London: Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at the Rubens

If you’re considering a way to soak in London’s most famous sights while enjoying a touch of luxury, this Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens might just be worth your time. Although I haven’t taken this specific tour myself, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a solid choice for those who want a relaxed, informative overview of London’s royal side, coupled with a quintessentially British treat.

What I like about this experience is how it combines an engaging panoramic bus tour with a sophisticated afternoon tea—a great way to see the city and unwind without rushing. Plus, the commentary from a professional blue badge guide promises a deeper understanding of London’s most iconic landmarks. However, a word of caution: some reviews point out issues with the pickup location, so double-check your meeting spot to avoid missing out.

This experience appears best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and good food, particularly those who appreciate a bit of comfort and a dash of British tradition. If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to London, with a focus on the royal sights, and don’t mind the price, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Comprehensive city overview through a scenic bus ride with professional commentary
• Close-up view of Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard (when scheduled)
• Luxurious afternoon tea overlooking the Royal Mews at The Rubens at the Palace
• Age and family considerations aren’t specified, but the experience is generally suitable for most adults
• Price point offers good value considering the guided tour and quality tea experience
• Potential logistical hiccups with pickup locations, so plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea

This tour offers a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and a delightful food break—all wrapped into about five hours. It starts at Victoria Station, where you’ll hop onto a superior coach equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging—a nice touch that helps you stay connected or just relax with your own device. The guide is a blue badge professional, meaning you’ll get insightful commentary packed with interesting facts about London’s history and its royal tradition.

The Scenic Bus Tour

The journey lasts around an hour, taking you past many of London’s most recognizable landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. The guide’s narration should help bring these sites to life, providing context that you might not get just from looking at photos or reading a guidebook. The bus itself is described as superior and comfortable, ensuring you can enjoy the ride without discomfort.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

One of the highlights is stopping at Buckingham Palace, where you’ll spend about 1.5 hours. When the schedule aligns, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a spectacle of British pageantry that’s very much worth seeing if you’re into royal traditions. Keep in mind that this ceremony only occurs on select days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), so you’ll want to check the schedule beforehand.

During this stop, you’ll also see the Royal Mews—where the royal carriages and horses are kept—and have an opportunity to learn about the monarchy’s daily operations. The guide’s commentary will add depth, making the experience more than just a quick photo op.

Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace

The grand finale is a visit to The Rubens at the Palace, a well-regarded hotel near Buckingham Palace. Here, you’ll partake in a traditional afternoon tea in an elegant setting, overlooking the Royal Mews. Expect to be served a classic spread of freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, delicate sandwiches, and a selection of pastries. The ambiance is described as lavish, providing a perfect backdrop for a restful break after a busy morning.

Some travelers, like Melinda, have raved about the quality of the food, calling the selection “delicious and plentiful.” She notes that the service is “wonderful,” which suggests you’ll be well taken care of.

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Diving Into the Details: Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point: Victoria Station
Your day begins at the Evan Evans kiosk near Victoria Coach Station. Make sure to confirm the exact meeting point to avoid confusion—some reviews mention the importance of paying attention to the location details, since the tour departs from the coach station, not the train station.

First Stop: Scenic Bus Tour of Westminster and More
This part lasts about an hour. You’ll sit back, listen to your guide, and absorb the sights from the comfort of a modern bus. The narration should give you a sense of the stories behind each monument, making the sights more meaningful.

Second Stop: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
This is the core of the tour—seeing the palace and, if scheduled, witnessing the Guard changeover. The guards in their iconic bearskin hats are a picture-perfect moment, and the band marching in sync adds to the spectacle. The tour lasts around 1.5 hours here, which provides enough time for photos, questions, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Third Stop: Afternoon Tea at The Rubens
The visit to the hotel lasts about an hour. This part is more leisurely, offering a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy high-quality food and drinks while gazing out onto the Royal Mews.

What Travelers Say: Honest Insights

One review from Melinda highlights a significant downside: the incorrect pick-up location. She states that the tour was missed because the pick-up point was miscommunicated—Victoria Station instead of Victoria Coach Station. She mentions how unhelpful customer service compounded the frustration, so be sure to double-check your meeting spot.

On the bright side, others like the GetYourGuide traveler appreciated that the service at The Rubens was “wonderful,” and they enjoyed the refilled sandwiches and scones. This suggests that the food quality and service are generally well-rated and that the experience at the hotel is a major highlight.

The overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 11 reviews indicates most participants found this experience satisfying, especially the combination of sightseeing and afternoon tea.

Logistics and Practical Tips

• Duration & Schedule: The tour runs for about 5 hours, but check availability for starting times to fit it into your itinerary smoothly.
• Price: At around $173.76 per person, it’s not cheap, but the price includes a guided tour, transportation, audio headsets, and a high-end afternoon tea—so it’s a decent value if you’re after a comprehensive experience.
• Inclusions & Extras: The guide, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and the afternoon tea are all included. Note that admission to attractions is not included**, so you might want to explore additional options if you’re interested.
• Family-Friendliness: Not explicitly discussed, but generally, this tour is suitable for most adults. If traveling with children, consider their interest in sightseeing and tea.
• Cancellation: You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, which adds some flexibility.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love combining history with food. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, guided overview of London’s royal landmarks without the stress of navigation or planning. The inclusion of afternoon tea adds a touch of elegance and makes it a nice treat for special occasions or a classic London experience.

However, keep in mind the potential hiccups with logistics, especially regarding pickup points. If you’re someone who prefers precise arrangements, double-check your meeting details. Also, the tour’s focus on iconic sites means it’s more about the highlights rather than hidden gems.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Tour with Afternoon Tea at The Rubens offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and indulgence. For those who enjoy a good narrative combined with a comforting meal, it can be a memorable way to spend a few hours in London. Its main appeal lies in the quality of the guide, the comfort of the coach, and the classic British experience at The Rubens.

While not perfect—especially with some logistical quirks—it remains a solid choice for anyone wanting to get an introduction to London’s royal side in style. If you’re looking for a stylish, guided overview with a delicious ending, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly targeted at families, the sightseeing and tea experience may appeal to older children and teenagers. Keep in mind that the focus is on iconic landmarks and a sit-down meal, so very young children might find it less engaging.

What landmarks will I see on the bus tour?
You’ll see London’s most well-known sights such as Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, along with other landmarks featured during the scenic drive.

When does the Changing of the Guard happen?
It generally takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, but it’s subject to availability. Confirm the schedule before your visit.

What’s included in the afternoon tea at The Rubens?
A selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and assorted pastries. Service is highly praised, and you get a lovely view of the Royal Mews.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, but always check the specific start times when booking.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, admission to attractions isn’t included, so plan to pay separately if you wish to access sites like Buckingham Palace interior. Also, it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off.

If you’re after a relaxing way to see London’s royal sights with a delicious finish, this tour could be just the ticket. Just make sure to confirm your meeting point and check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard!

You can check availability for your dates here: