London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour

Planning a trip to London and craving a different way to soak in the city’s sights? This London Afternoon Tea Bus tour promises to combine the charm of a traditional British meal with a scenic ride around some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. It’s a popular choice for visitors looking for an engaging, social experience that mixes sightseeing with a bit of indulgence.

What we really like about this tour is how it elevates the typical sightseeing bus ride by adding delicious food and bubbly—perfect for those who want to enjoy London’s skyline with a bit of a treat. Plus, the panoramic views from the top deck make it a memorable way to see the city. On the flip side, it’s not a guided tour with detailed narration, which might be a downside if you’re after in-depth historical insights.

This experience is best suited for those wanting a relaxed, fun way to explore London with friends or family, especially if you enjoy good food and lively atmospheres. It’s also great for first-timers wanting a broad overview of the city, but if you’re after a more educational or quieter experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Enjoy London’s landmarks from the top deck of a bright pink double-decker bus, offering unobstructed views.
• Food & Drink: Scones, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts served from a silver stand, with tea, prosecco, or soft drinks included.
• Convenient & Flexible: A 90-minute route that covers top sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and more.
• Social Atmosphere: A lively, social setting, ideal for groups or those looking for a fun, laid-back experience.
• Limited Guidance: No live narration, which means fewer historical details but a more relaxed, conversation-friendly ride.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers love the food and views; others note the bus ride can be noisy or that the service might be hit-or-miss.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour starts at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way, the designated departure point, where you’ll hop onto this cheerful pink double-decker bus. From there, the route is designed to take you through the heart of London, showcasing some of the most instantly recognizable sights.

As you settle in on the upper deck, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the home of the Queen, and Westminster Abbey, a symbol of British history and architecture. The guide mentions that the route may shift due to traffic or road closures, so be prepared for slight changes in the order of sights.

Throughout the ride, you’ll pass by Trafalgar Square, famous for its fountains and statues, and Piccadilly Circus, a hub of activity and vibrant lights. The Coca-Cola London Eye on the South Bank offers breathtaking views of the city skyline—an icon that’s especially photogenic from the top deck.

Sights & Views: Why They Matter

What makes this tour special is the chance to see London’s key landmarks from a different perspective. Instead of walking and navigating crowds, you’re comfortably seated and soaking it all in. Many reviews highlight how the view from the top deck is a highlight, with some customers describing it as a fun way to get a broad sense of the city’s layout.

Food & Beverages: The British Classic on Wheels

The highlight for many is the afternoon tea service. Expect a silver-tiered stand with homemade finger sandwiches—from hummus and falafel to smoked salmon and cream cheese. The sweet selection includes pastries, desserts, and classic British scones with clotted cream and jam.

The drinks menu features a choice of tea or coffee, plus a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, making this a lively and social experience. Several reviewers praise the quality of the food and drinks, noting they are plentiful and satisfying.

The Atmosphere & Service

Multiple reviews rave about the friendly staff and smooth service, describing the experience as cozy and enjoyable. One reviewer mentions, “Really, really wonderful staff that went out of their way to make sure your had a good time.” However, some mention that seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and that tables might be shared, which can be a plus for social travelers but a downside if you prefer privacy.

Comfort & Practicalities

While the bus ride is generally described as fun and scenic, some reviews mention that the ride can be noisy and bumpy—especially if the bus has squeaky brakes or is not in perfect condition. Notably, there are no restrooms onboard, so plan accordingly if you need to go during the 90-minute journey.

Temperature control can be tricky: there’s no air conditioning, so on warmer days, the upper deck might get quite hot and sticky. Travelers have noted that windows can be dirty, which affects sightseeing clarity.

The Price & Overall Value

At around $67.63 per person, this tour offers a mix of sightseeing, dining, and social vibes. It’s generally considered good value for money, especially given the inclusion of food, drinks, and a scenic ride. However, since there’s no guide narration or detailed commentary, if you’re looking for in-depth historical insights, this might not fully satisfy.

Real Travelers’ Perspectives

One reviewer was ecstatic, saying, “Going through the city of London, England, this was a fantastic experience. The bus toured past many top tourist attractions, and the food and tea & mimosa provided was great.” Conversely, others have pointed out that there’s little guidance on the sights, with some describing the experience more as a social outing than an educational tour.

Some of the most common critiques include loud conversations drowning out narration and rough ride quality. Also, a few reviews mention disappointment with service or food quality, but overall, the majority highlight the fun atmosphere and good value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Afternoon Tea Bus tour is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, social way to see London’s highlights without the fuss of walking or guided commentary. It’s great for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy lively, casual experiences.

If you’re after detailed historical insights or a quiet, contemplative sightseeing day, you might prefer other options. But if you value good food, a fun atmosphere, and a chance to take in city views from a comfortable seat, this is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this tour offers a charming blend of sightseeing and indulgence. The solo traveler or group looking for a social, Instagram-worthy experience will likely find it enjoyable. The delicious food and bubbly, paired with scenic views, make it a memorable way to spend an afternoon in London.

However, keep in mind that the experience can vary depending on weather, the condition of the bus, and how lively your fellow passengers are. It isn’t a deep dive into London’s history, but it’s a delightful and light-hearted way to see the city with a side of tea and treats.

If you’re after a fun, social experience with good views and tasty food, this tour could well be a highlight of your trip. Just arrive early, expect some shared tables, and go with an open mind.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate, but kids under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. It’s a relaxed environment but not specifically designed as a family-focused activity.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to see key landmarks without feeling rushed.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
Menu options depend on availability, and specific dietary requests aren’t guaranteed. It’s best to contact the provider at least 72 hours before to clarify your choice.

Is there a guide or narration during the ride?
No, there isn’t live guidance; the sights are mentioned on a recorded narration, which some reviews say is drowned out by conversations or background noise.

Are the seats allocated in advance?
No, upper seats are first-come, first-served. Some reviews mention that seating can be shared, so arriving early helps secure preferred spots.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?
No, the bus does not have restrooms, so plan accordingly before the ride.

All in all, if you’re after a fun, social way to see London with a touch of indulgence, the London Afternoon Tea Bus offers an experience that’s light, memorable, and uniquely British. Just keep expectations realistic, especially about guidance and comfort, and you’ll likely have a good time.