London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour & London Eye Option

Thinking about a way to enjoy London that combines sightseeing, delicious food, and a touch of indulgence? This Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with the London Eye option is an experience that promises just that. It’s a popular choice for visitors wanting a relaxed, guided glimpse of the city’s highlights while savoring a traditional British treat.

What draws many to this tour is the chance to combine panoramic city views with a well-curated afternoon tea, all from the comfort of a modern, wheelchair-accessible bus. Plus, those who upgrade to the London Eye get an unbeatable perspective of the city from high above.

A key consideration? The tour is somewhat dependent on weather, and the guide’s commentary can be tricky to catch, especially in busy or noisy environments. It works best for travelers who want a more relaxed, less hurried way to see London’s landmarks without the hassle of walking or navigating public transport.

If you’re after a sociable, comfortable experience that blends sightseeing and good food, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suited to visitors with limited time, those who enjoy guided narratives, and anyone looking to indulge in a classic British afternoon tea with a view.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing: Covers London’s most famous sights along the River Thames.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides offer engaging stories about the landmarks.
• Quality food: Freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, and treats, with vegan/gluten-free options.
• Relaxed experience: 90-minute tour with a comfortable, accessible bus.
• Optional upgrade: Add a visit to the London Eye for panoramic views.
• Adults only for Prosecco: Included for guests 18 and over.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basics: What’s Included?

This 1.5-hour tour offers a leisurely route through central London, with a live guide pointing out landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Somerset House, and the Tower of London. The journey is narrated, offering snippets of history, fun facts, and stories about the city’s storied past.

You’ll be riding aboard a modern coach that’s wheelchair accessible, with the premium seats located on the upper deck for the best views. Lower deck seats are available but might have a partially obscured outlook.

The highlight? A delicious afternoon tea served on board, freshly prepared by onboard chefs. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, sweet bites, and scones with clotted cream and jam. Dietary needs are accommodated with vegan and gluten-free options, but these must be requested at least 72 hours in advance.

For those who want a little extra, there’s an optional visit to the London Eye — a separate experience you enjoy independently after the bus tour. The Eye stands 135 meters tall, offering sweeping views of the city’s rooftops, iconic landmarks, and beyond.

The Route: What Will You See?

The itinerary begins at Evan Evans Tours, a central starting point, and then moves through some of London’s most renowned sights. You’ll pass by Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, soaking in the classic heart of political and royal London. The guide will share stories about each, though some reviews mention that in rainy, darker conditions, it can be hard to identify buildings clearly.

Next, the tour goes past the London Eye — a great photo opportunity and a chance to admire this symbol of modern London from afar. You’ll continue along the river towards Somerset House, then over to Fleet Street, famous for its literary and journalistic history.

Passing St Paul’s Cathedral offers another highlight, with its impressive dome dominating the skyline. Crossing the Tower Bridge and viewing the Tower of London introduces you to London’s medieval and royal past. The route concludes near Westminster Abbey, wrapping up at Victoria train station.

The guide’s commentary aims to make these sights come alive, sharing stories and context. However, a few reviews suggest that in less-than-ideal weather or noisy settings, catching all the details can be a challenge.

The Afternoon Tea Experience

The onboard afternoon tea is the centerpiece for many travelers. The menu is a well-thought-out selection of sandwiches, sweet bites, and scones. The sandwiches feature classic fillings like honey roast gammon with pickled onion and smoked salmon with crème fraiche. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, with similar quality and variety, including vegan mozzarella and roasted peppers.

The sweet side offers a variety of chocolates, fruit tarts, mini Victoria sponge, and salted caramel brownies — all freshly made. Scones come with Devon Clotted cream and Tiptree Strawberry jam, ensuring that the British tradition is well-represented.

The drinks menu is quite extensive, with hot beverages like PG Tips teas, Earl Grey, Chai, and Lavazza coffees. Cold beverages include a complimentary glass of Prosecco (for those 18+) and juices or still/sparkling water.

Getting good value here depends on your expectations. If you enjoy a relaxed, tasty meal in a scenic setting, this part of the experience delivers. The fact that the menu offers vegan and gluten-free options also makes it inclusive, although dietary requirements need to be communicated well in advance.

The Optional London Eye Visit

For those opting for the London Eye upgrade, this is a separate ticketed experience. The world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel offers unparalleled views of London from 135 meters above ground. You can expect to see landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral from a unique perspective.

Since the Eye experience is independent of the bus tour, you will need to schedule your visit separately. It’s a popular add-on and offers a nice way to extend your sightseeing without additional walking.

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What We Like and What Could Be Better

We loved the knowledgeable guides who made the stories lively and engaging. Their familiarity with London’s landmarks added depth to the sightseeing, making the experience more than just passing by. Also, the stunning views from the upper deck are hard to beat, especially if the weather is clear.

The quality of the afternoon tea was another highlight; the freshly prepared menu was substantial and tasty, with plenty of treats to enjoy. Having vegan and gluten-free options available is also a plus for those with dietary needs.

On the flip side, some reviews note that the guide’s commentary can be hard to catch, especially in rain or when the bus is noisy. A suggestion from travelers is to consider providing earbuds or microphone headsets for better audibility.

Another consideration is the cost. At a touch over 90 minutes, the tour isn’t the cheapest way to see London, but many feel the combination of sightseeing, food, and optional extras offers fair value, particularly if you want a relaxed experience.

The weather can impact the experience, especially in winter or rainy seasons, making it harder to identify landmarks or enjoy the views fully. If you’re visiting during poor weather, be prepared for potentially limited visibility and perhaps a different experience than in sunshine.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy guided tours and appreciate a good story behind the sights. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a comfortable, seated viewing experience with a delicious meal thrown in. If you’re short on time but want to see key landmarks without the hassle of walking or public transport, this fits the bill.

Couples, small groups, and even families with older children will find it engaging, especially if they like a bit of indulgence. It’s less suited for very young children or those with mobility issues, but the wheelchair-friendly bus makes it accessible for many.

For travelers who want a more active, in-depth exploration, or to visit many sites independently, other options might be better. But if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic overview of London topped with a good meal, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.

Final Thoughts

This Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with the London Eye upgrade offers a pleasant way to experience London’s highlights without the rush. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value comfort, good conversation, and tasty food. The combination of a guided panoramic tour and a delicious afternoon tea creates a memorable, laid-back experience of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

While it’s not without a few minor drawbacks—like potential weather disruptions or hearing issues—it remains a solid choice for a relaxed London day. Whether you want to see the city from the river, the bus, or from above on the Eye, this experience has enough flexibility to adapt to different tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not permitted, so it’s best suited for older kids and adults looking for a relaxed sightseeing experience.

Can I book the London Eye separately?
Yes, the London Eye visit is an optional extra and must be booked independently.

What dietary options are available?
There are vegan and gluten-free menus available, but dietary requirements need to be advised at least 72 hours in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The bus tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the bus has a fully wheelchair accessible lower deck with a dedicated table.

What is included in the afternoon tea?
The menu includes sandwiches, sweet bites, scones with cream and jam, and hot beverages.

Do I get a Prosecco with the tour?
A glass of Prosecco is included for guests 18 and over.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Evan Evans Tours and finishes at Victoria train station.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after a comfortable way to see London’s most famous sights while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, this tour is worth considering. It balances sightseeing, good food, and a touch of luxury, making it a relaxed yet memorable part of your London trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: