What is served at tea?
Typical afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, cookies, and scones with clotted cream. The menu varies throughout the year. Please note that tea is not a full meal; we advise guests to eat lunch before arriving for the tour.
What time does tea end?
Most guests stay until approximately 3:30 pm.
I can only attend Tour & Tea on a date when a specialty tour is offered. Will I miss seeing the Cathedral?
You won’t miss seeing the Cathedral; you’ll get more information than the average visitor! With the exception of Garden Tours and Woods Walks, all specialty tours begin with a general overview of the Cathedral’s history and architecture.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes. Guests attending the garden tour are advised to bring a hat or sunscreen, and are asked not to wear open-toed shoes. We do not offer a coat check.
Where can I park?
Please see Parking for information on the Cathedral garage. For more transportation information, see Hours & Directions.
Is the tour wheelchair-accessible?
Most portions of the nave are wheelchair-accessible, and a small elevator is available to take guests to the crypt (lower) level. Tea is served in the Pilgrim Observation Gallery, which is accessible by elevator. Guests who have difficulty walking or standing for more than an hour may wish to borrow a wheelchair for use during the tour. Inside the nave, some wheelchairs are available for visitor use. Unfortunately, the Bishop.s Garden is not wheelchair-accessible. Please see Parking & Accessibility for more information.
Q: Can I bring my group to Tour & Tea?
Certainly! Groups of 10 or more may hold their reservation with a $125 deposit, with balance due two weeks before the event. We can accommodate groups as large as 45, depending upon availability. Please call (202) 537-8993 for more information.
May I bring my camera?
Yes. Photography is permitted in the Cathedral as long as a service is not in progress.
Q: Is Tour & Tea appropriate for children?
Tour & Tea is geared toward adults, though school-aged children are welcome. The tour lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, and tea service includes hot tea. We occasionally offer a Teddy Bear Tea, just for kids. If you would like to be notified of the next Teddy Bear Tea, please write to tea@cathedral.org to receive advance notice of this special Saturday event.