots for sale - and of course, tea to drink. Even the royals dropped in back in 2014 for a spot of tea. For details and the menu visit teapotisland.co.uk

ABOUT THE DAY

National Tea Day is a movement to get more Brits to drink more and drink better tea. Organisers believe tea is more than just a leaf, but a cultural phenomenon, bringing communities together and helping shape British Culture. A tea day celebration, Fes-Tea-Val, held at Chiswick House Gardens on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 will feature food pairings, healthy tips and a dedicated tea and alcohol zone. Featuring special guests including celebrity cake maker Mich Turner and winner of the BBC’s apprentice, Alana Spencer as well as etiquette lessons from Lady Nadine, there’s plenty going on, including a Tea ‘n’ Treat Village, tea bazaars and a picnic park. There will also be masterclasses on mixology and an exhibition on historic tea ware at Chiswick House. To find out more visit nationalteaday.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

There are four types of tea - black, green, white and oolong - but they all come from one plant, Camellia Sineusis.

Earl Grey tea was named after a 19th century British diplomat to China.

Legend has it that tea was discovered by Chinese emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC, by accident after a tea leaf fell into some hot water.

Tea bags were invented in 1908 in the US by Thomas Sullivan, who created small silk bags for his tea which his customers thought shouldn't be emptied, so put them into the water as they were.