Ride a restored 1966 Routemaster through Edinburgh while enjoying a classic afternoon tea—scones, sandwiches and petit fours—on a 70–90 minute city circuit. This dining tour offers staged views of the castle, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat with practical tips for timing and accessibility.
Ride a restored 1966 Routemaster through Edinburgh while enjoying a classic afternoon tea—scones, sandwiches and petit fours—on a 70–90 minute city circuit. This dining tour offers staged views of the castle, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat with practical tips for timing and accessibility.
Step aboard a 1966 Routemaster and let the city roll by as the kettle cools and plates arrive. The upper deck gives an uninterrupted line of sight to Edinburgh Castle’s weathered crags, while the lower deck hums with conversation and clinking cups. Streetlamps slide past; Princes Street blooms with floral displays in summer and Arthur’s Seat watches from the horizon like an old, stony friend.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Red Bus Bistro Company Limited · Edinburgh, Scotland
Step aboard a 1966 Routemaster and let the city roll by as the kettle cools and plates arrive. The upper deck gives an uninterrupted line of sight to Edinburgh Castle’s weathered crags, while the lower deck hums with conversation and clinking cups. Streetlamps slide past; Princes Street blooms with floral displays in summer and Arthur’s Seat watches from the horizon like an old, stony friend.
This experience pairs Britain’s ritual of afternoon tea—home-baked scones, finger sandwiches and petit fours—with a 70–90 minute circuit of the city. The bus itself is a piece of transport history: Routemasters were introduced in the 1960s and remain icons of UK urban travel. Edinburgh’s geology is visible through the windows—basalt from the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat, sandstone façades of the Old Town—while monuments recall Enlightenment thinkers and royal pageantry.
Expect passing views of the Scott Monument, Grassmarket and Holyrood Palace rather than long stops; the tour is designed as a dining sightseer rather than a walking exploration. Staff serve plated tea and offer gin options from the onboard bar. Practical notes: the vehicle has no toilet, seating may be shared, and latecomers cannot be accommodated.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early at Waterloo Place, check dietary needs when you book, and bring a light layer for wind off the Firth. Time your tour for late afternoon light if you want warm tones on the castle. This is a relaxed, camera-friendly way to combine culinary comfort and urban history without the legwork of a walking tour.
Children aged 5 and older are permitted; children 5–9 are charged a child rate and under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to the vintage Routemaster design there is no wheelchair access, though lower-deck seating can sometimes be reserved for those with mobility concerns—check with the operator in advance.
Yes—the bus is licensed and additional drinks, including gin options, can be purchased from the onboard bar.
If cancelled before departure you’ll be offered a full refund or rebooking; if cancelled after it has started the operator may offer another tour date.
Red Bus Bistro Company Limited operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Step aboard a 1966 Routemaster and let the city roll by as the kettle cools and plates arrive. The upper deck gives an uninterrupted line of sight to Edinburgh Castle’s weathered crags, while the lower deck hums with conversation and clinking cups. Streetlamps slide past; Princes Street blooms with floral displays in summer and Arthur’s Seat watches from the horizon like an old, stony friend.
Step aboard a 1966 Routemaster and let the city roll by as the kettle cools and plates arrive. The upper deck gives an uninterrupted line of sight to Edinburgh Castle’s weathered crags, while the lower deck hums with conversation and clinking cups. Streetlamps slide past; Princes Street blooms with floral displays in summer and Arthur’s Seat watches from the horizon like an old, stony friend.
This experience pairs Britain’s ritual of afternoon tea—home-baked scones, finger sandwiches and petit fours—with a 70–90 minute circuit of the city. The bus itself is a piece of transport history: Routemasters were introduced in the 1960s and remain icons of UK urban travel. Edinburgh’s geology is visible through the windows—basalt from the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat, sandstone façades of the Old Town—while monuments recall Enlightenment thinkers and royal pageantry.
Expect passing views of the Scott Monument, Grassmarket and Holyrood Palace rather than long stops; the tour is designed as a dining sightseer rather than a walking exploration. Staff serve plated tea and offer gin options from the onboard bar. Practical notes: the vehicle has no toilet, seating may be shared, and latecomers cannot be accommodated.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early at Waterloo Place, check dietary needs when you book, and bring a light layer for wind off the Firth. Time your tour for late afternoon light if you want warm tones on the castle. This is a relaxed, camera-friendly way to combine culinary comfort and urban history without the legwork of a walking tour.