Reid's Palace Afternoon Tea

Opened 1891 by architect George Somers Clarke. Churchill stayed January 2-12, 1950, writing 'The Hinge of Fate' (his war memoirs vol. 4). The Churchill Suite bears his name. Tea comes through a silver strainer, choice of 25 teas.

What to do there

6 things to do

1. 1 Approach From the Sea Path Adventure · Free

   Reid's sits on a cliff above a tidal pool. Find the approach from the promenade.

   Walk along the Funchal promenade west from the marina. Reid's is on the headland - you'll see its white facade above. Find the sign for the tidal pool and hotel path. Walk up through the lower gardens (public path). You can see the hotel grounds without entering. The views back toward Funchal show why they built here.

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2. 2 Learn the Reid Story History · Free

   William Reid was a Scotsman who died before his dream hotel opened in 1891.

   Near the hotel entrance, find information about William Reid. He came to Madeira with nothing, made a fortune in wine export, and spent his last years building this hotel. He died in 1888 - his sons opened it in 1891. The story of a broke Scottish immigrant becoming a hotelier makes the grandeur mean more.

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3. 3 Join the Wednesday or Friday Garden Tour Adventure · Price: moderate · Optional

   Expert horticulturalist leads tours through 10 acres of subtropical flora at 3:30pm.

   Call +351 291 71 71 71 to book the garden tour (Wednesday or Friday, 3:30pm). Led by the hotel horticulturalist through orchids, hibiscus, jade vines, and palms. These are the same paths Churchill walked. Non-guests can book (confirm availability when calling). Price varies - expect €15-25.

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4. 4 Take Afternoon Tea (25 Teas, 134 Years of Tradition) Wine · Price: high

   Three-tier stand, silver strainer, and the most-asked question: "Where did Churchill sit?"

   Book afternoon tea on Belmond website (€50-65/person, 2-hour seating, 15:00-18:00). Request a terrace table with sea view. Choose from 25 teas - most guests pick "Reid's Blend" by La Via del Tè. Ask your server: "Where did Churchill sit?" They get asked daily. Three tiers: scones with clotted cream (top), finger sandwiches (middle), pastries (bottom).

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5. 5 Find Suite 670 (The Churchill Suite) History · Price: high · Optional

   Churchill stayed here January 2-12, 1950, writing "The Hinge of Fate." Can you find his door?

   After afternoon tea, ask a concierge: "May I see the Churchill Suite corridor?" Suite 670 is named for him. You can't enter (it's booked at €2000+/night), but you may photograph the door. He wrote his war memoirs Vol. 4 here. His first visit was 1899 (en route to Boer War) - 51 years between visits.

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6. 6 Find the Famous Guest Photos History · Price: high · Optional

   Roger Moore, Gregory Peck, George Bernard Shaw, Emperor Karl Von Habsburg - spot them on the walls.

   While at the hotel for tea, wander the corridors looking for historical photos. Ask staff: "Where are the photos of famous guests?" Look for: Emperor Karl Von Habsburg (exiled here), George Bernard Shaw (wrote here), Roger Moore (stayed multiple times), Gregory Peck. Count how many you can identify.

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Insider tips

• Churchill also visited in 1899 on his way to the Boer War - his second visit was 51 years later

• The hotel was built by Scotsman William Reid but opened by his sons after his death in 1891

• Afternoon tea €36 - you're paying for 134 years of tradition, not just scones