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.
The Westin Osaka
The Westin Osaka’s Lobby Lounge offers a seasonal Afternoon Tea served daily from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Guests enjoy themed menus like Melon or Rose Garden, featuring beautifully crafted sweets, savouries, and scones. A wide selection of teas and coffees complements the experience, with 150-minute seating per reservation. Set in a peaceful, light-filled lounge near Umeda Sky Building, it’s perfect for a relaxing escape or special occasion. Advance booking is strongly recommended due to seasonal demand.
The Peninsula
Located at 1 Grosvenor Place, The Peninsula London’s Afternoon Tea offers a luxurious experience in The Lobby, featuring crystal chandeliers and hand-painted murals. The menu blends British and Asian flavors, with savory delicacies, warm scones with Dorset clotted cream, and exquisite desserts like Honey Pot Crème Brûlée.
Each tea service includes a complimentary sparkling wine, tea, or gin and tonic, with an extensive tea selection available. Served daily from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Reservations recommended.
Hensol Castle
Hensol Castle serves afternoon tea in its grand atrium, combining historic charm with modern flavours. The £30 traditional menu includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a pot of speciality tea or dark roast coffee. Prosecco at £37 & Champagne at £45 upgrades are available. Vegan & gluten-free menus are offered with pre-order. Its served Friday to Sunday, booking is recommended. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months & available by post or email. Ideal for occasions, gifting, or a peaceful afternoon out.
Boringdon Hall Hotel
Boringdon Hall Hotel in Devon serves Afternoon Tea daily from 1–4pm in its historic manor setting. Guests enjoy sandwiches, warm scones, and elegant pastries, with themed menus like the “Practically Perfect” and “Honey” Afternoon Tea offered throughout the year. Vegan and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Prices start at £35 per person, with Champagne upgrades offered. Booking is recommended via the hotel’s website or by calling +44 (0)1752 344 455. Ideal for relaxed occasions or special celebrations.
Andaz Tokyo
Enjoy seasonal Afternoon Tea at Andaz Tokyo’s 51st-floor Tavern-Grill & Lounge from ¥8,625 per person. Each menu changes with the seasons, featuring treats like sakura cheesecake or muscat tarts, paired with premium teas from Kusmi and Ippodo. A lighter Petit Afternoon Tea is also available at the ground-floor Pastry Shop for ¥3,810. With panoramic city views and refined service, it’s perfect for relaxed dates, solo indulgence, or special celebrations. Advance booking is recommended.
Brod
BRØD, The Danish Bakery in Cardiff, offers a distinctive Afternoon Tea that blends British tradition with Danish flavours and the cosy spirit of ‘hygge’. Served Tuesday to Friday from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm, the menu includes pastries like Spandauer and Kanel Snegl, savoury open sandwiches on artisan bread, and drinks from Waterloo Tea or Clifton Coffee. A 48-hour booking is required. While gluten-free and vegan options aren’t available, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking something original and comforting.
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.