With Mother's Day fast approaching and searches for the 'best afternoon tea spots in Suffolk' on the up, some of the county's most popular cream tea locations are starting to book up in advance.

Here are seven of Suffolk's top afternoon tea destinations for a range of budgets and locations:

1. The Swan

Where: Lavenham

Cost per person: £27.50

Sudbury Mercury: The Swan is currently serving a 1940s themed afternoon teaThe Swan is currently serving a 1940s themed afternoon tea (Image: Matt Finch)

The Swan in Lavenham has a great reputation locally for its afternoon tea, which runs several themed teas throughout the year.

Currently, the hotel has a Masters of the Air-themed tea available to book, which is set to transport diners back to the 1940s.

The menu includes elevated versions of wartime food and can be booked via The Swan at Lavenham's website.

2. Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall

Where: Kesgrave

Cost per person: £25

Sudbury Mercury: Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall serves an afternoon tea as impressive as the building's façadeMilsoms at Kesgrave Hall serves an afternoon tea as impressive as the building's façade (Image: Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall)

Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall serves afternoon tea every day between 3pm and 5pm, with no need to book. 

However, Mother's Day is likely to be very busy, and it is worth calling in advance to avoid disappointment.

Diners can enjoy sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and cakes, served in your choice of the lounge or outside on the terrace.

3. The Swan

Where: Southwold

Cost per person: £30

Sudbury Mercury: Adnams serve an alternative afternoon tea, including mini battered monkfish and chipsAdnams serve an alternative afternoon tea, including mini battered monkfish and chips (Image: Adnams)

The Swan in Southwold capitalises on its seaside location and offers an afternoon tea with a twist.

Mini monkfish and chips with a pea purée is served alongside a mini ice cream cone, as well as several other sweet and savoury treats. 

The kitchen asks for more than 24 hours notice for those looking to enjoy the tea, which can be booked via The Swan's website.

4. Queens Bar and Grill

Where: Bury St Edmunds

Cost per person: £23.50

Sudbury Mercury: The Mad Hatter's Tea is something a bit more unusual - but has proven extremely popular, with only limited availability leftThe Mad Hatter's Tea is something a bit more unusual - but has proven extremely popular, with only limited availability left (Image: Queen's)

Queens in Bury St Edmunds hosts several themed afternoon teas, with a Mad Hatter's Tea running in the restaurant at the moment - with only limited availability left in March. 

Every item on the menu has a nod to Lewis Carroll's 1865 book Alice in Wonderland, which sees a young girl named Alice fall down a rabbit hole and find herself in a fantasy land. 

5. Seckford Hall Hotel

Where: Woodbridge

Cost per person: £28

Diners at Seckford Hall Hotel will enjoy homemade scones with clotted cream and preserves and cakes, and a wide selection of teas and coffees.

The tea is served seven days a week between 12pm and 5pm, with the choice of a Prosecco or Champagne afternoon tea on offer too.

Booking on the website is advised, but not necessary.

6. Sapphire Café and Bakery

Where: Mildenhall

Cost for two: £39

Sudbury Mercury: Sapphire's in Mildenhall offers an indulgent afternoon teaSapphire's in Mildenhall offers an indulgent afternoon tea (Image: Sapphire's Café and Bakery)

Sapphire's Café and Bakery in Mildenhall has been open for less than a year and specialises in waffles and crepes. 

However, their afternoon teas look particularly impressive and are some of the most affordable on this list. 

Diners choose two sandwiches from the menu, which are served alongside sausage rolls, a choice of two scones (fruit or cheese) with accompaniments, a selection of sweet treats from the day’s counter, macarons and unlimited drinks refills.

These are only available for two or more people and can be booked on the website in advance.

7. Big Bro Bao

Where: Felixstowe

Cost per person: £25

Sudbury Mercury: Big Bro Bao are set to launch an afternoon tea in time for Mother's DayBig Bro Bao are set to launch an afternoon tea in time for Mother's Day (Image: Big Bro Bao)

Big Bro Bao in Felixstowe is about to launch an Asian-inspired afternoon tea for those looking to book something a little bit different. 

The cake list is extensive and includes a matcha and raspberry Battenberg, carrot cake, chocolate cake, vanilla and strawberry cake, yuzu, blackberry and white chocolate cake, a chocolate and caramel pyramid and chocolate brownie bites.

Diners can also enjoy a choice of two bao buns instead of finger sandwiches, and it is all served with a pot of Chinese blossoming tea.