Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience: A Vintage Ride with Delicious Food and Iconic Views

Imagine cruising through the historic streets of Edinburgh on a classic vintage Routemaster bus, sipping warm tea and nibbling on freshly baked scones. This tour combines a laid-back city drive with a delightful afternoon tea service, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s most famous sights. For around $60, you’ll get about 90 minutes of sightseeing, tasty treats, and a chance to see the city from a truly unique perspective.

What we love most about this experience is how it seamlessly blends casual sightseeing with the comforts of a traditional British tea. The quaint bus adds a playful, nostalgic touch, making the entire journey feel more like a special occasion than just a city tour. Plus, the unlimited tea or coffee means you can indulge without worry.

A potential consideration is that the experience isn’t a formal guided tour—there’s no live commentary, and some may find the bumpy ride on cobbled streets slightly less refined than a modern coach. It’s best suited for those who enjoy quirky, social experiences and are eager to combine sightseeing with a relaxed meal. Perfect for couples, families, or friends looking to add a memorable twist to their Edinburgh visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those seeking a lively, fun way to see Edinburgh’s highlights while enjoying a delectable afternoon tea. If you appreciate vintage charm, good food, and a bit of light-hearted fun, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially suited for groups or families over age 5, and those interested in capturing Instagram-worthy photos of the city from a moving vehicle.

Key Points

• Unique Vintage Transport: Riding aboard a classic Routemaster bus adds nostalgic charm and fun.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can pick a departure time that fits your plans.
• Tasty Feast: Enjoy handmade sandwiches, warm scones, petit fours, and cupcakes paired with unlimited tea or coffee.
• Iconic Views: Pass major landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat, with commentary limited but plenty of photo opportunities.
• Social Atmosphere: Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and lively vibe—perfect for making new friends or sharing a laugh.
• Mixed Feedback on Comfort: While some praise the atmosphere, others mention the bumpy ride and cramped seating, so consider your comfort preferences.

The Experience in Detail: The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics

You’ll find yourself at 22 St Andrew Square, a central location easy to access via public transportation. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to check in, as latecomers cannot be accommodated once the bus departs.

The Vintage Routemaster Bus

Once aboard, you’ll quickly notice the authentic vintage charm of the bus. With a maximum group of about 20 travelers, the atmosphere is intimate enough to feel friendly but lively enough for some fun chatter. The driver, Stuart, and staff are generally praised for their welcoming and helpful attitude.

The bus is set up with shared tables—a point noted by some reviews—so you’ll likely be sharing with fellow travelers, especially on busier weekends. If you prefer a more private experience, it’s worth mentioning, as they may be able to accommodate you on a quieter tour.

The Route and Landmarks

While the tour doesn’t include a guided commentary, it covers some of Edinburgh’s most famous sights:

• The Scott Monument: A towering tribute to Walter Scott, which is perfect for photos.
• Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the skyline, this historic fortress is a highlight.
• The Meadows: A large, green park to relax and take in the city’s natural beauty.
• Greyfriars Bobby: The adorable Skye Terrier famed for his loyalty, a story that resonates widely.
• Grassmarket Area: Lively, historic, and full of character, behind Edinburgh Castle.
• Arthur’s Seat: A prominent extinct volcano offering panoramic views, visible from the bus.
• Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament: Political and royal landmarks steeped in history.

Food and Drink Offerings

The afternoon tea is a highlight, with handmade sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and petit fours. Some reviews mention the macarons and cupcakes as particularly excellent. The unlimited tea and coffee means you can indulge to your heart’s content—no rushing to finish your drink.

Atmosphere and Service

Expect a friendly, lively environment. Many reviewers describe the staff as helpful and cheerful. The music selection adds to the fun, though some comments mention poor acoustics, making it hard to hear everything. Still, the overall mood is relaxed and social, with some riders even calling it a “fun event” and “a great way to be introduced to Edinburgh”.

Comfort and Practicalities

Some travelers have noted that the tables and chairs are quite small and that the ride can be bumpy over cobbled streets, leading to spilled drinks or some discomfort. There’s no toilet on board, so plan accordingly. Also, the plastic cups and small tables mean this isn’t a luxurious high tea, but rather a quirky, memorable experience.

Pricing and Value

At $60.04 per person, this tour offers solid value—combining sightseeing, food, and fun in one package. Many reviews emphasize that the experience exceeds expectations especially when considering the unique setting and friendly staff. The food quality and atmosphere receive numerous compliments, making it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a casual, tasty meal.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews are glowing. For instance, one traveler called it “a blast” and appreciated the fun, quirky mood of the bus. Others praised the delicious food and friendly staff. Several reviews highlighted how the experience enhanced their understanding of Edinburgh—even if only visually—making it a practical addition to a busy sightseeing day.

However, not all reviews are perfect. A few mention the cramped seating and bumpy ride, while one reviewer was disappointed by the lack of extensive sights. Still, the majority agree that it’s an enjoyable, memorable way to see the city and indulge in a British tradition.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience is best suited for those who want more than just a sightseeing tour. If you enjoy social, lively environments with a touch of nostalgia, and like to combine food with sightseeing, you’ll likely find this a highlight of your trip. It’s especially good for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want to share a fun, tasty adventure.

If you prefer luxury and maximum comfort or need a private, guided commentary, this may not be your ideal choice. But for those seeking quirky charm, delicious treats, and iconic city views, it’s hard to beat this lively, tasty ride through Edinburgh.

FAQs About the Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over the age of 5 are allowed, with children aged 5-9 charged at £20. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 70-90 minutes, depending on conditions like traffic and the route.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select a departure time that fits your schedule, making it flexible for your plans.

What’s included in the price?
You get handmade sandwiches, a warm scone with cream and jam, petit fours, cupcakes, and unlimited tea or coffee.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and gluten-free options; please specify your requirements when booking.

Is there an option to purchase alcohol?
Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 22 St Andrew Square and ends back at the same spot.

What about accessibility?
While the tour operates vintage buses, they are DDA compliant, and the company states they cater within the scope of disability access guidelines.

What should I bring or prepare for?
Bring your camera for pictures, arrive early to check in, and be prepared for a bumpy ride—the cobbled streets can be lively!

Final Word

The Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience offers a lively, delightful way to see Edinburgh’s sights with a dash of fun and flavor. It’s a great option if you’re after a relaxed, social atmosphere paired with tasty treats and iconic city views. While not for those seeking luxury or quiet, it’s an authentic, spirited way to enjoy a classic British tradition in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.