Afternoon tea for 3 (nearly 4)

Well I think I've made it. I've managed to get everyone's birthdays/events and outings done and out of the way with no interruptions or early signs from baby! Phew! At the weekend Josh and I took my mummy to the beautiful Ellenborough Park Hotel for afternoon tea as her birthday treat/present this year... (it's her actual birthday today – Happy Birthday Mummy!)

I originally had the idea of taking her to London for afternoon tea, as from my years living there I know London a lot better than Oxfordshire still. However, realising I'm about to pop and after how shattered I was taking Josh to London for his birthday a few weeks ago... it all seemed a bit risky! So I hoped onto google and found Ellenborough Park! (Which is actually in Cheltenham not Oxfordshire but is close to my mums house so it worked!)

There's something special about having new experiences or trips for birthday gifts rather than actual physical presents! I know when Josh took me to Madrid for my birthday last year, yes that money could've bought me a another designer bag, but it was just so much more special creating those memories which we will both cherish forever! Also I'd bought my mum really expensive pretty gifts for the last few years so thought it would be a nice change! I know afternoon tea is something that my mum hasn't done very often either, there is something really satisfying about it.. it is just so nice and relaxing!

The house and setting itself, was just beautiful. Surrounded by greenery and little garden areas. The Great Hall which was where we had afternoon tea in was so regal, with beautiful high ceilings, grand fireplace and chairs, and lovely little stain glassed windows. You really felt like you'd gone back in time! The tea and service was amazing AND.. they did EVERYTHING gluten free for me! I know right?! Sandwiches, scones and cakes.. all gluten free! I was gob-smacked in all honesty, I thought there would be maybe one or two things okay that I could have, but to not miss out on anything, was just amazing! And it was all delicious gluten free, not dry crumbly wannabe cakes and scones. I think we ended up there for at least 2 hours, just chatting away, slowly making our way through the food and many pots of tea! Even the weather managed to hold out for us that day, which meant afterwards we had a little wonder around the grounds exploring before heading home.

If anyone is in the Cheltenham area, definitely check this place out! We have said that we would love to come back for dinner, or even stay over in the hotel and treat ourselves to a few cheeky spa treatments! Josh and I said once we've had baby girl, and if we feel like we need a night away together, it would be perfect with my mum only being 10 minutes away, she could baby sit but we are still close enough if there are any problems or dramas!

Again, Happy birthday Mummy! Thank you for being the most inspirational and amazing women, you are such a role model to me and my sisters. I really hope I can live up to how great you are, and be the best mummy I can be to my little girl when she is here!
​
Any afternoon tea recommendations you have I would love to know! I always love finding new places to visit and explore, especially when they do awesome gluten free options! Comment below or contact me via the social page!