What could be better than spending a summer's afternoon enjoying a cream tea?

The ultimate indulgence, Dorset is blessed with a plethora of quirky cafes, hotels and tearooms to choose from.

Here we pick just some of the places to visit.

1. Steam Vintage Tearooms 

Bournemouth Echo:

Gluten free, vegan and dairy free cream teas can be hard to find, but this vintage tearoom on Bournemouth's Poole Hill offers something for everyone. 

There are three teas to choose from; a cream tea at £4.95 per person, a Steam Tea at £6.95 per person and a Steams Afternoon Tea at £12.95, with gluten free, vegan and dairy free options an extra £1.50.

Open Monday to Sunday between 10.30am to 4.30pm. Visit bournemouthtearooms.com

2. Moreton Tearooms

Who says scones should just be restricted to plain or fruit? Moreton Tearooms offer a ginger and treacle option and even a savoury cream tea which is a cheese scone served with cream cheese chutney. 

Their Special Afternoon Tea is served between 3pm and 5pm and consists of finger sandwiches, mini cakes and scones served with clotted cream and jam with your choice of tea or coffee for £12.50. 

 Visit moretontearooms.co.uk

4. Ventana Grand Cafe at The Cumberland Hotel

With not just one but five types of afternoon tea to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.

The Cumberland Traditional Afternoon Tea is served daily between 3pm and 5pm with a selection of finger sandwiches, Homemade Raisin Walnut & Cinnamon Scones, a selection of French pastries and a pot of tea or coffee for £14.50pp. 

For those celebrating, there's also a champagne, Prosecco or even a Hendrick's afternoon tea that comes with a gin cocktail.

The Gentleman's Afternoon Tea features Prosciutto Ham with Homemade Chutney Tomato, Onion and Basil Bruschetta, Baked Brie on Soda Bread Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese. You'll finish with a Blini Baked Blueberry & Peach Cake, Chocolate Brownie & Coffee macaroon. Priced at £18.95pp

Visit cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk

5. The Green House

Bournemouth Echo:

Calling all chocoholics. The Green House Hotel offers chocolate chip scones for those who fancy a twist on afternoon tea. If that's too adventurous for you, worry not. You can still have traditional scones along with your finger sandwiches and a selection of baked fancies fresh from the oven, which all comes served on a three tiered wooden tree for £18.50 per person. 

Visit arbor-restaurant.co.uk

6. Frieda's Tea Bus

Bournemouth Echo:

Take in Dorset's beautiful scenery AND enjoy afternoon tea at the same time. The 90-minute journey starts and ends at Bournemouth Pier and will take in Boscombe and Tuckton, giving you some spectacular views along the way.

During the trip, you'll be served a three-tier afternoon tea on your table made using locally-sourced ingredients. Tours run at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays and cost £30 for adults and £20 and children under 12. 

Visit friedastearoom.co.uk

7. The Blue Pool Tearooms

Bournemouth Echo:

Built in 1935, the Blue Pool Tearooms offer a traditional cream tea and freshly baked scones which can be enjoyed outside on the terrace overlooking the Blue Pool or cosy up inside beside the fireplace. 

The menu is locally sourced wherever possible and caters for most dietary needs including gluten free and dairy free products.

Visit bluepooltearooms.co.uk/tea-rooms

8. Norfolk Royale Hotel 

Afternoon tea is served daily in the Lounge and Verandah between 2pm to 5pm from as little as £6.95 per person. For £12.95, you can enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes and pastries and your choice of tea and coffee. There's also a 2 for 1 offer for readers, just mention 'Echo offer' when you book. 

Visit thenorfolkhotel.co.uk/en/home

And for those of you who want to have a go at making your own afternoon tea, we have plenty of inspiration for you.