The 9 Best Spots for Afternoon Tea in Inverness, Scotland

Why Bother With Afternoon Tea in the United Kingdom?

Afternoon Tea has been a cherished tradition and pastime in the United Kingdom (and the country of Scotland) since…seemingly forever. In reality, taking afternoon tea dates back to the early 1800s and the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Marie Russell.

In the 17th century, many individuals in England, both royalty and aristocrats alike, only took two meals: breakfast and dinner. Anna Marie Russell was having none of that. Hungry and irritable one afternoon, she decided enough was enough and had food and tea prepared for her.

This fantastic idea evolved into what we now know as afternoon tea (or high tea) as Anna Marie Russell invited friends to join her for tea and socializing. The upper classes in England took to the idea beautifully, and, thus, we now have a tasty tradition to enjoy.

The ritual of afternoon tea has continued to grow in popularity and now typically consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a variety of cakes and pastries, served alongside a pot of hot tea.

Today, afternoon tea remains a popular pastime for both locals and tourists, with many hotels and restaurants in Inverness offering their own unique versions of the quintessentially British tradition.

My Favorite Places for Afternoon Tea in Inverness

After traveling Europe for more than a decade, I’ve had afternoon tea pretty much everywhere! The delicious places I’ve tried in Scotland, and Inverness in particular, are some of the best!

Here’s where I recommend you grab high tea on your next trip to Inverness:

1. Loch Ness Country House

If I could stay at the Loch Ness Country House having afternoon tea for the rest of my life, I just might.

This sprawling and stunning estate is perfectly perched overlooking rolling green meadows and a beautifully manicured lawn and garden.

You’ll be wowed by the entire ambiance of the country house, not the least of which is the lush dining room with a crackling fireplace or the terrace where you can take afternoon tea.

Loch Ness Country House’s Afternoon tea menu is packed with traditional tea sandwiches, scones, and delicious savory options like the Cullen Skink Tart (a unique twist on a Scottish dish) and ham and cheese croquette.

And, if desserts like blackcurrant cheesecake and spiced carrot and ginger cake don’t make your mouth water, what will?

2. Drumbuie Farm B & B

Price: £25 per person

Address: Drumbuie Farm, Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6XP

Rounding out the top spots for afternoon tea in Inverness is the incredibly charming Quila Cridhe Tearoom at Drumbuie Farm Bed & Breakfast.

I love everything about this place. Small family business, working farm, delicious and constantly changing menu, stunning scenery…AND HAIRY COOS!

Not even kidding! And they have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options to boot.

Sit outside on the banks of Loch Ness and enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea complete with sunshine, savory bites, and Scotland’s favorite (and most adorable) animals.

3. Ness Walk Hotel Afternoon Tea

Ness Walk is a luxury 5-star hotel nestled in the city center of Inverness. But, somehow, an escape to Ness Walk doesn’t feel like you’re in the city at all! Instead, a visit to this luxurious hotel feels instead like a charming and tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Ness Walk’s Heavenly afternoon tea is an exquisite celebration of fine local ingredients and creative flair. Sit overlooking the gardens and Loch Ness as you relax in the comfortable lounge and restaurant.

You’ll try savory canapés, finger sandwiches, and a dessert selection that includes homemade scones paired with fresh-made preserves. I particularly love that the garnishes are sourced in the courtyard herb garden.

Menus at Ness Walk change seasonally, so you’re always in for a treat, and are often themed around Great British events such as Wimbledon.

4. High Tea in the Conservatory at Kingsmills Hotel

Variations: Vegan option

Best For: Sustainability-conscious travellers

Time: From 14:00 -16:30 daily

Price: £19.95 per person
Address: Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland, IV2 3LP, United Kingdom

Whisk yourself away to days of old in the beautiful and upscale Conservatory Restaurant at the Kingsmill Hotel. This airy and light space with windows overlooking the gardens evokes a feeling of elegance that is perfectly matched by an amazing selection of food for High Tea at Kingsmills Hotel.

You truly could not ask for more than this delectable spread of organic teas, fair trade coffees, scones with local jam, and other dishes that will ensure you leave just wishing for the time you can return.

As if that wasn’t enough, this is the perfect place to settle in for a delicious vegan afternoon tea as well, and prosecco or champagne can be added on for an indulgent and elevated experience.

5. Afternoon Tea at Simpson’s Garden Centre

Variations: Gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options

Time: Monday to Saturday at 15:00

Best for: Garden Lovers

Price: £19.99 per person
Address: Culloden Rd, Inverness IV2 5BA, United Kingdom

Simpsons Garden Centre is another great choice for an afternoon tea experience in Inverness-especially if you have dietary restrictions!

Located in a beautiful garden setting, the tea room provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax in as they partake in the distinctive and flavorful afternoon tea offerings.

Simpson’s afternoon tea menu is expansive, beginning with a selection of sandwiches like smoked salmon and cream cheese, or egg mayo with cress. Of course, you can’t forget to have freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.

And, as if that weren’t enough, your spread also comes with cakes and pastries that you wouldn’t be able to refuse even if you tried!

I mean, come on, have you ever said no to Victoria sponge cake, lemon drizzle cake, or chocolate brownies? Didn’t think so!

⭐ Worth Knowing: I LOVE Simpson’s for their variety of afternoon tea menus- vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free…they have it all!

6. Culloden House Afternoon Tea

Variations: vegetarian option

Time: From 14:00 to 16:00 daily

Best for: History Buffs

Price: £23.95 per person
Address: Culloden Rd, Balloch, Culloden, Inverness IV2 7BZ, United Kingdom

Located near Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns standing stones, Culloden House dining is a top choice for afternoon tea in Inverness if you’re looking for an atmosphere with historical charm.

In the 1700s, Bonnie Prince Charlie made Culloden House his headquarters during the Jacobite Rising. A sprawling front lawn, gardens, and a building covered in climbing vines make this spot a top choice for a nostalgic cuppa.

Culloden House sources ingredients locally and from all over Scotland, whipping up delectable choices for your taste buds.

7. Comfort Tea at the Royal Highland Hotel

Variations: Gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options

Time: Daily

Best for: Lovers of traditional English Tea

Price: £22 for two
Address: Station Square, Academy Street, Inverness, IVI ILG, Scotland, UK

The last time I visited Inverness, I stayed at the Royal Highland Hotel. As soon as I walked through the lobby doors, I was shocked by how the Victorian decor and beautiful Highland-plaid carpet whisks you away towards feeling like you’re in the middle of an old-time fashionable parlor, ready to take in the afternoon.

Tea at the Royal Highland Hotel is traditional and affordable- a treat for your tastebuds just as it might have been years ago.

Don’t expect any unique tastes, but prepare yourself for a comforting Scottish tea full of an array of finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and tea or coffee.

8. MacDonald Drumossie Hotel Afternoon Tea

Variations: No options offered

Time: Daily

Best for: Those looking for a refined dining experience

Price: £28.00 per person
Address: Old Perth Rd, Inverness IV2 5BE, United Kingdom

Located in the middle of a large expanse of greenery just outside the city of Inverness is the MacDonald Drumossie Hotel, whose afternoon tea is an experience worth having.

Treat yourself to a decadent tea complete with sparkling champagne and a full menu of sensational pastries, sandwiches, and savories. The mouth-watering clotted cream biscuit is enough reason to go on its own, to be honest!

Spend the afternoon here sipping out of fine china as you recharge in the surrounding elegance of the MacDonald Drumossie.

9. Afternoon Tea at Palace Hotel and Spa

Varieties: All dietary restrictions are accommodated

Best for: The most Upscale Tea

Time: Any time of day.

Price: £21.95 per person
Address: 8 Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5NG, United Kingdom

Sometimes it’s all about the ambiance, and at the Palace Hotel, that’s what it’s all about. How could you not feel like royalty as you’re sipping freshly brewed tea while you’re overlooking Inverness Castle and the River Ness?

From double-clotted cream to tantalizing scones, the Palace Hotel Afternoon Tea takes on your typical afternoon tea sandwiches, this is a tea that is elevated and delicious.

And, with a separate vegan afternoon tea menu, it’s the perfect spot for everyone. With a menu this fantastic, you might not even have room for the amazing array of desserts (yeah, right!).

Afternoon tea at the Inverness Palace is the perfect indulgent experience. Be sure to pamper yourself even further afterward- at the spa!

Is Afternoon Tea a Thing in Scotland?

Oh yes, afternoon tea is a thing in Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole. In fact, it’s basically one of the best things, and something that makes Scotland well worth visiting.

Locals take afternoon tea as a traditional way to socialize and catch up with friends, and tea rooms are common throughout the entire country.

You’ll find that no matter what you love, an afternoon tea probably has it on the menu. From traditional teas to champagne teas and just about everything in between, Scotland has been reinventing afternoon tea with local flavors and twists.

Wherever you are in Scotland, whether it be Edinburgh, Inverness, or somewhere else entirely, stop and enjoy a cup of tea!

What are the Three Types of Afternoon Tea?

The three most popular types of tea are the traditional afternoon tea, the champagne tea, and the cream tea.

✅ Traditional Tea: The most well-known type of tea. Consists of a pot of tea served alongside pastries, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and many small pastries and desserts.

✅ Champagne Tea: The traditional tea with an added flair! Celebrate special occasions or get fancy and elegant by adding prosecco or champagne to your bubbly afternoon tea.

✅ Cream Tea: A little bit lighter than the traditional tea, cream tea is often just a pot of tea served with biscuits or scones with clotted cream.

What Do You Wear to Afternoon Tea?

The dress code for afternoon tea varies depending on the venue where you’re having your afternoon out! It is best to avoid things like shorts and t-shirts, but you can dress comfortably and semi-casually in most tea establishments.

Some higher-end hotels in Inverness and tea rooms will have dress codes, so be sure to call ahead and double-check.

Wrap-Up: Afternoon Tea in Inverness

Regardless of how long you’re traveling in Scotland, you definitely want to make time to experience afternoon tea in Inverness. It’s a lavish and relaxing time to treat yourself!

With so many fantastic tea locations around the Inverness area, it’s easy to fit into your Inverness itinerary, and you’re sure to find one that suits your fancy.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance, and enjoy your newest foray into the world of the British tea tradition in the United Kingdom!