Sandwiches and scones above the city streets, a rolling window on the capital.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 3 experiences from 12 reviewed.
Verified partners for Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
1 hr 30 min
Savor classic British afternoon tea while touring London's landmarks aboard a restored 1960s double-decker
Reserve
1 hr 30 min
Savor traditional afternoon tea aboard a vintage double-decker while touring London's iconic landmarks
Reserve
1 hr 30 min
Savor traditional British tea and treats while gliding past London's most iconic riverside landmarks
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
Boarding at Victoria Coach Station
Viewing Westminster and surrounding sites
Return journey to Victoria Coach Station
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The tour takes place on an iconic red vintage bus. These vehicles have been restored to maintain their historical character.
The route covers key government buildings and political sites. You will see historic stone architecture from the upper deck.
A signature part of the meal served during the journey. These are freshly prepared to accompany the tea service.
The bus passes several royal residences during the transit. You get unique street-level views of these historic structures.
The primary vantage point for observing the city skyline. This deck offers the most extensive panoramic views of the city.
Every Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | Duration | Rating | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Entry Most popular
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour on a Vintage Routemaster
|
1 hr 30 min | ★ 4.7 | ✓ | €55 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
London Afternoon Tea Bus with Prosecco
|
1 hr 30 min | ★ 4.4 | ✓ | €57 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
|
1 hr 30 min | ★ 4.4 | ✓ | €47 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
They complement each other; most visitors who do both call the bus tour the more thrilling way to see city landmarks while enjoying scones. Opting for afternoon tea bus tour london tours provides a dynamic adventure, whereas hotel settings offer a tranquil retreat for conversation.
| Feature | Top pick Bus Tour | Traditional Hotel Tea |
|---|---|---|
Mobility and Sightseeing |
Mobile sightseeing tour | Stationary luxury venue |
Atmosphere and Quiet |
Lively and bustling | Quiet and refined |
Menu Variety |
Fixed pastry selection | Extensive loose-leaf tea menus |
Price Point |
From 45 GBP | From 60–90 GBP |
Duration |
Approx. 90 minutes | 2–3 hours |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Select these afternoon tea bus tour london tickets for a vibrant sightseeing experience, or choose a hotel tea room if you prefer a relaxed environment with more personalized table service.
Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.
Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP
Report to the designated meeting point
Open in Google MapsUse the London Underground to Victoria Station
Drop-off at Victoria Coach Station
Casual and comfortable attire is appropriate for this London sightseeing experience. Smart-casual is recommended if you are celebrating a special occasion.
Due to limited space on the vintage bus, please avoid bringing large suitcases or bulky items. All personal bags should be stored safely under your seat during the journey.
Photography is encouraged throughout the route as the bus passes historic London landmarks. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited due to space constraints.
These vintage buses are not wheelchair accessible due to their design. Please contact the operator to discuss specific requirements before booking.
Mobile phones are permitted for capturing photos and videos of the city landscape. Please be mindful of other guests when using your device.
Children are welcome on the afternoon tea bus tour london, though child seats are not provided. Please ensure children remain seated during the transit.
A traditional afternoon tea menu including sandwiches, scones, and pastries is served on board. Dietary requirements must be communicated at the time of booking.
No pets or service animals are permitted on the bus due to safety and hygiene regulations.
The afternoon tea bus tour london departs from Victoria Coach Station. Please check your confirmation for the exact gate or stand number.
164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP
Report to the designated meeting point
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make for a comfortable ride. April and May are ideal for city viewing.
Longer daylight hours provide better visibility of architecture. Expect higher temperatures in the bus upper deck.
September offers pleasant conditions and vibrant foliage. Ideal for afternoon tea bus tour london tickets.
Festive lights illuminate the city streets from November onwards. Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your slot.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Reservations for afternoon tea bus tour london often sell out weeks in advance. Check availability online for your preferred date.
Upper deck seats provide better views of high-level building architecture. Request these when securing your afternoon tea bus tour london tickets.
Notify the operator of allergies at least 24 hours in advance. They provide specific vegetarian and vegan options upon request.
London traffic can be unpredictable, impacting transit times. Always allow extra time beyond the recommended 15-minute arrival window.
Clean the window glass before shooting for clearer photos. Use a high shutter speed to capture landmarks while the bus is moving.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
The official London residence of the monarch. Visible from nearby streets.
A notable neo-Byzantine style religious building. Located near the departure point.
Houses a collection of British art through the centuries. Accessible by short walk.
A scenic royal park near the palace. Offers pleasant walking paths.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure for a refund. Cancellations made within this window are non-refundable for the 45 GBP per person starting price.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Historic hotel located near the palace.
The double-decker bus became synonymous with London transport in 1956, when Routemaster vehicles entered service carrying commuters through the capital's arterial routes. Six decades later, a restored fleet serves afternoon tea at 12:00, tables set between the windows where passengers once stood.
The afternoon tea bus tour London experience merges Georgian hospitality with postwar engineering — tiered cake stands occupy the luggage racks, bone china replaces ticket punches, and the upper deck offers unobstructed sightlines toward the Thames.
B Bakery pioneered the moving tearoom model in 2014, commissioning specialist upholstery and hydraulic suspension adjustments to accommodate tablecloths and glassware at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour. The company operates from Victoria Coach Station, where departures align with the traditional English tea window between noon and six in the evening. Routes trace a 90-minute circuit past Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, the itinerary designed to synchronise sandwich service with Whitehall and scone service with the South Bank. Passengers seated on the lower deck benefit from street-level views; those upstairs gain elevation and panoramic sight lines, though legroom contracts near the front stairwell.
The menu adheres to century-old conventions established by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, who requested light refreshments between lunch and dinner in 1840. Finger sandwiches arrive first — cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise, ham — trimmed crusts and quartered diagonals. Scones follow, paired with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, the Devon versus Cornwall layering debate left to individual discretion. The top tier carries miniature pastries: lemon tarts, chocolate éclairs, Victoria sponge, macarons. Prosecco and champagne are available as upgrades; the standard service includes a choice of twenty loose-leaf teas, brewed in individual pots and poured by onboard hosts who narrate landmarks between refills.
Afternoon tea bus tour London tickets sell across multiple time slots, demand highest during summer weekends when daylight extends past the final departure. The afternoon tea bus tour London price structure adjusts by seating tier — window tables command a premium, aisle seats cost less, and group bookings for afternoon tea bus tour London kids packages include reduced portions and non-alcoholic sparkling alternatives. Independent afternoon tea bus tour London reviews emphasise punctuality and route consistency, though weather conditions occasionally require windscreen wipers mid-service. Departures from afternoon tea bus tour London Paddington were trialled in 2019 but discontinued; Victoria Coach Station remains the sole boarding point. Passengers seeking the best afternoon tea bus tour London experience should confirm dietary requirements at booking, as vegetarian and gluten-free menus require advance notice.
"Tiered cake stands occupy the luggage racks, bone china replaces ticket punches, and the upper deck offers unobstructed sightlines toward the Thames."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at Victoria Coach Station fifteen minutes before departure, locating Bay 3 where a burgundy double-decker waits, polished chrome and cream-coloured livery distinct from standard Transport for London vehicles.
A uniformed host checks your mobile voucher, directs you to the upper deck, and gestures toward a window table overlooking the nearside pavement. You climb the narrow spiral staircase, steadying yourself on the chrome rail, and settle into upholstered seating as the engine starts.
The bus pulls into Buckingham Palace Road at 12:00, merging with afternoon traffic as your host pours Darjeeling from a china pot. Finger sandwiches arrive on a three-tier stand — you start with cucumber, the bread soft and cool — while the commentary explains the route ahead. You pass Buckingham Palace at walking speed, tourists visible behind the railings, and continue toward Westminster Bridge. Scones are served as you cross the Thames, St Paul's dome framed in the front window. You spread clotted cream first, add jam, and finish the round before Tower Bridge appears. The top tier — lemon tart, éclair, sponge — coincides with the return leg through the City, the bus slowing for pedestrian crossings and traffic lights. You disembark at 13:30, teacup empty, crumbs brushed from your lap.
The attraction operates daily from 12:00–18:30. Ensure you align your visit with these hours.
Yes, children are welcome on the afternoon tea bus tour london, though standard pricing may apply.
Outside food and drink are generally not permitted as the afternoon tea bus tour london includes a full catering service.
Tours typically last approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Unfortunately, the vintage buses used for the afternoon tea bus tour london are not wheelchair accessible.
Refer to the 48-hour cancellation policy to receive a refund for your afternoon tea bus tour london booking.
All tours depart from Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9TP.
Yes, you are encouraged to take photos during your afternoon tea bus tour london experience.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your specific departure time as per the arrival guidelines.
Yes, mobile phones are permitted to capture the scenery during the afternoon tea bus tour london.
