You've probably heard about the famous tradition of afternoon tea. It's a must-have experience in the city. You are faced today with two choices: either traditional afternoon tea at one of the renowned hotels or a newer experience such as having tea while cruising along London and watching the views simultaneously.
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Summary:
Price similar to classic afternoon tea
Multiple ticket options
Souvenir mug
Sightseeing and afternoon tea in one go
Multiple daily departures
1. Why choose The Afternoon Tea Bus by Golden Tours?
Golden Tours has been in London for ages, and they're pros at organizing themed tours that take you all over the city and even beyond. Their English Tea Bus is one of their newest ones, and it doesn't disappoint.
During this tour, you'll get to see all the top sights and check off one of the most famous experiences at the same time. Whether you're from around here or just visiting, this tour is a unique way to see London and make some great memories, all while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea.
In my opinion, it's absolutely worth the experience. It's far more interactive than the traditional afternoon tea you'd have in a restaurant, and the cost is quite comparable. And if you bring your kids along, they're bound to have a blast, much more exciting than being indoors!
2. What's included?
Included in the experience is the afternoon tea, a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink, the opportunity to see London's famous landmarks, and a souvenir mug.
You can choose between Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free or a standard menu.
When it comes to seating, you will have to choose which one you prefer. There are three options: lower deck, upper deck, and premium upper deck. The price increases for the better seats, and the best seats are also in very high demand.
3. Things you see while on the bus
The 90-minute bus ride will take you through the heart of London. The journey begins at Victoria Station. From there you will head towards Buckingham Palace ( It's important to be aware of the fact that the bus doesn't pass in front of the palace, none of the tour buses do). The next highlight is Trafalgar Square, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
4. Route and Timetable
Departure times: 11:30am, 2pm and 4:30pm
Duration: Approx 90 minutes
Departure Place: Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, (Stop nr.1 for Golden Tour)
Top tip: According to quite a few reviews, customers are struggling to locate the bus. The easiest way to find the bus stop is to use the what3words app where you can type in : eager.play.forks
5. Things to consider
Commentary
If you're looking to learn more about London during this tour, it might not be the best fit for you. While the staff might point out some things along the way, there won't be a full narration on the bus. I found that this experience is more about enjoying the tea, scones, and scenic views.
Summer
As the Afternoon Tea Bus is not an open-top bus and lacks air conditioning like most double-decker buses in London, it can become quite warm inside during the summer months. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather!
Delays
As with many tour buses in London, please note that the route might change based on road closures and traffic conditions.
Please note that there are no on-board toilets available on the Afternoon Tea Bus tour.
Pro tip: If you can't find available seats on your day of choice or if you're interested in a similar experience but on a vintage bus, check out this blog post for more information.
6. Ticket Options
Golden Tours offers a range of ticket options to accommodate different budgets, with three choices depending on your seating preference:
The most budget-friendly choice is the Lower Deck, and then each subsequent option increases in price by approximately 20%.
To ensure a smooth and punctual departure, Golden Tours recommends arriving 15 minutes early for your tour. This will help you start your London adventure right on schedule.
Booking your tickets online is not only convenient but can also save you at least 10%. Given the tour's popularity, I highly recommend securing your spot in advance, as it tends to sell out quickly.
7. Conclusion of our London Afternoon Tea Bus review
I found the afternoon tea bus to be a much more entertaining and enriching experience than having afternoon tea in a classic venue. The sheer joy of indulging in incredibly high-quality teas and sweets while marveling at famous London sites is truly an experience worth having. Plus, the staff tried their best to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating.
If our London's Afternoon Tea Bus review captivated your interest, be sure to explore our assessment of other tours here and discover valuable travel tips here.
