Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

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(1262 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy the very best afternoon tea that Edinburgh has to offer. Indulge in a selection of sandwiches, cakes, savouries and warm home baked scones with Traditional preserves and fresh whipped cream. The Tour explores all the main attractions in Edinburgh, including the historic Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Old Town to name a few. Duration of tour is between 70 – 90 minutes. We are licensed so additional drinks can be purchased from our onboard bar.

This tour is not suitable for children 5 and under and they can not be permitted on board the bus.

Available options

Afternoon Tea Experience

What's included

Home baked warm scone with cream, jam and strawberry garnish

Handmade Sandwich selections

Selection of Petit Fours

Coffee and/or Tea

Sumptuous cupcakes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott

Stop 2 Pass by

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.

The Meadows is a large public park in Edinburgh, Scotland, to the south of the city centre.

Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died himself on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films.

Stop 5 Pass by

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, behind Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and lively areas of the city.

Stop 6 Pass by

Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano which is the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, Scotland, which form most of Holyrood Park, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design"

Stop 7 Pass by

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II.

Stop 8 Pass by

The Scottish Parliament is the unicameral legislature of Scotland.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Souvenir drinks cup

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

269 reviews

5★

164

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

993 reviews

5★

695

4★

121

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We do not offer live or recorded guide commentary on our buses. We are a dining Experience whilst touring Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Red Bus Bistro Bookings are only valid for the date and time stated.

Patrons should expect to share a table especially on our busier weekend tours. If patrons would rather not share a table we can try and accommodate them on a quieter tour.

Patrons are requested to arrive 10–15 minutes before departure at waterloo Place opposite Apex Hotel. Unfortunately we cannot wait for late comers as we only have a limited time on stand. Refunds will not be offered to latecomers.

We offer gluten free or vegetarian options. Our Products may contain nuts. Please specify requirements upon reservation.

No tickets are issued for the tour.

Your Surname is passed to the Bus Manager prior to your tour, this will be requested upon arrival at the bus, you can print this email out purely for your own information.

Please be prepared to redeem any Gift Voucher you may have used for payment to the bus on the day of the tour.

If you have booked using an Itison voucher, we may ask to see your voucher on your phone.

Children have to be 5 years and older to be allowed onboard Red Bus Bistro children aged 5 to 9 years old are charged at £20 pounds and children aged 10 and over are charged as full paying adult.

Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult

There may be occasions where the tour has to be cancelled without advance notice, in the event of a cancellation patrons will be refunded in full or transferred onto another tour date.

If the tour is cancelled after the first half an hours commencement, we will then offer availability on another tour.

Smoking is not permitted on the Bus at any time.

Red Bus Bistro does not take any responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of personal belongings while on the Bus.

Conditions of carriage are subject to legislation set out by the Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981; all details can be given by the Red Bus Bistro head office.

We would like to point out that we operate Vintage Routemaster Buses, and although we keep our vehicles in the best possible maintenance condition there will be times that unforeseen maintenance issues may arise and result in a disruption to the tours, or cancellation; however we will endeavour to do everything in our power to avoid any disruption.

Red Bus Bistro Company reserves the right to refuse carriage of patrons who are intoxicated, or displaying threatening or abusive behaviour, no refunds will be given under these circumstances. We also ask that a reasonable standard of behaviour is adhered to while on the tour, as there are other passengers to consider.

Red Bus Bistro is not responsible for any damage caused by breaking the rules.

RED BUS BISTRO COMPANY LIMITED ACCESS POLICIES

It is not the policy of Red Bus Bistro Company Ltd to discriminate in any way against employees or passengers regarding disability, gender, race, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

Red Bus Bistro’s Bus was registered in 1966; it consists of Drivers Cab, upper deck, lower deck, and will always have at least 4 staff on board. The bus seats 12 downstairs and 28 upstairs; unfortunately due to the age and design of the Bus we cannot accommodate wheelchair passengers. Red Bus Bistro can reserve seating in advance for the lower deck for those with mobility concerns. As per above, patrons should otherwise be prepared to share a table, where the patrons would rather be seated alone we can try and accommodate them on a quieter tour however not guaranteed,

There is no toilet on board.

The tour will last between 70-90 minutes dependant on conditions, in which time our patrons will be served with an Afternoon Tea or Gin Tour. For private hire all requests are considered.

Red Bus Bistro Company Limited will go out of its way to cater for as diverse and audience as possible within the physical confines of the bus, and will follow the DDA Legislation guidelines at all times.

All information gained from Patrons will never be given to any third parties; Red Bus Bistro Company Limited is responsible for all online transactions.

Meeting point

Stand ZE Waterloo Place Edinburgh across the road from Howies restaurant.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture