Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London: A Delightful Blend of Sightseeing and Tea

When visiting London, finding a way to see the city’s top sights without tiring your legs or battling heavy crowds is always welcomed. Enter Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus, a charming experience that marries classic sightseeing in a vintage double-decker with the quintessential English tradition of afternoon tea. Priced at around $82.65 per person and lasting just under an hour and a half, this tour offers a cozy, leisurely way to soak up London’s atmosphere.

What we love about this experience? First, the nostalgic charm of riding on a 1960s Routemaster bus, which brings a real sense of stepping back in time. Second, the delicious array of sandwiches, scones, and pastries that make the tea part truly special—especially knowing they’re freshly prepared by a local bakery. However, a potential consideration is that top deck seats are not guaranteed, which might matter if you’re eager for the best views.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, immersive experience blending sightseeing with a treat, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable way to enjoy London’s sights. Families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate good food and charming vintage ambiance will find this a worthwhile addition to their itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Combines London’s landmarks with a cozy afternoon tea on a vintage bus.
• Beautiful Views: Enjoy iconic sights like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and more from the upper or lower decks.
• Delicious Food: Tasty sandwiches, perfectly baked scones, and cakes served with a variety of teas.
• Flexible Timing: Multiple departure times allow you to choose a convenient slot.
• Comfort and Authenticity: Classic Routemaster buses add vintage charm, though the heat and seating allocation can vary.
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, memorable, and photo-friendly way to explore London.

An In-Depth Look at the Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Experience

The Setting: Vintage Charm on Wheels

From the moment you step onto the bus, you’re greeted with the unmistakable look of a 1960s Routemaster, decorated to evoke a classic London feel. The interior feels warm and inviting, with options to sit either on the upper or lower deck. While seating on the top deck isn’t guaranteed, many find the open-air view a highlight, especially on a sunny day. The bus’s vintage atmosphere adds a sense of fun and nostalgia, making it more than just a sightseeing tour—it’s a little slice of London history.

The Route and Landmarks

The bus meanders through some of London’s most recognizable neighborhoods and sights, starting at Victoria Coach Station. Notable landmarks include Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, and the Mayfair district. While the bus doesn’t stop during the tour, the narrated commentary provides context and stories about each area, making it feel like a moving museum.

One review highlighted that the recorded commentary could sometimes be less engaging, especially if the bus is noisy or crowded. Still, the fact that you get to see these sights from the comfort of a vintage bus with a good audio system makes this a delightful way to familiarize yourself with London’s layout without walking miles in the city’s bustling streets.

The Food and Atmosphere

The star of this experience is the afternoon tea. Made fresh by a local bakery, the high tea includes an impressive selection of sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. Guests often comment on the quality and abundance of the food, with many reviewers describing the scones as delicious and the variety of teas a real treat.

The staff ensures everyone’s needs are met, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or gluten-free—just pre-book your dietary preferences. Many mention the friendly and attentive service, which marks this as a genuinely hospitable experience.

Timing and Practicalities

You can select from different departure times, making it flexible for your schedule. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the sights and the treats without feeling rushed. Since the bus does not make stops, you won’t need to worry about bathroom breaks during the ride, but note that there are no toilets on board, so plan accordingly.

The meeting point is at Victoria Coach Station, well-served by public transportation, so getting there is straightforward. The tour ends back at the original location, making it easy to continue exploring or heading to your next destination.

What the Reviews Say

The overall rating of 4.4 to 4.5 stars from nearly 1,736 reviews demonstrates this tour’s popularity. Many guests rave about the delicious food and friendly staff. One reviewer called it a “British national treasure”, emphasizing how special it felt to combine classic sightseeing with afternoon tea.

Several reviews mention the upbeat atmosphere and the great views from the upper deck as highlights. However, some note the bus can get hot in warm weather, and that seating isn’t assigned, so arriving early might improve your chances of sitting upstairs.

A few guests experienced minor setbacks, like noise during commentary or a bus emergency that caused a mess, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience best suits travellers craving a relaxed, indulgent outing that combines sightseeing with a food experience. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy vintage charm, good food, and picturesque views. Families with children over five, couples celebrating something special, or solo visitors looking for a cozy way to explore will find it enjoyable.

It’s less ideal for those who prefer fast-paced, active sightseeing or need air conditioning—especially on hot days—since the bus can get warm. Also, if you’re eager to get off and walk around many sights, this tour is better viewed as a gentle overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

The Sum Up

For a uniquely British way to see London’s famous sights, Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus offers a charming, tasty, and memorable experience. The vintage bus, combined with delicious treats and an engaging narrative, makes it a perfect choice for those who want a leisurely, photo-friendly tour with a touch of elegance.

It’s especially suitable for special occasions or visitors wanting to combine sightseeing with comfort and class. While it’s not the cheapest option, the blend of views, food, and atmosphere makes it noteworthy. Just remember that seating isn’t guaranteed on the top deck, and it can get warm, so dress appropriately.

All in all, if your idea of sightseeing includes good food and a touch of nostalgia, this tour deserves a spot on your London itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific dress code for the tour?
No, there isn’t a formal dress code, but dressing comfortably is recommended, especially since it can get warm on the bus in summer.

Can I choose my seat on the bus?
Seating isn’t guaranteed on the top deck, and the arrangement isn’t specified in advance. It’s first come, first served, so arriving early might help.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, you can pre-book options for Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free diets. Nut allergies are not catered for.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1 hour and 25 minutes, not including waiting or boarding time.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass by Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Harrods, and Knightsbridge, among others, all while enjoying onboard commentary.

Is there a restroom on the bus?
No, there are no toilets onboard, so plan accordingly.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At approximately $82.65 per person, the experience provides good value, especially considering the delicious food and the atmosphere. It’s a relaxed, indulgent way to see many of London’s sights.

Can children join?
Children over 5 years old are permitted. Under 5s are not allowed for safety reasons.

What about the weather?
Since part of the experience is outdoors on the upper deck, it’s best on a dry, mild day. The bus can be warm in summer, so dress accordingly.

This tour offers a playful, comfortable way to enjoy London’s sights while savoring a proper afternoon tea. Whether you want to indulge, photograph, or simply relax, it’s a memorable and charming way to experience the city.