London: Traditional Afternoon Tea Tour in a Luxury Coach

If you’re looking for a way to combine sightseeing and a classic British ritual, this Afternoon Tea Tour in a Luxury Coach is worth considering. For around $101, you’ll spend about two hours cruising through Greater London, with views of iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament, all while savoring a thoughtfully curated afternoon tea. The experience is run by BUSTRONOME London, renowned for blending gastronomy with sightseeing on a stylish, high-end double-decker bus.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the unique setting inside a luxurious bus transforms a typical city tour into a refined, intimate event. Second, the culinary aspect — a traditional British tea with a French twist — elevates the whole outing, especially if you’re a fan of fine food and drink. A bottomless Prosecco option enhances the celebration, making it ideal for special occasions or leisurely afternoons with friends.

That said, a potential consideration is the traffic in London, which some reviewers say can make for a slightly bumpy ride. The tour isn’t designed to be a swift jaunt — it’s about the experience, the views, and the taste. If you’re someone who appreciates comfort, good food, and a touch of luxury, this tour should tick all your boxes. It’s especially suited for those wanting a stylish, relaxed way to see London while enjoying a quintessentially British tradition in an elegant setting.

Key Points

Comfort and Style: The luxury coach provides a cozy, stylish environment for sightseeing and dining.
Authentic Experience: Traditional afternoon tea, including finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and fine teas.
Stunning Sightlines: See London’s most famous landmarks while relaxing inside the bus, with an interactive audio guide offering commentary.
Optional Extras: Bottomless Prosecco available for those wanting a more celebratory experience.
Small Group: Limited to eight participants, ensuring a more personalized, intimate atmosphere.
Value for Money: Combines sightseeing, gourmet food, and drinks in one well-priced package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Landmarks You’ll See

The tour starts at TFL Bus Stop 40B, near Embankment Station, placing you conveniently in the heart of central London. As the bus makes its way along the river, you’ll enjoy views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Shard, and Westminster Abbey, among others. The route is crafted to showcase London’s most recognizable sights without the need to hop on and off, providing a seamless and relaxed overview of the city.

Each stop presents an opportunity to admire these landmarks from a different perspective — all while seated comfortably inside the stylish coach. The audio guide enriches the experience by sharing tidbits about each site, making it both a visual and educational journey.

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The Culinary Experience

The heart of this tour is undoubtedly the afternoon tea service. Expect a delightful assortment of four sandwiches, such as smoked salmon or cucumber, complemented by four pastries and scones with jam and clotted cream. The quality of food often impresses visitors, with reviews praising the amazing taste and presentation.

You’ll also have unlimited hot drinks, including a selection of fine teas, along with mineral water. If you opt for the bottomless Prosecco, be prepared to enjoy the bubbly alongside your treats — a feature that many find adds a touch of celebration to the afternoon.

The Guides and Atmosphere

While the tour is largely self-paced in terms of sightseeing, the interactive audio guide ensures you don’t miss key details about each landmark. The guides or hosts are typically friendly and attentive, contributing to a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. The small size of the group — limited to just 8 people — means you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions or simply enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded.

Timing and Practicalities

The tour runs for about 1.75 hours, with multiple start times available, so you can choose the most convenient slot. Since it doesn’t include hotel pickups, you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point, close to Embankment tube station.

Facilities aboard include Wi-Fi, a toilet, and hot drinks, making the experience comfortable and convenient. The tour is suitable for children over 3 years old, and special consideration is given to dietary requirements if communicated in advance.

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What Past Participants Say

Among the reviews, several themes emerge. Many praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of London’s most famous sights. One traveler notes, “The food was amazing, totally recommended,” highlighting the quality of the culinary side of things. Others mention the value for money, especially given the combination of sightseeing, food, drinks, and the intimate group size.

However, some reviewers mention that the traffic can slow the journey, which is an inherent challenge when sightseeing in London. Still, for most, the relaxed pace and beautiful scenery outweigh this minor inconvenience.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a luxurious, stress-free way to see London. It’s especially suitable for romantic couples, small groups of friends, or special occasions. If you’re interested in authentic British tradition paired with stunning city views, this is a delightful choice. Keep in mind that if you’re after a quick, fast-moving tour, this might not be your best bet; it’s about savoring the journey and the flavors.

The London Afternoon Tea Tour in a Luxury Coach offers a rare blend of gourmet dining and sightseeing. It’s a great way to experience the city’s highlights without the fuss of navigating on your own, and the quality of the food and drinks generally earns high praise. The small-group setting makes it feel more personal and special, and the optional bottomless Prosecco adds a festive touch.

While the traffic can occasionally slow things down, the overall enjoyment, stunning views, and delicious treats make this experience a worthwhile splurge. It’s particularly suited for those who value comfort, authentic cuisine, and memorable views over rapid-paced sightseeing.

If you’re seeking a refined, relaxed way to enjoy London’s sights and flavors, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for foodies, couples celebrating, or anyone looking to elevate their sightseeing day with something a bit more indulgent.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.75 hours, with multiple starting times available throughout the day.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at TFL Bus Stop 40B, near Embankment Station, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the tour?
You get a guided sightseeing route, a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, and scones, unlimited hot drinks, mineral water, Wi-Fi, and access to the audio guide in English and French. The bottomless Prosecco is optional.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children over 3 years old. Children under 12 qualify for a child ticket.

Are there any dietary considerations?
Yes, dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised beforehand.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included — you’ll need to meet at the designated starting point.

This experience offers a charming, flavorful way to see London’s most recognizable sights while indulging in a beloved tradition. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a more elegant sightseeing outing, it’s a memorable combination of taste and views.