It was very entertaining and a nice experience. Logically, the space for such an undertaking is extremely limited. There were only two of us, so we had enough space at our assigned table; with four people, it gets a bit tight. The food offered is of average quality, but it's okay. Overall a nice experience that we wouldn't want to have missed. The people who take care of the guests on the bus are very nice and friendly. The only thing is that it would be desirable if they would make an effort to speak more "standard English" for those who are not native speakers but are certainly very proficient in English. Due to the strong Scottish accent during the explanations before boarding the bus, we understood pretty much nothing :-(...but the subsequent procedure was then, thank God, somehow self-explanatory ;-)
Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 30min
- Price from
- $64 / person
- Location
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 4.3 / 5 · 1,320 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Red Bus Bistro Company Limited
- Meeting point
- Regent Road Coach Parking 5 Regent Terrace next to Rabbie Burns Statue
Description
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.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
- Start times
- 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 7
- Adult (ages 10+)
- $64
In demand: 14 of the next 52 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 5.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
The Meadows
The Meadows is a large public park in Edinburgh, Scotland, to the south of the city centre.
Greyfriars Bobby
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.
Grassmarket
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.
Arthur's Seat
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"
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the unicameral legislature of Scotland.
What's included
Included
Home baked warm scone with cream, jam and strawberry garnish
Handmade Sandwich selections
Selection of Petit Fours
Coffee and/or Tea
Sumptuous cupcakes
Not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Souvenir drinks cup
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.3
1,320 reviews
How it compares in Edinburgh
- No. 47 by number of reviews among 1,236 tours in Edinburgh
- Starting price $64 is close to the typical $64 for tours of similar length in Edinburgh
Excurgo comparison of 1,236 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience take?
Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 8 stops.
How much does Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience cost?
Prices start at $64 per person for this Edinburgh experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Does Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience sell out?
It can: 14 of the next 52 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Regent Road Coach Parking 5 Regent Terrace next to Rabbie Burns Statue. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
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.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
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,
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(1,320)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Very nice, entertaining experience - we would do it again anytime!
M
Wonderful birthday surprise
This 90 minute bus trip was a wonderful birthday surprise, and we enjoyed every moment. The food was delicious, plentiful and well presented, and the whole experience was made even more enjoyable by our informative and fun guides. A fantastic experience from start to finish. My only small criticism would be that two stops felt unnecessary and took time off the tour.
J
Scenic tour
Great way to see the city & enjoy the champagne. Can see most of where you want to go when it’s done then you can jump on a on & off bus to get around .
8
Not impressed
I have given this one star because I didn't actually get to experience the afternoon tea. I was given a voucher for my birthday and my friend and I booked originally for 11 April. Four and a half hours before the event I received an email cancelling it. Very annoying given we had arranged childcare and lifts home but these things happen. 15 emails later (back and forth) eventually managed to rebook for 18 July, after discovering they were trying to rebook Glasgow and not Edinburgh, with the promise of an upstairs seat and a bottle of prosecco. My friend and I made arrangements again and then at 5pm the night before they cancelled again - apologising and promising the same things promised after the first cancellation. Emails began again to try and rearrange, however, I sent my last one after 3 went unanswered on 30 July. It's now 31 August. Nothing. I have requested the voucher to be refunded because quite frankly if it's this much hassle just to book it I'm not hopeful for the actual afternoon tea!
L
A Cute and Fun MUST Do!
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tea experience in Edinburgh! It was such a fun and memorable way to see the city, and the entire staff was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful throughout the experience. We visited on a particularly warm day, and the team worked so hard to make sure everyone was comfortable and helped us cool down whenever they could. We also really appreciated the thoughtful stops along the way for bathroom breaks and photo opportunities; getting to take pictures in the driver’s seat was such a fun touch! The afternoon tea itself was wonderful, but it was truly the staff who made the experience so special. You could tell how much effort they put into making sure everyone was having a great time. Such a unique way to experience Edinburgh, and definitely something we would recommend to anyone visiting the city!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review and recommendation. We're delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your Afternoon Tea Experience and that it provided such a fun and memorable way to see Edinburgh. It's wonderful to know that our team helped make your visit so special, as creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every guest is something we take great pride in. We’re especially pleased that our staff were able to help keep everyone comfortable during the warm weather. They always go the extra mile to ensure guests have the best possible experience, and your kind comments will mean a great deal to them. We're glad you enjoyed the afternoon tea, the sightseeing, and the opportunity to stop for photos along the route. Taking a seat in the driver's chair is always a popular part of the tour, so it's great to hear you enjoyed that too! Thank you again for choosing to travel with us. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back onboard the vintage bus the next time you're in Edinburgh.
J
A missed opportunity
Everyone was very friendly and the bus was fine. The ride itself is ok - would be nice to have more information about the city but not a gripe. The main issue was the food provided - simply a really disappointing effort for the money it cost, as others here have recently mentioned. Sandwiches provided were a cheese and pickle and ham and tomato, very basic. A small samosa and a falafel plus a few other things were just not very appetising. The cakes were really poor with a few clearly from a supermarket - I am not suggesting they should bake everything themselves, but sourcing nice cakes should not be difficult.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that you found our team friendly and enjoyed the vintage bus experience. We also appreciate your comments regarding the tour commentary, and we're always reviewing ways to enhance the experience for our guests. We're sorry to hear that the afternoon tea did not meet your personal expectations. Our menu has been developed based on extensive customer feedback, and our sandwich selections are among the fillings most frequently requested by our guests. We recognise that tastes and preferences vary from person to person. In terms of our sweet offerings, several items, including our scones, red velvet cake, and carrot cake, are baked in-house. While we strive to provide a varied and enjoyable afternoon tea selection, we understand that not every item will appeal to every guest. We would also like to note that the price of the experience reflects the complete package, which includes a traditional afternoon tea served onboard a unique and iconic vintage bus, together with a 90-minute sightseeing tour of Edinburgh's city centre. Thank you again for your feedback. We value all reviews as they help us continue to improve and provide the best possible experience for future guests
E
A bit disappointing
Unfortunately this fell short of our expectations- i will start with positives staff were really nice & attentive throughout the journey. The food offering was quite poor 2 very small triangle sandwiches each & the bread wasn't very fresh we also had very small samosa & an equally small topped crostini, we had some sweet treats/cakes & a scone. Although the food was nice enough there was just not enough of it, fortunately there had been some guests that didn't turn up so we were offered their food which we happily accepted. Overall we had a nice time but for the money paid we felt it wasn't worth it so for that reason wouldn't recommend it to others.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that you found our team friendly and attentive throughout your Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience, and that you enjoyed the quality of the food provided. We're sorry to learn that the afternoon tea did not fully meet your expectations in terms of quantity and overall value. We appreciate your honest comments, as they help us review and improve our offering. Our afternoon tea menu is carefully designed to provide a balanced selection of savoury and sweet treats, but we understand that individual expectations can vary. We're glad that our team were able to accommodate you with additional items that would otherwise have gone to waste, and that you were still able to enjoy your time with us. Thank you again for your feedback, and we wish you all the best in your future travels.
1
Unforgettable route master experience.
Having already been on this outing I booked again to go with a friend and again I would encourage anyone thinking of going to book without doubt that it’s an unforgettable experience. The afternoon tea provided was beautifully presented with lots of different choice that would suit lots of different tastes. Danni who was there to look after us was tentative and super friendly and a credit to your company. She made us feel welcome and ensured we had an enjoyable trip. Mark, the driver, as before was an excellent driver who knew the roads well to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. He also was friendly and couldn’t do enough to answer questions and ensure we had the most enjoyable experience. As well as offering to be our photographer. As last time I hope to be a passenger again on the red bus bistro. Hopefully see you all soon.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing to join us again for the Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience. It means a great deal to us that you enjoyed your first visit enough to return with a friend, and we're delighted to hear that it was just as memorable the second time around. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the afternoon tea selection and found there was something to suit a variety of tastes. Your kind words about Danni and Mark are especially appreciated. Danni takes great pride in making every guest feel welcome and well looked after, and Mark always goes above and beyond to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey. We'll be sure to pass along your lovely comments to both of them. Thank you again for your recommendation and for taking the time to share your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back on board the Red Bus Bistro for another unforgettable afternoon tea adventure soon! Hopefully see you again very soon! ☕🚌
E
Save your Money
I booked this for my family and was excited about the ambience of the bus and getting a nice tour of the city while enjoying tea. First, let me just say our bus driver and our host were truly lovely. Our host was managing the entire service alone today and did a wonderful job. She also engaged with us quite a bit and gave some interesting facts as we drove. The food, however, is a major disappointment. The lunch meat sandwiches were warm and not very good. Tea was served in plastic to-go cups. The best thing we had was the scone, which was served nice and warm and with clotted cream and jam. The bus was not particularly clean and had sticky tables and sticky floors. We drove around in a circle and really saw very little of interest. Really wanted to love this but walked away disappointed. They need to up their game. This has the potential to be such a neat experience!
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that both your driver and host made a positive impression and that our host helped make the journey enjoyable with her friendly service and interesting commentary. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team. We're sorry to learn that other aspects of the experience did not meet your expectations. We take comments regarding the quality of our food, cleanliness, and the overall tour experience very seriously, and we're disappointed to hear that these areas fell short during your visit. Your feedback has been noted and will be shared with the relevant teams as we continually review and improve our offering. We're glad you enjoyed the scone with clotted cream and jam, and we appreciate your recognition of the potential of the experience. While we're sorry that we didn't deliver the memorable outing you were hoping for, we're grateful for your honest feedback as it helps us identify where improvements can be made. Thank you again for visiting us, and we wish you and your family all the best in your future travels. 🚍☕️
V
Great Tour
Excellent fun friendly tour. Lovely food, all you can drink tea and coffee. Lovely friendly and helpful guide and driver, would highly recommend
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable time on our Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience. It's fantastic to know that you enjoyed the food, the unlimited tea and coffee, and found both our guide and driver friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Our team works hard to create a fun and memorable experience for every guest, so your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us. Thank you for choosing Red Bus Bistro, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another afternoon tea adventure in the future! ☕🚌💜
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from$64
4.3(1,320) Free cancellation