Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Thinking about combining sightseeing with a touch of British tradition? The Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus offers that very experience—gliding through London’s streets on a vintage double-decker bus while you enjoy a proper afternoon tea. It’s a popular choice for visitors looking for a memorable, leisurely way to see the sights, and with a rating of 4.5 based on over 1,700 reviews, it clearly resonates with many travelers.

What we love about this experience is how it blends sightseeing with the comfort of a seated meal, and the chance to relax without the usual hustle of walking or riding the hop-on-hop-off buses. The vintage buses themselves add a nostalgic vibe, making the whole outing feel like stepping back in time. Also, the fact that you can choose your preferred departure time makes it flexible for different schedules.

However, one aspect to consider is that seating isn’t guaranteed on the upper deck—a small gamble if you’re eager for the best view or a little sun. Plus, there are no onboard toilets, which might be an issue for some guests, especially those with young children or mobility concerns.

This tour really suits those who want an enjoyable, relaxed way to see London’s key landmarks while indulging in a delicious afternoon tea. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, romantic outings, or just enjoying a different perspective of the city.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Combines classic London sights with a cozy afternoon tea on a vintage bus.
• Flexible Timing: Multiple departure slots let you fit it into your schedule.
• Good Value: For around $83, you get an authentic tea experience plus sightseeing.
• Limited Accessibility: No guaranteed upper deck seats or onboard toilets.
• Varying Seating Assignments: You might not be able to choose your seat, which could impact your view and comfort.
• Ideal for Relaxed Sightseeing: No stops during the tour, so plan accordingly.

Exploring the Experience

The Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus is designed to give you a taste of London’s iconic sights from the comfort of a vintage Routemaster bus, originally from the 1960s. The experience lasts about an hour and 25 minutes, during which you’ll pass landmarks like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and Mayfair. The route is curated to showcase central London’s most photogenic spots, all while you sit back and savor a traditional afternoon tea.

What makes this tour stand out is that it’s not just sightseeing—it’s a full-on British ritual. As the bus glides through the streets, there’s commentary explaining the history and stories behind the landmarks, adding context to your views. Guests have appreciated this aspect, with travelers noting the “brilliant atmosphere” and “excellent staff” that help make the experience special.

The onboard food is a highlight—freshly made sandwiches, scones, and pastries provided by a local bakery. You can pre-book dietary options, including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices, although nut allergies aren’t catered for. The reviews frequently mention how delicious and plentiful the food is, with some saying the scones are “delicious” and the desserts “phenomenal.”

The vintage bus itself contributes significantly to the charm. Many reviews mention the atmosphere, with some noting that the up deck offers the best views, though seating isn’t guaranteed there. The classic decor, paired with music and the hum of the city, creates a relaxed, friendly vibe that’s quite different from standard city tours.

Itinerary and Landmark Highlights

The tour kicks off at Victoria Coach Station, a central and easy-to-access point. From there, the vintage bus takes you on a route through Central London, giving you an intimate look at the city’s most famous sights.

• Harrods and Knightsbridge: You’ll drive past these iconic shopping destinations, soaking in their grandeur from the bus.
• Hyde Park and Mayfair: Enjoy views of London’s famous green space and the elegant area surrounding it.
• City Landmarks: While the commentary is pre-recorded, it provides insights into London’s history and architecture, helping you appreciate what you’re seeing.

Since there are no stops during the tour, you won’t get out to explore during this ride. The focus is on enjoying the scenery and the experience of being on a vintage bus, with the added luxury of afternoon tea.

What Travelers Say

The feedback from travelers paints a generally positive picture. Many highlight the quality of the food and friendly staff. For example, one review states, “The food was lovely, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed,” while another mentions, “The scones were delicious!”

Guests also love the atmosphere—the combination of classic decor, music, and the city views creates a “fun” and “special” vibe. Several reviews mention that the up deck offers the best views, but not everyone gets a seat there, which is worth keeping in mind.

Some travelers point out minor inconveniences, like the bus being hot in warm weather or the lack of guaranteed top deck seats. Notably, one guest shared an unfortunate incident where a sudden emergency stop caused a mess, but these are rare and usually out of the tour provider’s control.

In terms of value, reviews suggest that the price is reasonable given the quality of the food and the unique sightseeing experience. For just over $80, you’re getting a memorable ride and a proper afternoon tea—something that feels more special than just a restaurant or a regular bus tour.

Practical Tips

If you’re planning to go, consider arriving early to increase your chances of securing a seat on the upper deck. Dress comfortably—but note the bus can get warm, especially on sunny days. Remember, there are no toilets onboard, so plan accordingly, especially for longer days or if you’re traveling with children.

Pre-booking dietary options is recommended if you have specific needs. Also, since the tour doesn’t stop during the ride, it’s best suited for those comfortable with sitting for the duration, and who enjoy guided commentary and a relaxed pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing, classically British way to see London’s sights without the footwork. It’s especially suited for romantic dates, special celebrations, or sightseeing with friends. While not designed for exploring every corner of London, it provides a delightful overview of the city’s main attractions with a tasty twist.

It’s also quite family-friendly, provided children are over 5, as younger kids are not permitted for safety reasons. The combination of sightseeing and afternoon tea appeals broadly to travelers wanting a memorable, cozy experience that’s different from the usual walking tours or hop-on-hop-off buses.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 5 are allowed; however, younger kids are not permitted for safety reasons. Be prepared for a sitting experience, not an active exploration.

Can I choose whether I sit on the upper or lower deck?
Seats are assigned, and you cannot choose in advance. The upper deck offers the best views, but seating isn’t guaranteed, so arrive early if it’s important to you.

Are there toilets on the bus?
No, there are no onboard toilets, so plan accordingly, especially if traveling with young children or for longer days.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
You can pre-book dietary options like vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Nut allergies are not catered for.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, including the ride and meal service.

Is there a specific start time?
Multiple departure times are available, so you can pick a slot that fits your schedule.

Does the tour include stops during the ride?
No, there are no stops during the tour; it’s a continuous ride with commentary and a meal.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass key sights like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and Mayfair, among others.

Is the experience worth the price?
Most reviews suggest yes—considering the quality of food, the vintage atmosphere, and the sightseeing, it’s seen as good value for money, especially for a special occasion.

Final Thoughts

The Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London offers a charming way to enjoy the city’s highlights in a relaxed, distinctly British setting. With good food, friendly staff, and a nostalgic vehicle, it provides a memorable experience that’s both leisurely and culturally enriching. While it’s not the best choice if you want a detailed city tour or easy access to the upper deck, it’s an excellent pick for those wanting a cozy, picturesque, and tasty way to see London.

If you’re after a fun, different perspective of the capital and appreciate good food paired with sightseeing, this tour might just be your new favorite London memory. Just come prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.