Are you looking for the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh? 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 four places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh during my last visit. (On my next trip to Edinburgh, I will assuredly book a few more.)
I’ve gathered all my research below on where to have afternoon tea in Edinburgh, what’s worth it, what’s not. I wanted to feature places that are unique in some way or truly express the magic of Edinburgh.
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. They are not in any particular order, except for the first one, which is definitely the best.
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”?)
The servers are so friendly. We had the best service at the Signet Library afternoon tea. They 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.
(We dined in late December, and got to partake of their festive afternoon tea, hence all the Christmas decorations in the photos below.)
Cost: £65
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: £50
Hours: 3-4 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.
Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF (Next to Edinburgh Castle, on the Royal Mile)
3. Storytellers of Edinburgh at Sheraton Grand Hotel
The Storytellers of Edinburgh afternoon tea looks so incredible, it’s first on my list to experience the next time I’m in Edinburgh.
The afternoon tea features food inspired by famous Scottish writers, such as:
- Robert Burns (“Ode to the Haggis”)
- Robert Louis Stevenson (“Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”)
- Irvine Welsh (“Trainspotting”)
- Walter Scott (“Rob Roy”)
- Arthur Conan Doyle (“The Hound of the Baskervilles” / “Sherlock Holmes”)
- JK Rowling (Harry Potter series)
Some of it is even served in a hollow book, how cute is that?
Cost: £59
Hours: 1-4 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegan, gluten free
How to book: Book on OpenTable.
Address: One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR
4. 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. They’re located on Princes Street, a few doors down from the Waterstones Cafe.
Their traditional afternoon tea is also the cheapest on this list.
Willow Tea Rooms opened this location in Edinburgh recently, but they are not new to afternoon tea. In fact, Willow Tea Rooms has ties to the first ever tea room to open in Scotland (in Glasgow) in 1878.
I really hope to try this place soon!
Cost: £19.95
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
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
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: £32
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 the fourth 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. Clarinda’s Tea Room
I wondered if I should add Clarinda’s as they seem to rarely serve afternoon tea (only for special events, according to their website).
Clarinda’s is a tea room, however, and a very popular one at that, on the Royal Mile.
There are only eight tables inside, so sometimes there is a line out the door, and they don’t take reservations.
They serve cream tea as well as other pastries, bought by the piece. They’re also a cafe serving breakfast and lunch.
Cost: Varies, £6.80 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
Address: 69 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BS
8. 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: £54 (includes admission to castle which is usually £15.50 – £19.50 per adult)
Hours: Varies with the castle’s hours, usually 11 a.m. to 4 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.
9. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Fancy drinking tea in the place where it was first poured in Scotland?
Here’s a little bit of history for you: In 1680, Mary Modena, wife of James II of England, introduced tea to Scotland, drinking the first cup of tea in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Interesting, right?
Have afternoon tea in the Mews Courtyard at the Café at the Palace and feel history repeat itself.
Cost: £30
Hours: Noon to 4 p.m. (April-October), Noon to 3 p.m. (November-March)
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Gluten free, dairy free and vegan (upon request)
How to book: Book by phone or email. Reservations are required. See the official website for more details.
10. The Balmoral Palm Court (New Town)
The Balmoral’s Palm Court looks elegant and gorgeous. It is, however, a pricey option for afternoon tea, surprisingly more expensive than the Signet Library.
I’m curious if the experience will live up to that price tag. The reviews are mixed, so if you’re willing to pay big bucks for afternoon tea, this might be an option to consider.
Cost: £70
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: None
How to book: Book online.
Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Other Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh
History of Afternoon Tea in Scotland
My research of tea in Scotland became so fascinating that I ended up writing way more about it then I intended. Who knew such a simple drink could make such a large impact in a nation?
I hope you enjoy this brief rundown of the history of afternoon tea in Scotland.
Tea comes to Scotland
Tea was first introduced to Scotland in the 1600s by Italian born Mary Modena, Duchess of York, who would later marry James II of England. Mary spent a lot of time in Amsterdam where she grew accustomed to drinking tea.
She poured the first tea in Scotland in 1680 when it was served at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Wealthy households in Scotland, wanting to imitate the lifestyle of the royal family, began drinking tea. Despite becoming a fashionable drink, tea was expensive in the late 1600s and 1700s, and was usually saved for special occasions.
Tea falls out of favor
In the 1730s, tea fell out of favor in Scotland for a few decades as it was said to threaten the masculinity of the Scotsman. Some saw it as just another plot by the English to undermine the Scottish spirit (pun intended?).
Afternoon tea invented
Afternoon tea was invented by the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, sometime around 1840 in England. It would later spread to Scotland and around the world.
If you’re interested in period dramas, the seventh Duchess of Bedford makes a cameo appearance in 2020’s “Belgravia,” which was written by Julian Fellowes, who also brought us “Downton Abbey.” In the first episode a main character, Mrs. Trenchard, attends the duchess’s afternoon tea get-together and she remarks about how it has “taken wing.” (I’d recommend watching the first season of “Belgravia,” but not the second, which was dark and depressing.)
Tea becomes affordable
In the late 1800s, the price of tea fell to where all classes could drink it.
Many 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.
A dinner of a few cold dishes with hot tea started the tradition known as high tea.
Scotsman starts Lipton tea brand
Have you heard of the Lipton tea brand? It was started by a Scot named Thomas Lipton. Lipton opened his first shop in Glasgow in 1871 before he eventually entered the tea business.
Lipton was one of the first people to sell tea to the public at low prices.
First tea rooms open in Scotland
The first sit-down tea room in Scotland came about naturally in 1875, when a Scotsman named Stuart Cranston put a few tables and chairs in his Glasgow store and offered customers tea, bread and cakes.
His sister, Kate Cranston, seemed to like this idea as she opened the first dedicated tea room on Argyle Street in Glasgow in 1878.
Her initial tea room was so successful that she opened several more in Glasgow. The most popular of these was the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall Street. (Sound familiar? Willow Tea Rooms also has a location in Edinburgh!)
The tea rooms provided an alternative to pubs, where people from all social classes could have non-alcoholic refreshments in a clean, safe environment.
Tea rooms today
Tea rooms remained popular throughout the 20th century and to this day as there are still many tea rooms around Scotland.
So which tea room in Edinburgh will you visit?
Sources: History paraphrased from North Lanarkshire Council’s excellent post, “Tales of Tea Leaves, Tradition & Trade: a History of Tea in Scotland” as well as the book “A Social History of Tea.”
FAQs
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)
£19.95 – Afternoon tea in the Willow Tea Rooms
£25 – Magical afternoon tea at the Department of Magic
£30 – Afternoon tea at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
£32 – Afternoon tea at the Georgian Tea Room at The Dome
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?
Should you stay in Old Town or New Town?
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, I’ve stayed in both areas and can speak on the pros and cons of both.
In New Town: It is much quieter, less crowded, and more peaceful. It’s more residential than touristy. You will be farther away from the main attractions, so it will take extra time to get to the activities in Old Town. It is easy, however, to catch the tram or an Uber down to Princes Street.
Recommended hotels in New Town:
In Old Town: It is more lively and touristy, and you are right in the middle of all the action. It’s very convenient to get around. You can simply walk everywhere.
Recommended hotels in Old Town:
- Leonardo Royal Hotel (near the train station)
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
- Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
- The Witchery by the Castle (on the Royal Mile, for a splurge)
Where I stayed: I stayed in short-term rentals during both visits to Edinburgh.
On my first visit, I stayed in this 2-bedroom flat in the West End, a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in New Town, which was close to the West End tram stop and Dean Village.
On my second visit, I stayed for a week in a 1-bedroom flat in Grassmarket in Old Town. It was facing the Grassmarket Square, right next to the Vennel and Mary’s Milk Bar, with views of Edinburgh Castle out the window.
I’d recommend both!
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.
- For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland
3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers
Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)
17 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh For Free
20 Best Places to Visit in New Town Edinburgh
Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop
Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
20 Best Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland
All About the 2-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness
Guide to Visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye
Day Trip from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle (and Dornoch)
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