Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room

Icknield Wy, Cavenham, Bury, St Edmunds IP28 6DB, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(37 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room is a delightful oasis nestled in the picturesque woodlands of Cavenham, just a short drive from Bury St. Edmunds. This charming café, coupled with its stunning gardens, creates a serene escape where every visit feels like a mini-vacation.

As soon as you step onto the property, you are enveloped by the enchanting atmosphere that the 15 acres of beautifully maintained gardens offer. Visitors have described them as “a treasure” with attractions that change with the seasons, making every trip a new experience. Imagine meandering through meticulously curated “garden rooms”, each more surprising than the last, where vibrant blooms coexist harmoniously with the tranquil woodland backdrop.

The café itself serves as the perfect complement to the gardens. With rave reviews highlighting the deliciously prepared food and lovely selection of tasty cakes, it’s clear that both locals and travelers consider it a hidden gem. Each dish is beautifully presented, inviting you not just to eat, but to savor every delightful bite, whether it’s pairing a fresh cheese scone with a dollop of jam or enjoying a pot of proper English tea served in exquisite bone china sets. Customer Stephanie Boddington raved, “The cakes are lovely, and the staff is friendly and efficient,” which truly exemplifies the warm environment fostered here.

The relaxed atmosphere of Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room is palpable—many have enjoyed their visits on sunny days, taking advantage of the quaint courtyard seating adorned with shaded wooden structures. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a communal experience where conversation flourishes over delicious meals and decadent treats. Even Amy Goodwin noted that the “courtyard and café for lunches” add to the overall charm, making it a lovely spot to kick back and unwind while indulging in delightful flavors.

Moreover, the gardens themselves serve as an incredible backdrop to your visit, allowing you to lose yourself in the beauty of nature that has been nurtured over the years. “Fabulous” is how Susan Mortimer described them, and she emphasizes that one visit might not be enough, as there’s always something new to discover around every corner. This is why many guests, including Eugene Hill, feel it’s a “very peaceful and relaxing place to visit.”

As you embark on your journey to Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room, prepare to be captivated by its charm, nourished by its exceptional offerings, and enchanted by the harmonious blend of nature and human creativity. A visit here is not just a meal; it's an experience that beckons you to return, season after season.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

37 Reviews
Stephanie Boddington

11 Sep 2025

Lovely selection of tasty cakes at the cafe. Very friendly and efficient staff. The Gardens themselves are beautiful. Definitely the sort of place to come back time and time again to see the changing displays of flowers throughout the year. Certainly worth buying the annual pass.

Amy Goodwin

27 Aug 2025

This is a gem of a garden carved into deep woodland over the last 20 years. Opens Fr/Sa/Su but not all year. Fantastic courtyard and cafe for lunches. The food is excellent and beautifully presented. The cake selection was top notch and a proper pot of tea. My heaven. The garden itself is £5 to tour and has multiple garden 'rooms'. Very well curated and looked after. It's not massive but it is really very good (and I'm a garden geek and have visited many many great gardens). Well worth a visit and definitely eat there!

Charlie Redbear

19 Aug 2025

Had a great afternoon with my dad here. Struggled to park in the car park...we came at about 11.30am on a Saturday. But there were cars parked on the grass verge and tbh this only told me how popular and great this place must be. We parked up on the verge and went to the cafe first. Wow this hidden gem is POPULAR and I can see why. We had the cheese scone and the jam scone and boy is this place extra. Cheese one came with...warm scone, butter, cream cheese, chutney and a little onion, gherkin and cherry tom. Fruit one came with warm scone, clotted cream, jar of jam, butter and a little fresh strawberry tart. Really really lovely and attention to detail is on point. Staff lovely too. Very attentive and smiley. Gardens...well this place is a lush way to spend an afternoon. We honestly had a lovely time and will defo be back. Thanks guys and well done. Perfect.

Susan Mortimer

03 Aug 2025

Fantastic value for money. Excellent food and service in the café, good atmosphere, very welcoming. Outstanding gardens with a surprise round every corner. Will definitely visit again. Not sure I saw all of it the first time round and it warrants more than one visit. I visited with a group on a non public day so we pretty much had the gardens to ourselves. Fabulous.

Matthew Selfe

15 Jul 2025

Nestled on the outskirts of Cavenham, approximately 7.8 miles from Bury St Edmunds, lies the hidden treasure of Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room. Tucked away within 15 acres of captivating woodland, this enchanting destination boasts meticulously maintained gardens that serve as a testament to both nature's beauty and human artistry. Meandering through the labyrinthine pathways, visitors are treated to a sensory feast of vibrant flora and elegant architecture, adorned with ornate fountains and statues that evoke a sense of timeless grandeur. Beyond the visual splendour, Porters Lodge offers a haven for both relaxation and indulgence. The charming tea room beckons with its tantalizing array of delicacies, from delectable scones and cakes to a selection of teas and coffees, all served with a generous dose of warmth and hospitality. The inviting seating area provides the perfect setting to unwind and savour the flavours, while the attentive staff ensure that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for. Moreover, the expansive grounds offer an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls or invigorating dog walks, making it a delightful destination for both humans and their furry companions. Whether seeking a serene escape amidst nature's embrace or simply craving a culinary delight, Porters Lodge Gardens & Tea Room promises an unforgettable experience that is as enchanting as it is enriching. Truly, a visit to this hidden gem is a journey worth embarking on.

Lyndsay Potter

22 Jun 2025

It’s the most quintessential English tearoom I have ever been too!!! They use bone China tea sets for tea and all the foods they serve up. The food is amazing and I know the lady who supplies the cakes and they are lush!!!! The cafe area has several different types of tables plus 3 different wooden structures you can eat under. The gardens are out of this world! You only have to walk 1 minute and the scenery changes from gazebos, waterfalls, statues, ponds and so much more ! You could easily spend a couple of hours in the gardens! I have posted less than half of the garden photos!!

Ms R

04 Jun 2025

Beautiful woodland garden. Would highly recommend the friendly service and delicious food

Eugene Hill.

02 Jun 2025

Enchanting place with beautiful gardens and features. Excellent cafe with locally made cakes and produce. A very peaceful and relaxing place to visit with friendly and personal service.

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