Ramblers Retreat, Dimmingsdale

A family run tearoom in an old gatehouse deep in Dimmingsdale, on the way to the Chained Oak, with a garden overlooking the woodland.

What is it?

Ramblers Retreat is a tearoom and restaurant in Dimmingsdale Lodge, once a gatehouse on the Earl of Shrewsbury’s estate. It fell derelict until Gary and Margaret Keeling restored it in 1980, then Margaret started serving walkers tea and cake in her living room the following year. It’s been family run ever since, over 40 years now, and was named Staffordshire’s Tea Room of the Year in 2022. There’s a cosy beamed snug inside, an airy garden room, or tables outside in the garden looking over the woodland. Dogs are welcome. They do cooked breakfasts, three course lunches, Staffordshire oatcakes, toasted sandwiches, barista coffee, homemade cakes and organic ice cream.

What we had

We stopped for cold drinks since it was so hot and sat in the garden, chose not to eat this time. We’ll go back for the oatcakes and cake next time.

Getting there

Ramblers Retreat, Dimmingsdale Lodge, Red Road, Alton, ST10 4BU. Open Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays, closed Mondays otherwise. Tuesday 11am to 4pm, Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Walks nearby

It sits right on the Chained Oak walk from Oakamoor, about halfway along the trail down through Dimmingsdale to the Chained Oak.