London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

Imagine cruising through London on a bright pink bus, sipping tea or prosecco, and singing along to ABBA’s greatest hits. This experience is a lively combination of sightseeing, British tradition, and nostalgic music. At just 1.5 hours, it offers a unique perspective of London’s iconic landmarks, all wrapped up in a fun, social setting.

The tour is run by Golden Tours and takes you through well-known neighborhoods like Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge. Along the way, you’ll gaze at landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London—some from the bus, others from the water if you choose the combined package. What really sets this apart is the musical component — singing ABBA hits with fellow fans — and the delicious afternoon tea served onboard, complete with sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and a glass of prosecco or soft drink.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour: the friendly, engaging staff who make the experience warm and inclusive, and the fantastic views of London’s skyline from both the bus and water. It’s a cozy, lighthearted way to see the city, especially if you’re a fan of ABBA or looking for a relaxed, social outing.

One consideration: the temperature on board can get quite warm, especially on sunny days, so packing a water bottle and dress comfortably. Also, because it’s a shared experience, you may have to share tables, which isn’t ideal for privacy but adds to the communal vibe.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy music, good food, and sightseeing with a twist. It’s a hit for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for something memorable and playful. It’s also a fantastic choice for ABBA fans eager to sing along to their beloved hits while taking in London’s sights.

Key Points

• Unique combination of sightseeing, afternoon tea, and ABBA sing-alongs
• Beautiful views of London’s major landmarks from the water and bus
• Friendly staff and an engaging atmosphere
• Food and drink served onboard, including gluten-free and vegan options
• Approximate duration of 1.5 hours, with flexible starting times
• No toilets onboard, so plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Route and Sightseeing Highlights

Starting at the colorful pink bus stop marked “The English Tea Bus,” you’ll quickly notice the cheerful atmosphere created by the staff and the vibrant exterior. The route is designed to take in some of London’s most recognizable landmarks: from the historic Westminster Palace and Buckingham Palace to the towering Shard and the bustling London Bridge area.

What’s particularly nice is the view from the water, where you get a different perspective of London’s skyline. While the bus itself offers panoramic views, some tours include a water cruise, which is a highlight for many. Seeing Big Ben and the London Eye from the river side provides a fantastic photo opportunity, especially as the boat glides past these iconic structures.

The route is subject to change due to traffic or road closures, but the staff strive to keep the itinerary engaging and scenic. We loved the way the route covers major hotspots while giving you a relaxed, open-air experience that’s different from the typical bus tours.

The Onboard Experience: Food, Music, and Atmosphere

Once aboard, you’re greeted with a delicious afternoon tea that includes traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a glass of prosecco or soft drink. The food is described as “lovely” in reviews, and the inclusion of gluten-free, vegan, halal, and other options shows a thoughtful approach to dietary needs. To make it more fun, guests are encouraged to wear colorful sunglasses and join in the ABBA sing-along, which really energizes the atmosphere.

As one guest noted, “The tea was great, and the food was delicious,” making this not only a sightseeing tour but also a small culinary celebration. The cupcakes and scones add a traditional British touch, while the music fills the bus with cheerful nostalgia. While some reviews mention the playlist could include more of the most popular ABBA hits, the overall vibe remains lively and fun.

Expect the friendly staff to serve you with a smile, and be prepared to sing along, especially if ABBA is your thing. The sing-along component is a big plus for many, transforming what could be a quiet cruise into a lively, memorable event.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

While this isn’t an official ABBA experience, the music selection and overall vibe hit the right notes for fans. The reusable cups given as souvenirs add a small, thoughtful touch, helping you remember the day. The onboard staff are enthusiastic and attentive, making sure everyone gets their food and drinks on time and feels included.

For many guests, the highlight is the combination of sightseeing, delicious food, and singing. Several reviews praise the “attentive and professional” guides and servers, and the stunning views from both the bus and water are consistently appreciated.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an ideal quick escape from London’s hustle. Starting times are flexible (check availability), and the meeting point is easy to find — look for the pink-striped bus with the big “The English Tea Bus” sign.

Tickets include the afternoon tea and the ABBA sing-along, but remember, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation to the meeting point. Children are welcome if accompanied by adults, but under 5s are not allowed, and pregnant women or those with back problems may want to consider if this is suitable for them.

The onboard menu features a diverse selection, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, but dietary restrictions must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance. Keep in mind, there are no toilets onboard, so plan accordingly, especially if you have mobility issues.

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The Value of the Experience

At roughly £50-£60 per person, this tour offers a fun, relaxed way to enjoy London’s sights with a tasty meal and lively entertainment. It’s not a formal sightseeing tour, but rather an experience filled with music, camaraderie, and views. Guests consistently note the value in the friendly atmosphere, quality of food, and unique perspective of the city.

While some might find the music playlist a bit repetitive or wish for more London-specific commentary, the overall feeling is one of joy and lightheartedness. This isn’t a serious historical tour; it’s a social, fun-filled activity designed to entertain and indulge.

This experience is ideal for ABBA fans, groups of friends, or families seeking a relaxed, interactive way to see London. It suits travelers who enjoy good food and music and are looking for a lighthearted break from traditional sightseeing. If you’re after a fun, social experience with a bit of British tradition and a splash of nostalgia, this tour will hit the spot.

However, if you prefer more in-depth historical commentary or have mobility limitations, you might want to consider other options. This tour is all about fun, flavor, and festivity, making it perfect for those wanting to make some joyful memories.

The London “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus offers a charming, cheerful way to explore the capital. With delicious food, great views, and a sing-along to ABBA, it’s a refreshing alternative to traditional sightseeing. Its lively, inclusive atmosphere and friendly staff make it especially appealing to travelers wanting a more relaxed, social experience.

While not a comprehensive historical tour, it’s a wonderful way to combine food, music, and sightseeing for a memorable afternoon. Whether you’re an ABBA aficionado or simply looking for a fun activity, this tour brings a smile and a sing-along to your London visit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged 15 and under can join if accompanied by a paying adult. However, children under 5 are not allowed.

Does the tour include water or toilets onboard?
There are no toilets on the bus, so bring water if needed. Plan ahead for any bathroom requirements.

Can I book dietary options in advance?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options are available. Dietary needs should be communicated at least 72 hours before your visit.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need to occupy fixed seats; no special wheelchair access is mentioned.

Are alcohol and smoking allowed onboard?
Alcohol is served only to those 18 and over with valid ID. Smoking and drugs are not permitted onboard.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Golden Tours Stop 1, easily accessible in central London. No hotel pickup is offered.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 3 days in advance.

Is this tour offered in multiple languages?
It’s conducted in English only.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is outdoor and relies on good weather. In case of heavy rain, check with the provider about possible rescheduling or indoor options.

In summary, if you’re after a joyful, musical way to see London and indulge in some authentic British afternoon tea with a side of ABBA, this tour hits the right notes. It’s charming, cheerful, and a great choice for those wanting a fun, social, and memorable experience in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: