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 London on double-decker afternoon tea bus and watching the views simultaneously.
If you're trying to decide whether this London English Tea Bus Tour is for you, let me walk you through everything you need to know based on my experience.
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Summary:
Price similar to classic afternoon tea venues
Multiple ticket options for different budgets
Includes a 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 London 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.
If you're bringing kids along, they’ll love the double-decker afternoon tea bus London vibe, way more exciting than a traditional sit-down tea!
Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus vs. Brigit’s Bakery – Which is better?
Both Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus and the Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus offer a fantastic double-decker afternoon tea bus London experience, but they cater to slightly different audiences.
Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus:
✔ More premium, with an elegant, French-inspired menu
✔ Offers themed afternoon teas (e.g., Peppa Pig for kids, seasonal specials)
✔ Focuses more on the food experience than sightseeing
✔ Runs a vintage Routemaster bus for a nostalgic touch
❌ Higher price point compared to Golden Tours
Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus:
✔ More affordable and similar in price to a traditional afternoon tea
✔ Provides a souvenir mug
✔ Runs on a modern double-decker bus with better views
✔Less crammed
❌ No themed afternoon teas
2. What's included?
A full afternoon tea set, including sandwiches, pastries, and scones
A glass of Prosecco or soft drink
A souvenir mug to take home
A panoramic tour of London, covering top landmarks
You can choose between Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free or a standard menu.
When booking, you’ll also need to select your seating:
Lower Deck: Budget-friendly but limited views
Upper Deck: Better views and a more immersive experience
Premium Upper Deck: Best views, premium seating
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)
Pro 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
The Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus isn’t open-top, and there’s no air conditioning. If you’re traveling in the summer, it can get warm inside, so make sure you dress appropriately for the weather!
Delays
London traffic can be unpredictable, so be prepared for minor route adjustments.
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 our review of Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus here.
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.
Pricing Tip: Booking online can save you at least 10%, and I highly recommend securing your spot in advance as this experience is in high demand.
7. Conclusion of our London Afternoon Tea Bus review
I personally found the Afternoon Tea London Bus experience to be far more fun than a traditional hotel setting. You get the same high-quality tea and treats but with a panoramic view of London instead of just staring at four walls.
Plus, the staff tried their best to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, everyone was extremely friendly and accommodating.
If our London Afternoon Tea Bus review captivated your interest, be sure to explore our assessment of other tours here and discover valuable travel tips here.