Stunning historic hall opens for afternoon tea for the first time - and it's a real treat

Set amid miles and miles of rolling country estate, the historic Knowsley Hall is one of the region's most iconic mansions.

While Knowsley Safari Park sits within its grounds and is visited by thousands of visitors every year, rather less people get to set foot inside the historic hall that has been owned by the Stanley family for the past 600 years.

But now, the estate is opening some of its simply stunning rooms up to the public for a new luxury afternoon tea experience for the first time.

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And its no ordinary afternoon tea either - as it has been inspired by the much-loved poem The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear. The poet and artist wrote the ditty while he was an artist in residence at Knowsley Hall in the 1800s.

We were invited to be among the first to taste the new Signature Afternoon Tea, which will next be available to book from October 19. And guests can expect to really enjoy the theme with cute macarons with an owl emblem, a chocolate owl on top and lots of ingredients and drinks inspired by the whimsical poem.

Visitors who book for the special afternoon teas will not only get to enjoy the special tiered trays of treats on the day. As it is also a chance to experience the Hall's unique heritage.

Upon arrival, live music welcomes guests, before you are walked through the magnificent Library through to the hall's opulent Stucco Ballroom.

Once seated, guests are invited to create a personal cocktail or non-alcoholic mocktail, using Knowsley Hall’s Walled Garden Gin as a base and adding their own choice of a tea-based tincture. You can also choose from an array of teas which you enjoy throughout your sitting.

Smartly-dressed staff are then on hand to serve guests a selection of savoury delights curated by in-house chef Alex Makin. A string quartet was also playing during the service of the tea.

On the tiers you can expect to find freshly baked sweet and savoury scones – all accompanied by Knowsley estate honey and fresh thyme from the grounds – and an assortment of dainty pastries and cakes.

On the savoury side of things, they've gone for a quirkier take than finger sandwiches. We tucked into smoked salmon cones, mini brioche beef baps, cheese and onion tarts and a ciabatta chunk with mozzarella and grilled vegetables.

Michael Hamilton, General Manager at Knowsley Hall said: “We are delighted to be introducing our Luxury Signature Afternoon Tea of which we are incredibly proud. "We wanted to create a unique experience that pays homage to our incredible history, in a beautifully whimsical manner that would leave guests truly wowed.

"We promise guests a beautifully thought-out, deliciously fresh menu to be enjoyed amidst the grandeur of Knowsley Hall. Here, they will be transported to a world of elegance and refinement and can look forward to the warm hospitality and impeccable service expected of one of the region’s finest stately homes."

What makes the experience just that little bit more different, is that once you have enjoyed your afternoon tea, you are then welcome to explore the stunning gardens. Designed by Capability Brown, they are set within 2,500 acres of private walled estate, and having a stroll certainly helps to walk off a few of those cake calories.

Knowsley Hall’s Luxury Signature Afternoon Tea costs £60 per person. For bookings and event dates visit the website here.