The classic British tradition of afternoon tea can be experienced with a quirky twist on this fun-packed bus tour through the streets of London.
(Photo: Golden Tours – Gray Line London / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Dating back to the early 19th century, afternoon tea remains a quintessential part of British culture. Featuring delicate sandwiches, scones, and the eponymous hot beverage known colloquially as ‘Rosy Lee’, it’s most typically enjoyed in elegant tea rooms. But for those who fancy taking this classic custom to the next level, this unique bus tour combines the charm of a traditional tea service with a scenic journey through one of the world’s greatest cities. As you sip your tea and nibble on treats, you’ll pass by some of London’s most iconic landmarks, all from the comfort of a vintage bus. Here’s our review below.
About the tour
This tour is run by Golden Tours – Gray Line London, a company with loads of experience showing people the best parts of the city. They’re known for their friendly, knowledgeable guides, and have come up with this combo of sightseeing and a classic British afternoon tea.
It kicks off at Victoria Coach Station, where you’ll hop onto a vintage double-decker bus. As you settle in, you’ll be served a spread of sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea. While you sip and nibble, you’ll cruise past attractions like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, with your guide sharing fun facts and stories along the way.
The tour usually has around 20-25 people, making it feel relaxed and personal. Your guide is brimming with London knowledge, keeping things light and informative throughout. The tour finishes back at Victoria Coach Station, right in the heart of London. Afterward, you could wander over to Buckingham Palace or do some shopping at the famous Harrods department store, both of which are a short walk away.
Evaluation
The London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour has received a lot of love from guests who’ve taken the ride. The guides are often praised for being fun, friendly, and full of quirky tales about London. Many visitors appreciate the relaxing pace of the tour, which lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, giving plenty of time to savour your tea without feeling rushed. People especially love passing landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, all while sitting comfortably aboard the bus.
Some guests have mentioned that the tea could be a bit more generous, with a few wishing there were more refills on offer. Others have said that the experience feels a little touristy, but being objective, you could say that’s kind of the point? If you’re after something a little more off-the-beaten-path, this might not be for you, but for those wanting a fun, relaxed introduction to London’s most famous sights, it ticks all the boxes.
Overall, this tour is a great choice for anyone visiting London for the first time and are looking for something a touch different and whimsical, without breaking a sweat – especially if you enjoy a good cup of tea. Just make sure to wear your stretchy pants – those scones are heartier than they look!
Practical info
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and runs daily, with departures typically at 12pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Evening options are also available for a twilight experience. The tour departs from and returns to Victoria Coach Station, where you’ll board a vintage double-decker bus. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay aboard, with no walking required, so you can focus on enjoying the views and listening to the live onboard commentary while indulging in your tea.
Prices vary, with tickets typically starting from around £45 per person. The tour is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by children, though it’s probably more suited to adults, on balance. Along with the selection of teas, sandwiches and pastries, the tour price includes onboard commentary on the landmarks and places of interest that you’ll pass.
You can book London’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour at GetYourGuide