If you’re anything like me, you want to make the most of your time when visiting a new city. When planning our recent trip to Scotland, we read about the Afternoon Tea experience at Edinburgh Castle and wondered if it was worth the cost or just a cash grab. Ultimately, we decided to give it a shot and work it into our itinerary on the first day.
Like many European destinations, flights from North America to Edinburgh arrive early in the morning, and therefore, hotel rooms typically aren’t ready yet. So, you must devise a plan to pass the time while waiting.
Fortunately, Edinburgh is a walkable city, and the most prominent attraction, Edinburgh Castle, is within walking distance of many hotels. The Afternoon Tea experience grants access to the castle, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and soak in Scotland’s stunning scenery and rich history.
When we discovered we could enjoy Afternoon Tea while we waited for our hotel room, we thought, “Why not? We still need to have lunch, after all!”
At first, I was skeptical of this decision. Was it just a tourist trap designed to empty my wallet, or was it a genuine taste of Scottish hospitality? Here’s what I discovered:
The Experience
After checking into our hotel and leaving our luggage, we wandered the Royal Mile to get our bearings. At 11:00 a.m., we made our way to the castle to find the Tea Room’s location ahead of our scheduled time of 12:30 p.m.
Ticket verification at the castle’s entrance went smoothly, and within minutes, we were inside. Despite the rain on this day, there were plenty of indoor rooms to explore, preventing us from getting completely soaked before lunch.
At the appropriate time, we entered the Tea Room.
Once inside the Tea Room, the servers showed us to our table, explained the experience, and took our drink orders. Some beverages are included in your Afternoon Tea package, while others are available for an additional fee. We chose the package that included a glass of prosecco because why not?
The tea room is quite small, with two, four, or six-person tables. Each table in this cozy setting is laid with a white tablecloth and some beautiful flowers. If you are seated by a window, you have stunning views over the city. The ceiling is high, and the walls are adorned with crown molding and beautiful paintings, giving the experience a royal feel.
Within minutes, we were presented with a lovely selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, all served on a three-tiered platter. A menu was provided to help identify the items on the plates.
Each person receives a tier of sweet and savory treats to enjoy.
After the Tea Experience, which lasted about an hour, we were free to continue exploring the castle at our own pace. This was the perfect opportunity to walk off all those extra calories!
Advance Booking Is a Must
I can’t stress this enough: advance booking is a must! Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle is a popular add-on, and if you show up without a reservation, you might be out of luck. Booking ahead through the Edinburgh Castle website ensures you get a spot at your preferred time. And if you want to use it as your midday meal, like we did, this is crucial. Plus, booking ahead allows you to explore the castle at your own pace without the stress of rushing to the Tea Room, hoping for a coveted table.
Cost
The regular cost per adult is £54 or £60 with Edinburgh Castle Gin or Prosecco. Child is £24.50. But if you are a Historic Scotland member, the rate is £35.00 or £40.50 with Gin or Prosecco. Child £17.50. On our trip, we purchased an Explorer Pass through Historic Scotland which gave us discounts at several historic sites and attractions through Scotland.
A Chance to Explore the Castle
As mentioned, the Afternoon Tea experience gives you admission to Edinburgh Castle, so it feels like you’re getting a bonus experience. From the Crown Jewels to military history, the castle has layers of history waiting for you to uncover. Be sure to take the time to explore the castle and wander through its many rooms. Plus, the views of the city from the upper ramparts over the city are truly breathtaking!
Is It Worth It?
As for whether it’s a cash grab or a must-do experience, I’d say it’s definitely worth it. Sure, it might be more expensive for lunch than elsewhere in the city, but you’re paying for the unique setting and the historical atmosphere. And let’s be honest, how can you resist having tea in a UNESCO designated, hundreds-year-old castle?
So, if you find yourself in Edinburgh, waiting for your hotel check-in, or looking for a unique experience, the Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle is a solid choice.
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