“There’s no leaving Edinburgh, no shifting it around: it stays with you, always.” The Scottish poet Alan Bold famously remarked. Indeed, the striking image of Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on the volcanic crag of Castle Rock, cuts a memorable impression. Inside, visitors can marvel at armour, cannons, and endless medieval architecture. And, for an even more traditional visit to Edinburgh, you can experience afternoon tea in one of the most historic castles in the UK.

In the surrounds of copper and brass wall furnishings, traditional afternoon tea is served at Edinburgh Castle with a ‘rugged Scottish ambience’. The selection of sweet treats and gourmet sandwiches sit brightly on tiered stands. Next to them, bone china teacups perch on delicate floral plates and await the first drop of Earl Grey tea. The dining tradition is far from a standard meal – ritualistic, indulgent, and refined, afternoon tea is a culinary art form.

Originally an English custom, afternoon tea was the unknowing creation of Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Anna found herself becoming hungry at around 4 pm. She began routinely requesting a tray of tea, cakes, bread, and butter be served to her at this time. Eventually, Anna’s afternoon snack became a social event for her, and she would invite friends to dine with her. The tradition spread so far that afternoon tea became practised across the UK, including Edinburgh, Scotland. Nowadays, Edinburgh Castle offers guests the chance to experience Anna’s tradition firsthand, with daily afternoon teas available to taste. 

Modern afternoon tea typically consists of light cakes, sandwiches, and scones. But, at Edinburgh Castle, you can expect a few luxurious twists from the classic menu. Sample ‘gin-infused smoked salmon’, served on thick brown bread with lemon crème fraiche. Or perhaps the smoked chicken, paired with ‘Arran hot beetroot chutney on wholemeal bread’. The selection of dishes is designed to represent different Scottish regions, including Lothian, the Highlands, the Isle of Arran, and Perthshire. Desserts, such as the Dundee cake, are Scottish specialities – meaning you get the opportunity to experience historic Scottish cuisine. Legend says that the Dundee cake was initially created for Mary Queen of Scots, who disliked cherries in fruit cake. Local bakers later finalised the almond details diners can now spot on Dundee cake, and the beloved Scottish cake was born.

Other desserts include carrot cake and a rhubarb and ginger cheesecake, served with a homemade ‘Edinburgh Castle gin-infused rhubarb compote’. The menu selection encourages a thoughtful consideration of Scottish cuisine and history – including classic and local treats for visitors to taste.

And, what would an afternoon tea be without any tea? Edinburgh Castle offers a range of whole leaf teas, including the classics such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Guests can also explore a range of herbal teas, with Peppermint, Mango & Strawberry, Chamomile, and Blood Orange Rooibos just some of the blends on offer. With tea served in a tall, white teapot, diners can pour and sip at their own pace while they engage in sociable conversation.

For a little more caffeine, barista coffee is available for guests on the general menu. While, for some extra indulgence, you can also opt for a prosecco or gin package to accompany the assortment of your afternoon tea treats. The Edinburgh Castle Gin is infused with local gorse – a vibrant, yellow-flower plant that bursts across Edinburgh and its surrounding countryside in springtime. The plant gifts the gin with a ‘fresh, coconut aroma’, which perfectly matches the sweet cakes and light bread of the table.

Edinburgh Castle’s afternoon menu combines the experience of quintessential English tradition with a thoughtful exploration of Scottish cuisine. Fine details, such as locally infused gin and regionally labelled dishes, ensure an incredibly memorable experience. The history and background behind each carefully selected creation perfectly suit the historic ambience of Edinburgh Castle – which diners can later explore complimentarily since their dining reservation includes an entrance ticket. A visit to Edinburgh Castle guarantees a luxurious insight into afternoon tea dining. For a delicious immersion into culinary tradition, Edinburgh Castle is recommendable in the greatest confidence.