Afternoon Tea at Balmoral Castle: A Royal Experience in Scotland
.Visiting Balmoral Castle offers more than scenic tours from summer months, guests can enjoy a luxurious Afternoon Tea in the estate’s exclusive dining area. Served on replica Royal bone china, this experience brings a regal touch to your Highland visit at £70 per person, which also includes general admission to the grounds, gardens, exhibitions, and audio guide access in six languages.
A Dining Space with Royal Ambiance
The restaurant’s redesigned interiors capture a refined yet approachable atmosphere, reflecting Balmoral’s regal heritage. The bright, airy dining room, often filled with visitors after garden strolls, feels distinctly connected to the castle’s story especially since your tea is served on replica bone china sourced from the palace’s own collection .
The Menu: Savoury & Sweet Delights
Crafted by Balmoral’s award-winning kitchen team, the 2025 Afternoon Tea menu features fresh estate-grown and locally sourced ingredients:
Savoury Bites:
Smoked salmon tartlets with apple and roquette
Balmoral Estate venison sausage rolls
Smoked ham with mustard mayonnaise sandwiches
Cucumber, cream cheese & black truffle finger sandwiches
Smoked chicken & pesto sandwiches
Sweet Treats:
Framboise raspberry pâtisserie
Plain scone with jam and clotted cream
Victoria sponge cake
Raspberry & dark chocolate feather cake
Strawberry & cream tart
Vegetarian and gluten‑free alternatives are also available, and any food allergies can be catered for with advance notice.
What Makes the Experience Special
Royal Presentation
Every plate and cup is served on bone china replicating the Royal Family’s original Balmoral pieces — a beautiful nod to the castle’s living history.
Estate-Fresh Ingredients
Ingredients are sourced locally and directly from estate suppliers, underscoring Balmoral’s commitment to regional produce.
Included Castle Entry
The £70 ticket grants access to the castle’s grounds, gardens, exhibitions, plus an optional six-language audio guide (English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian), which can be downloaded beforehand.
Limited Sit-Down Experience
With only a small number of spaces each day, this Afternoon Tea feels intimate and refined making it perfect for a Highland treat.
Elegant Tea Service
Your treats are presented on fine bone china replicating King Charles’s personal collection. Tea is drawn from a Scottish-themed selection, and gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available ensuring all guests are catered for thoughtfully.
Who It’s Perfect For
Royal & heritage enthusiasts — ideal for those interested in modern monarchical traditions
Garden and landscape lovers — excellent after exploring the formal gardens and woodlands
Couples, friends, and small groups — especially those seeking a quiet and elegant shared experience
Families with older children — children’s dietary needs can be accommodated
Diet-conscious guests — vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly menus available upon request
Booking & Practical Info
Tickets required in advance. Be sure to book early as availability is limited. Entry includes the guided gardens and self-paced castle access. There’s no separate fee for the tour; it’s all part of the Afternoon Tea experience.
Dress code is smart-casual, suitable for wandering the estate and dining in style. The indoor dining area is calm and elegantly decorated, offering a peaceful retreat from the highland breeze.
Balmoral Castle’s Afternoon Tea is a rare opportunity to combine royal elegance, estate-grown cuisine, and Highland scenery in a single, seamless experience. Whether you’re a visitor looking to immerse yourself in modern Royal style or simply crave a truly memorable tea, this is a refined and immersive Highland day out worth savouring.
Address :
Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB, United Kingdom
Opening Hours :
Daily
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Reviews
Delicious afternoon tea after exploring the gardens—scones and pastries were delightful.
Lovely walk along the river and then a tasty tea in the castle restaurant—highly recommend.
Refreshing break with elegant sandwiches, fresh cake, and a welcoming dining setting.
A relaxed afternoon tea surrounded by royal heritage and estate-grown ingredients.
Wonderful tea service in a historic castle restaurant—perfect blend of quality and atmosphere.
Clayton Hotels
Enjoy a relaxed Afternoon Tea at Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, served in the stylish No.55 Restaurant. Expect classic sandwiches, warm scones, and seasonal mini desserts, with Prosecco upgrades available. Ideal for couples, families, and city-goers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options offered. A modern, unfussy take on tradition.
Claridge’s
Nestled in Mayfair, Claridge’s Afternoon Tea blends luxury and tradition. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with Claridge’s jam and Cornish clotted cream, and seasonal pastries. A curated tea selection, including Claridge’s Blend and Oolong, enhances the experience.
Served in elegant surroundings with impeccable service, it’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent afternoons. A Children’s Afternoon Tea ensures an inclusive experience. Served daily from 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Advance reservations recommended.
Peggy Porschen
Step into a pastel dreamland at Peggy Porschen Belgravia, where exquisite patisserie meets timeless tradition. Enjoy delicate savouries, warm scones, and handcrafted cakes, including a Lemon & Raspberry Mini Layer Cake and a Strawberry & Champagne Cupcake, all served in a floral-filled, Instagram-worthy setting.
Perfect for special occasions, tea lovers, and those who appreciate artistry in every bite. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. An elegant afternoon tea experience awaits!
The Sweet Petite
Tucked in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Sweet Petite is a charming, vintage-style tearoom offering homemade bakes, loose-leaf tea, and a relaxed take on traditional Afternoon Tea. Known for its playful décor, changing seasonal menu, and warm service, it’s perfect for friends, families, and intimate celebrations. Enjoy classic sandwiches, scones, and cakes all freshly made. Open Wednesday to Sunday, booking is essential. A cosy, flavourful alternative to formal tea spots, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique tea experience in Belfast.
Ruxley Manor
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Ruxley Manor’s Mulberry Tree Café, where seasonal menus are served in cosy private pods all year round. Priced at £29.99 for adults and £16.99 for children, each tea includes savoury sandwiches, sweet bakes, warm scones with clotted cream, and a hot drink. With menus tailored to spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each visit brings something new. The heated or cooled pods seat up to six, making this a relaxed, charming experience for families, friends, and special occasions. Booking is essential.
Queens of Mayfair
For an elegant yet modern afternoon tea, Queens of Mayfair offers a boutique-style experience in one of London’s most exclusive districts. Known for its artisanal produce, exquisite patisserie, and specialty coffee, this intimate venue provides a refined take on British tradition.
Enjoy gourmet savouries, buttermilk scones with house-made preserves, and beautifully crafted desserts, including pistachio éclairs and signature macarons. Pair with luxury teas, single-origin coffee, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A sophisticated and artisanal afternoon tea in Mayfair.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
Disclaimer : We often review or link to products & services from Amazon or other affiliate partners. If you click on one of our product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision.