Looking for an incredible children’s afternoon tea in London? Whether your little ones dream of dinosaur-themed cakes, magical sweet treats or a hands-on experience, London is home to some truly unforgettable afternoon teas designed especially for families.
As a family that loves discovering unique things to do in London, we’ve been lucky enough to try several children’s afternoon teas ourselves. In this guide, I’m sharing my honest reviews alongside practical tips to help you decide which experience is right for your family. From luxurious hotel settings to fun themed afternoon teas, there’s something to suit every age and budget.
If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea for kids in London to enjoy, you’ve come to the right place! I’ll continue updating this guide as we visit more venues, making it your go-to resource for family-friendly afternoon teas across the capital.
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as this helps me to run my blog. Some experiences I mention are collaborations; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, honest views.
What is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is one of London’s most iconic experiences and a tradition that dates back to the 1840s. Originally introduced as a light meal between lunch and dinner, it has since become a must-do activity when visiting London.
A traditional afternoon tea usually includes a selection of freshly made finger sandwiches. Followed by warm scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of beautifully crafted cakes and pastries, all accompanied by a pot of tea. The tea can now be switched with coffee. Many venues also offer the option to upgrade to a glass of prosecco or Champagne for the adults.
In recent years, many of London’s hotels, restaurants and other venues have introduced children’s afternoon teas. Creating fun, family-friendly versions of this classic experience. Rather than simply serving smaller portions, many feature themed menus, colourful cakes, and some even have interactive elements.
Whether you’re planning a first family trip to London, celebrating a birthday, enjoying a special family day out or simply looking for a memorable afternoon tea in London with kids, afternoon tea is a wonderful way to experience one of the city’s most famous traditions together.
My son and I on the Paw Patrol bus, one of the best children’s afternoon teas in London.
Is Afternoon Tea Suitable for Kids?
Absolutely! While traditional afternoon tea may seem like quite a formal experience, many venues now offer children’s afternoon teas that have been designed especially with younger guests in mind.
Instead of classic finger sandwiches and delicate pastries, children’s afternoon teas often include fun, themed treats, colourful cakes, and child-friendly sandwiches. Lots of venues even incorporate interactive elements. Creating magical experiences inspired by dinosaurs, famous storybooks and beloved children’s characters. Making afternoon tea as exciting as it is delicious.
Most venues welcome children of all ages, and many also cater for dietary requirements and allergies, making it easy to find an afternoon tea for kids in London that suits your family.
If you’re visiting London with children, enjoying an afternoon tea together is not only a delicious treat but also a fun way to experience one of the city’s most iconic traditions in a way that’s designed for the whole family.
The Best Children’s Afternoon Teas in London
There are plenty of places offering children’s afternoon tea in London, but these are the experiences my family has personally enjoyed. Each one offers something a little different, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel experience, a fun themed afternoon tea or a unique way to explore the city.
I’ve included honest reviews, along with my thoughts on who each afternoon tea is best suited for, to help you choose the perfect experience for your family.
1. Paw Patrol London Bus Afternoon Tea
✨ Best for combining with sightseeing
The Paw Partol afternoon tea bus.
This is such a fun afternoon tea experience to do as a family. Why choose between sightseeing and afternoon tea when you can enjoy both at once? This themed London bus afternoon tea takes families past many of the capital’s most famous landmarks while you enjoy a Paw Patrol-inspired afternoon tea on board.
The food includes bone-shaped cookies, macarons, and mini strawberry tarts. As well as a selection of mini sandwiches, plus carrot and cucumber sticks. It is also very interactive, with an activity book for each child and a screen next to your table giving kids their own Paw Patrol-inspired mission. They also get to keep the fun reusable cups!
It’s a fantastic option for visitors looking for a memorable afternoon tea in London with kids, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time and want to see some of the sites.
This tour is run by Brigits Bakery. If Paw Patrol isn’t your thing, they also have Paddington Bear, Peppa Pig and Monopoly, which would be a great option for older children.
Onboard the Paw Patrol Afternoon tea bus.
⭐ Paw Patrol Afternoon Tea
⭐ Best for: fans of the theme or those visiting London as tourists.
💷 Price: from £45 per person, depending on date and seat reservations.
⏰ Duration: 90 minutes.
📍 Departs from: Northumberland Avenue (close to Charing Cross station)
👶 Recommended age: You must be 2 or over to board.
🎟️ Book: Paw Patrol | Paddington Bear | Peppa Pig | Monopoly
2. The Science Museum Afternoon Tea
✨ Best for toddlers and young children
My toddler is experimenting with the science-themed afternoon tea.
If you’re looking for an afternoon tea for kids in London that’s relaxed, affordable and easy to combine with a family day out, the Science Museum Afternoon Tea is an excellent choice.
Located inside one of London’s most popular free museums, it’s particularly well suited to toddlers and younger children who may not be ready for a more formal hotel setting.
You’re given chalks, and kids are allowed to draw on the table while you wait for the tea to arrive. Then is a fun edible experiment that children can do. There are proper instructions, and I feel like older children would love to do this properly. My toddler did not do the experiment properly; he just enjoyed tipping the test tubes and eating the treats!
The food is very child-friendly, including rocket-shaped cookies, cheese straws, sausage rolls and carrot & cucumber sticks.
The food at the Scienc Museum’s Afternoon Tea.
⭐ Science Museum Afternoon Tea:
⭐ Best for: toddlers and young children.
💷 Price: £36 for adults and £26 for children.
📍 Location: The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
📖 Read More: Our full guide to visiting the Science Museum with kids.
👶 Recommended age: You must be 2 or over to board.
🎟️ Book: The Science Museum’s Afternoon Tea.
3. Little Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace
✨ Best for luxury lovers
Little Royal Crown for children at the Ruben’s at the Palace Afternoon Tea.
For families looking to experience a truly luxurious children’s afternoon tea in London, it’s hard to beat the Little Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Beautifully presented, elegant and just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, it’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating the family to an unforgettable afternoon.
Children are treated like royalty and given a prince or princess crown to take home. This experience is definitely one of the more formal afternoon teas for families. The food was delicious and of premium quality, but not quite as well-tailored to a young child’s palate.
Ruben’s at the Palace luxury table and cake selection.
⭐ Rubens at the Palace:
⭐ Best for: families with childern aged 5+ looking for a luxury treat.
💷 Price: The children’s afternoon teas start from £52 per person, and adult Royal afternoon teas start at £80 per person.
📍 Location: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS (near London Victoria Station)
👶 Recommended age: up to age 12.
🎟️ Book: Your luxury afternoon tea here.
4. The Snowman Christmas London Bus Afternoon Tea
✨ Best for a festive treat
Enjoying the snowman-themed afternoon tea while on a sightseeing bus around London.
I mentioned that we loved the Paw Patrol afternoon tea bus. If you’re visiting London at Christmas, we had so much festive fun on The Snowman Christmas London Bus Afternoon Tea by Golden Tours.
This fun family experience combines Christmas magic with sightseeing through London’s beautifully decorated streets. If you’re visiting during November or December, it’s one of the most memorable family-friendly afternoon tea experiences in London.
In addition to the usual afternoon tea foods, you get an adorable sweet in the shape of a snowman and a warm mince pie! You also get a Christmas cracker to pull and a reusable cup to take home.
⭐ Best for: families visiting London at Christmas.
💷 Price: From £34 for children and £39 for adults.
📍 Location: There are multiple departure points and times.
📖 Read More: Our full review of this Christmas afternoon tea bus tour.
👶 Recommended age: you should be aged 3 or above to board.
🎟️ Book: Your festive afternoon tea bus here.
Snowman-themed treats on the Children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus.
Family Afternoon Teas on My Wishlist
I’m always on the lookout for unique afternoon teas to experience the whole family will love, and these are currently at the top of my list. While I haven’t personally reviewed them yet, they’re all highly regarded, and I’d love to visit them in the future. I’ll keep updating this guide as I tick more off the list!
The Ampersand Hotel – Jurassic Afternoon Tea
Just a few minutes from the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, The Ampersand Hotel’s Jurassic Afternoon Tea is inspired by dinosaurs and prehistoric discoveries. Expect themed cakes, fossil biscuits and creative savoury bites, making it an ideal treat after a day exploring South Kensington.
The Chesterfield Mayfair – Original Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea
If your children have a sweet tooth, this afternoon tea is hard to beat. Inspired by a traditional British sweet shop, it features nostalgic favourites alongside classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. It’s one of London’s most popular themed afternoon teas for families.
One Aldwych – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved story, this imaginative afternoon tea includes playful desserts, colourful drinks and plenty of theatrical touches. Located close to Covent Garden, it’s a fantastic choice for families.
Georgian House Hotel – Wizard Afternoon Tea
Perfect for young witches and wizards, this magical afternoon tea features potion-inspired drinks, spellbinding cakes and enchanting decorations. The Georgian House Hotel has become well known for its immersive wizard-themed experiences, making this one of the most unique afternoon teas in London for families.
FAQ’s About Children’s Afternoon Tea in London
The best children’s afternoon tea in London depends on what you’re looking for. The Science Museum Afternoon Tea is ideal for toddlers and younger children, while The Rubens at the Palace offers a luxurious experience that’s perfect for special occasions. If you’d like to combine sightseeing with your afternoon tea, the Paw Patrol London Bus Afternoon Tea is a fantastic choice.
Yes, especially during weekends, school holidays and the festive season. The most popular family-friendly afternoon teas in London often book up several weeks in advance, so it’s worth reserving early if you have a specific date in mind.
Prices vary depending on the venue and experience. Children’s afternoon teas typically start from around £20–£30 per child and £40-£50 per adult while luxury hotel experiences can cost more. Seasonal and themed afternoon teas may also have different pricing.
Final Thoughts on the Best Children’s Afternoon Teas in London
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a special family day out or simply looking for a unique experience, enjoying an afternoon tea as a family in London is a wonderful way to make lasting memories together.
From relaxed museum cafés perfect for toddlers to luxurious hotel experiences and themed afternoon teas that bring favourite characters to life, there’s something to suit every family. The best children’s afternoon tea in London ultimately comes down to your children’s interests, your budget and the type of experience you’re looking for.
As we continue exploring London, I’ll keep this guide updated with new first-hand reviews and recommendations, so be sure to check back if you’re planning an afternoon tea with kids in London in the future!
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best children’s afternoon teas in London. We hope you have a magical visit to the British capital!
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Happy Exploring,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.