British National Tea Day
British National Tea Day is a cherished celebration in the United Kingdom dedicated to honoring the nation’s favorite beverage. This special occasion brings together tea enthusiasts, companies, and communities to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of tea drinking.
Quick Facts
When is it: April 21st annually
Tagged as: A celebration of British tea culture
What’s the hashtag: #NationalTeaDay
When was it founded: 2016
Who founded it: Tea enthusiasts and industry professionals
History of British National Tea Day
The date April 21st was specifically chosen to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. The celebration emerged from Britain’s centuries-old love affair with tea, which began in the 17th century when Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, introduced tea to the royal court. The tradition of afternoon tea was later popularized by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s.
Timeline
- 1662: Catherine of Braganza introduces tea to British royal court
- 1840s: Afternoon tea tradition begins
- 2016: First official National Tea Day celebration
- 2017: First Fes-Tea-Val held at Chiswick House & Gardens
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 21 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
Tea rooms, hotels, pubs, and cafés across the UK host special events and tea tastings. The day features charitable fundraising events, including the famous tea ‘Fes-Tea-Val’. Many establishments offer special tea-tasting sessions, afternoon tea experiences, and educational workshops about different tea varieties.
Fun Facts About Tea
- The average Brit drinks 876 cups of tea annually
- Turkey, not the UK, consumes the most tea per person
- Tea was originally used as medicine
- 165 million cups of tea are consumed daily in the UK
- 80% of office workers say they learn more over a cup of tea than any other way
Quiz
- How many cups of tea are consumed daily in the UK?
- When was tea first introduced to Britain?
- What is the difference between high tea and low tea?
-(Answers: 165 million cups; almost 400 years ago; low tea is afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches, while high tea is a heartier evening meal)
FAQs
- Do British people drink tea all day? Yes, throughout the day
- Why do British put milk in tea? Originally to protect delicate china cups
- What time do British have tea? Traditional afternoon tea is served between 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Related
- International Tea Day
- National Bubble Tea Day
- National Chai Day
- Earl Grey Tea Month
- Afternoon Tea Week
