10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 6!)

Having afternoon tea in Edinburgh is an incredible experience all tea drinkers should add to their itinerary.

Most likely, you’ll only have time for one, so it’s best to figure out which one that should be!

I love afternoon tea, so I booked and tried six places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh during my last few visits.

I wanted to try places that are unique in some way or truly express the magic of Edinburgh.

So let’s get into where to have afternoon tea in Edinburgh, what’s worth it, what’s not.

List of 10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

I’ve shared below the top 10 places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh, picked because of their top quality, unique atmosphere, and overall experience.

I’ve ranked the first six (the ones I’ve tried) in order from my favorite (number one) to my least favorite so far (number six).

By the way, afternoon teas are very filling! So I suggest skipping a meal before or after your tea.

1. Colonnades at Signet Library

Signet Library is one of the most expensive afternoon teas on this list but it is absolutely worth it. It is hands down the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh.

What makes it so good?

The quality of the food is exquisite. You get not one but two trays — one filled with savory foods (three tiers!) and one filled with sweets (again, three more tiers!).

The atmosphere is upscale. You’re in a beautiful, historical library, but it’s also a very spacious room. Your table is well spaced from the other tables, so the experience feels personal.

(P.S. Did you know the Signet Library was used in the filming of Outlander?)

We also had the best, friendliest service at the Signet Library afternoon tea.

The servers explained every course to us and let our stomachs settle in between trays (with sorbets). We had a long time to sit and enjoy our time at afternoon tea, and we soaked up every second.

(I dined in late December, and got to partake of their festive afternoon tea, hence all the Christmas decorations in the photos below.)

Cost: £71
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free (with 48 hours notice)
How to book: Book online. You’ll need to reserve your table well in advance of your desired date as they do get booked full.
Address: Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF

2. The Witchery by the Castle

I was eager to book afternoon tea in The Witchery by the Castle as I’ve heard great things about the restaurant overall.

The atmosphere is such a cool, witchy, gothic vibe with wax candles on the table and dark, moody lighting above. It’s next door to Edinburgh Castle, on the Royal Mile, and a historic building in its own right.

You can choose to have tea in the original dining room or the secret garden dining room. We chose the secret garden dining room, which is gorgeous.

They will bring you your own three-tiered tray and offer refills on tea. The food is excellent, if not a bit adventurous, and they do accommodate vegetarians.

Highly, highly recommend dining here, if not for afternoon tea, then at least for dinner!

Cost: £60
Hours: 2:30-3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Not offered during August or between Christmas and New Year.
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Special dietary requests can be accommodated with 24 hours notice.
How to book: Book online.
Can You Stay the Night? Yes! Keep the magic going with an overnight stay at The Witchery by the Castle.
Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF (Next to Edinburgh Castle, on the Royal Mile)

3. Willow Tea Rooms

Willow Tea Rooms has probably one of the BEST views in Edinburgh — a clear shot of Edinburgh Castle right through the window.

Their traditional afternoon tea is also the cheapest on this list.

I finally tried this place on my third visit to Edinburgh, and the views certainly did not disappoint: You really can see the castle from almost any seat (the gorgeous windows are huge!).

Willow Tea Rooms opened this location in Edinburgh recently, and they’re located on Princes Street, a few doors down from the Waterstones Cafe (which also has views of Edinburgh Castle).

What the food is like: You’re able to pick one type of cake (such as Victoria sponge, carrot cake, chocolate cake, etc.) and one type of scone (either fruit or plain), and you get four finger sandwiches (plus tea, of course).

For me, the cake and scone were a bit dry and the sandwiches were not that memorable.

However, for the cost (and the view), it’s certainly an afternoon tea worth trying.

Cost: Starting at £23.95
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. daily (last orders at 4:45 p.m.)
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free
How to book: Book online. They also take walk ins, if space allows.
Address: 1st Floor, 120 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD

4. Clarinda’s Tea Room

Clarinda’s is a tea room, and a very popular one at that, on the Royal Mile.

However, Clarinda’s rarely serve afternoon tea (only for special events, according to their website), but they do serve cream tea (scones and jam with tea) as well as other pastries and breakfast and lunch fare.

So why go? Because sometimes tea and scones are all you need, and this tea room has tons of charm.

I finally got to check it out for myself on my most recent visit to Edinburgh, and wow, it is gorgeous. The cozy space is decorated with floral wallpaper and antique portraits, lending it a vintage vibe.

The tea is served in cute little tea cups and the scones are incredible — I’m still thinking about them.

One tip: Get there early!

There are only eight tables inside, so sometimes there is a queue to get inside, and they don’t take reservations.

Cost: Varies, £7-8 for cream tea (not a full afternoon tea, just scones with tea)
Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegetarian
How to book: Walk in only (learn more on their website)
Address: 69 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BS

5. Georgian Tea Room at The Dome (New Town)

The Dome was a very crowded tea room, and we felt the quality of the food was not that great. The bread was a little stale, which was disappointing.

However, it felt like a more traditional, everyday tea room, where you could meet casually with friends. It’s half the price of the afternoon tea at Signet Library, so a good option if you’re on a budget.

The Dome is in New Town, and it was a nice rest stop during our day in New Town. Overall, I’m glad we went.

We didn’t stay long, though, as the atmosphere felt very cramped (a lot of people, a lot of voices).

Cost: £35
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegan, gluten free
How to book: Book online.
Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF

6. Department of Magic

The Department of Magic was another place in which I was supposed to have afternoon tea in Edinburgh.

However, they cancelled my magical afternoon tea booking (for some reason) and then re-booked me for their magical potion and smoking magic shot experience.

I made the best of the situation and decided to go ahead with the potion making. (Plus they offered us free butterbeer, so why not.)

So while I didn’t have afternoon tea at the Department of Magic, I did still enjoy my time there and would recommend them.

The ambience in the Department of Magic is whimsical and moody, a great setting for a magical afternoon tea.

Cost: £25
Hours: Varies day to day, typically 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last booking)
Options for those with dietary restrictions: None
How to book: Book online.
Address: 9 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR

7. Edinburgh Castle

Consider having afternoon tea in Edinburgh Castle the day you plan to visit.

Afternoon tea is served in the tea rooms at Edinburgh Castle‘s Queen Anne Building, which is in Crown Square.

You’ll be dining in the heart of the castle, a nice treat amidst all the walking you’ll be doing during your visit.

Cost: £70 (includes admission to the castle)
Hours: Varies with the castle’s hours, usually 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Special dietary requests can be accommodated with 48 hours notice.
How to book: Book online. Reservations for afternoon tea include admission to the castle, but if you already purchased your castle admission tickets, you can reserve afternoon tea through email.

8. Red Bus Bistro

Perhaps you really have no time to spare for a long afternoon tea (they can take upwards of two hours!).

Consider feeding two birds with one scone, and take your tea on the go.

The Red Bus Bistro offers a bus tour of Edinburgh while you indulge in tea and pastries.

Seems like a win-win.

Cost: £53
Hours: Varies
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Gluten-free, vegetarian. Must provide advance notice.
How to book: Book online.
Address: Starts at Waterloo Place

9. Gentleman’s Tea at Brewhemia

Instead of dainty finger sandwiches, why not try a more masculine (and Scottish) take on afternoon tea?

Brewhemia, a pub and music venue in Old Town Edinburgh, offers a gentleman’s afternoon tea with sausage rolls, pork pies, and a flight of beer.

It includes Scottish ingredients, such as Scottish cheddar and oatcakes, which honestly sounds incredible.

Cost: £35
Hours: Noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: None
How to book: Book online.
Address: 1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

10. Grand Cafe at the Scotsman Hotel

I had dinner at the Grand Cafe at the Scotsman Hotel and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I’m sure an afternoon tea there would be delightful.

On Saturday afternoons, they even have a live pianist.

The Scotsman Hotel used to be the home of the Scotsman daily newspaper. It’s a historic building with lots of charm.

And when you’ve finished afternoon tea, head over to the Scotsman Picturehouse, a vintage one-room theater inside the Scotsman Hotel. The theater is so gorgeous, and the chairs are as comfy as they look.

Cost: £37.95
Hours: Noon-4 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: None
How to book: Book on the Grand Cafe website.
Can You Stay the Night? Yes! Keep the magic going with an overnight stay at The Scotsman Hotel.
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1TR

Other Things to Know about Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh

Does Scotland do afternoon tea?

Definitely! Despite being known as an English tradition, afternoon tea is enjoyed in Scotland. The first tea room in Scotland popped up in 1878, with many more following.

Afternoon tea has been practiced in Scotland ever since.

There were a few decades in the 1700s where tea fell out of favor. At the time, some thought it was a plot of the English to undermine the masculine Scottish spirit.

But that’s ancient history now.

What is the dress code for afternoon tea?

It depends on the venue, but generally you should aim for dressy casual. A nice day dress or dressy top will work well.

I don’t believe dress codes are strictly enforced, but it’s fun to have an excuse to dress a bit nicer.

What are the cheapest options for afternoon tea in Edinburgh?

• £6.80 – Cream tea in Clarinda’s Tea Room (not a full afternoon tea, just scones with tea)
• £23.95 – Afternoon tea in the Willow Tea Rooms
• £25 – Magical afternoon tea at the Department of Magic
• £35 – Afternoon tea at the Georgian Tea Room at The Dome
• £35 – Gentleman’s tea at Brewhemia

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

Some people mistakenly think that “high tea” refers to “high class” or “high society,” but it was actually a type of tea taken by lower classes, who usually ate on “high” stools.

High tea consists of a dinner of a few cold dishes with hot tea. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, working class families, unable to afford hot meals, would have a warm cup of tea with their food. This made any meal feel like a hot meal, and the sugar and caffeine in the tea would make them feel fuller.

Afternoon tea consists of three courses of finger foods, usually of finer quality, taken with tea. It was popular with upper classes at first but now anyone can enjoy it.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

There are tea rooms in both Old Town and New Town Edinburgh, so you can easily have afternoon tea no matter where you stay.

However, my number one recommendation of where to stay in Edinburgh on your first visit is: Old Town.

It will 100% be the best place to experience all of Edinburgh’s charm and magic.

For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my post, “Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid.”

Recommended Hotels That Also Serve Afternoon Tea:

• The Scotsman Hotel (offers afternoon tea in Old Town)
• The Witchery by the Castle (offers afternoon tea on the Royal Mile)
• The Bonham Hotel (offers afternoon tea in the West End)
• The Balmoral Hotel (offers afternoon tea on Princes Street)

What to Pack for Edinburgh

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

• This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
• Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

• I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
• I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
• I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
• I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.

Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland

Edinburgh

• 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers
• Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid
• 18 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows
• Indoor Activities in Edinburgh: 12 Things to Do in Edinburgh When It Rains
• Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop