A guide to the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Scotland’s stunning capital city blends the traditional and the contemporary, offering a wonderful destination for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking up the unique culture. The city and its surrounding areas are also home to some fabulous spas that promise relaxation and pampering. If you want to add a dash of elegance to your experience, why not pair your spa day with a tempting afternoon tea?

 

The classic afternoon tea is a light, decadent meal that includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a variety of sweet treats, all complemented by a pot of tea. With afternoon tea rising in popularity, some venues now put their own twist on the traditional choices, with more creative sweet and savoury options, herbal and loose-leaf teas, and even a cocktail or other delicious tipple! For a celebration, or simply to make your experience extra special, opt for a sparkling afternoon tea, which comes with a glass of chilled bubbly.

Afternoon tea and spa packages near Edinburgh  

To give you a little inspiration, we’ve picked out our favourite afternoon tea spa packages in and near Edinburgh.

Afternoon Tea Spa Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh

The beautiful Radisson Blu castle hotel boasts a superb location right at the heart of the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh's old town, so is within easy reach of many of the city’s sights. The Afternoon Tea Spa Day package features a welcome foot treatment, plus the choice of a further 30-minute treatment, either a back massage or an Elemis taster facial. You can also enjoy full use of the leisure facilities, which include a swimming pool, sauna, and gym, before sitting down to a wonderful afternoon tea. Arrival time for this package is 10am.

Book the Afternoon Tea Spa Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Indulge Spa Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh 

We stay with the fabulous Radisson Blu for our second afternoon tea spa package. The Indulge Spa Day includes the welcome foot treatment and full use of the spa’s leisure facilities. For even more pampering, the package also features three inclusive indulgent treatments: a 45-minute hot stones luxury back, neck and shoulders massage, a 30-minute Elemis taster facial, and a 35-minute signature manicure. With a sumptuous afternoon tea included, this is an ideal package for the ultimate ‘me time’ escape. It would also make a wonderful gift for that someone special. Arrival time for this package is 10am.

Book the Indulge Spa Day at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Relaxation Spa Day at Dalhousie Castle 

If you’re looking for a spa experience with the ‘wow’ factor, Dalhousie Castle is the ideal choice. Located a few miles outside Edinburgh, the sympathetically converted one-time fortress is set amid 11 acres of lovely countryside on the banks of the River Esk. The Relaxation Spa Day package is a wonderful way to sample all the hotel and spa have to offer. Choose one 25-minute treatment, either a mini-facial or a back massage, and enjoy two hours’ use of the leisure facilities, which include a hydro pool, tropical rain and cold fog shower, and tepidarium. Adjourn to The Orangery for your classic afternoon tea. Arrival time for this package is 10am.

Book the Relaxation Spa Day at Dalhousie Castle.

Lotus Indulgence Spa Day at Inglewood House and Spa

To escape the bustle of the city, head for the magnificent Inglewood House and Spa located just outside of Alloa. Set amid 25 acres of grounds, this imposing Jacobean mansion is a wonderful choice for a day of leisure or to celebrate that special occasion. The Lotus Indulgence Spa Day includes three 25-minute treatments: a back, neck and shoulders massage, taster facial, and body scrub. You also enjoy full use of the spa’s leisure facilities, such as the sauna, steam room, tiled hot beds, and outdoor hot tub. Complement your relaxing spa experience with a traditional afternoon tea, accompanied by a glass of chilled Prosecco. Arrival time for this package is 10am.

Book the Lotus Indulgence Spa Day at Inglewood House and Spa. 

Couture Technology Spa Day at DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde

Located an easy drive from Edinburgh, the DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde is a great choice if you want to unwind in style. The Couture Technology Spa Day offers two inclusive treatments: a 30-minute back, neck and shoulders massage, and a 75-minute Elemis Biotec facial. You will also enjoy full access to the spa’s leisure facilities, which include a swimming pool, foot spas and a Jacuzzi. Round off your luxurious spa experience perfectly by sitting down to the hotel’s tempting afternoon tea. Arrival time for this package is 10am.

Book the Couture Technology Spa Day at DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde.