London: Afternoon Tea Bus & Buckingham Palace Entry Option

London: Afternoon Tea Bus & Buckingham Palace Entry Option
Location: Greater London, United Kingdom
Country: United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5
SupplierName: Evan Evans Tours

A charming way to see London with a touch of luxury
Imagine gliding through London’s bustling streets on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, all while enjoying a freshly prepared afternoon tea. This tour offers a blend of sightseeing, stories, and treats that make for a memorable day. Starting from Evan Evans Tours’ central location, this experience lasts between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your chosen options and traffic. The highlights include panoramic views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye — with a knowledgeable guide bringing the city’s history alive.

One of the things we love about this experience is the personal touch of the onboard chef, preparing a delightful menu of sandwiches, scones, and cakes right in front of you. Plus, the opportunity to upgrade to premium seats or add a glass of prosecco makes it feel special without breaking the bank. The tour also offers the chance to explore the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace during July to September — a rare peek into royal life that many visitors cherish.

A possible consideration might be the duration—some travelers find the 90-minute tour quite busy, especially if they prefer more time at each landmark. Also, note that children under 5 are not permitted, so it’s best suited for older kids and adults. If you’re someone who enjoys combining sightseeing with good food and a bit of luxury, this experience fits the bill perfectly.

Ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, guided overview of London’s most famous sights, paired with a tasty break, this tour is perfect for those short on time but eager to see a lot and enjoy a bit of indulgence.

Key Points

• Comfortable Sightseeing: A well-equipped, air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi and USB charging keeps you connected and comfortable.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides bring stories and context to London’s major landmarks, making the sightseeing more meaningful.
• Gourmet Afternoon Tea: Freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, cakes, and a selection of hot drinks—plus vegan and gluten-free options.
• Flexible Experience: You can upgrade to premium seats or add prosecco, and opt for Buckingham Palace entry during peak months.
• Convenient Itinerary: Passes by all the major sights along the River Thames, with commentary on each.
• Accessible: The lower deck is wheelchair accessible, and the tour is suitable for most visitors except children under 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

Your journey begins at Evan Evans Tours’ central location, a comfortable hub for exploring London. Once on board, the bus immediately feels like a sanctuary—climate-controlled, with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and USB ports. The atmosphere is relaxed, with friendly guides eager to share tales behind each landmark.

The Scenic Route & Landmarks

The route takes you along the River Thames, where you’ll glimpse some of London’s most recognizable sights like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The guide’s commentary makes these quick passes worthwhile, sharing snippets of history, royal stories, and amusing anecdotes. The 10-minute stop near Big Ben and the London Eye allows for photos, though you’ll mostly be passing rather than exploring on foot.

As you pass Somerset House, Fleet Street, and the impressive St. Paul’s Cathedral, the guide’s insights help you understand London’s evolution from medieval times to the modern metropolis. Crossing Tower Bridge and viewing the Tower of London from the bus offers stunning perspectives that are hard to match without a boat or walking tour.

The Royal Experience & Optional Buckingham Palace Tour

During July through September, you can upgrade to visit the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace—a rare inside look at the lavish rooms used by the royalty. This is a highlight for many, providing a glimpse behind the scenes of royal life, and often described as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” The option must be selected at booking, and it’s well worth considering if you’re a history or royal fan.

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The Afternoon Tea Menu & Food Quality

The onboard chef prepares a seasonal menu, with options for both standard and vegan/gluten-free diets. The sandwiches are fresh, featuring classics like smoked salmon with crème fraîche and honey roast ham with pickled onion. The cakes—ranging from Victoria sponge to salted caramel brownie—are clearly made with care and skill. The scones come warm, with generous servings of Devon clotted cream and strawberry jam.

The drinks menu offers hot beverages like PG Tips teas, Earl Grey, and Lavazza coffee, with milk options including oat milk for those who prefer it. Cold drinks include juice, sparkling or still water, and a pre-ordered prosecco option (adults only). Many reviewers remark that the quality of the food exceeded expectations for a bus experience, making it feel more like a cozy cafe on wheels.

The Tour’s Flow & Timing

The entire tour lasts between 1.5 to 4 hours—short enough to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule, yet packed with enough highlights to feel worthwhile. The 90-minute panoramic segment offers a quick but rundown, while the longer options allow for a more leisurely experience, especially with the added royal visit.

Accessibility & Comfort

The bus features a fully wheelchair accessible lower deck, and the premium seats on the upper deck give a better view, especially for photography. However, lower deck seats might have slightly limited visibility due to partially obstructed views, so if you want the best vantage point, booking premium seats in the front is advisable.

What We Think About the Value

This tour strikes a balance between sightseeing, dining, and comfort at a reasonable price point. The inclusion of a professional guide makes the experience informative, and the freshly made afternoon tea elevates it beyond typical bus tours. The option to visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms during peak months adds a special touch for those craving an insider’s look at royal life.

Considering the amenities (air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging), the quality of food, and the ease of seeing major sights without walking long distances, it offers good value for travelers wanting a relaxed, culturally rich experience.

Who It’s Best For

This experience suits visitors who want to see London’s highlights without the hassle of navigating on their own or doing multiple tours. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a bit of luxury, like freshly prepared food, and are interested in learning the stories behind the sights. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a guided overview will find it especially appealing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not permitted, so it’s better suited for older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy relaxed sightseeing.

Can I upgrade to premium seats?
Yes, you can upgrade to premium seats, which are located on the upper deck, either in the front row or in front of the stairs for the best views.

What does the afternoon tea include?
It features a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and sweet bites, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

Is the Buckingham Palace visit included?
Only if you select the “Buckingham Palace” option at booking, and it’s available from July to September.

How long does the tour last?
Depending on your choice, the tour lasts from about 1.5 hours to 4 hours, with the core panoramic sightseeing lasting roughly 90 minutes.

What are the drinks options onboard?
Hot teas, coffee, juice, water, and pre-ordered prosecco are available, with milk options including oat milk.

Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the lower deck is fully wheelchair accessible. It’s best to contact the tour provider in advance to ensure availability.

To sum it up, this London: Afternoon Tea Bus & Buckingham Palace Entry Option offers a charming, comfortable way to see the city’s most famous sights with a touch of indulgence. Its combination of expert commentary, scenic route, and quality food makes it a memorable choice—perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy London without the rush. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone looking to combine sightseeing with a special experience, this tour provides good value and a chance to enjoy the city from a different perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: