Looking for a unique and unforgettable girls’ day out in London? Afternoon tea on a bus in London is one of the most fun and Instagrammable ways to see the city. Imagine sipping prosecco and nibbling finger sandwiches while riding a vintage double-decker past London’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the ultimate mix of two of my favourite things, sightseeing and sweet treats!
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a catch-up with friends, or just want to try something different, this experience is a must for anyone who loves afternoon tea with a twist. This experience is something I highly recommend doing when you’re in London.
I’m a London mum to two little boys and have written many guides on things to do in London with tips for enjoying them with little kids.
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What is Afternoon Tea?
If you’re not familiar with afternoon tea, it’s a traditional British thing to do. It originated in the 1840s so that upper-class people could enjoy a light meal in between lunch and a late dinner. It was traditionally served between 3-5 pm, but you can now have it whenever you like!
You may also hear people refer to afternoon tea as High Tea or Cream Tea, although they technically aren’t quite the same thing.
Typically, you’ll start with finger sandwiches, which are small sandwiches cut into ‘fingers’ usually with the crusts removed. Then you’ll have a selection of cakes and/ or biscuits as well as scones with jam and cream or cream and jam. (There is a lot of debate amongst the British as to which way is correct!) Personally, I find it easier to spread the cream first! Now, many places add a glass of prosecco, so you’d have the prosecco or a cold alcohol-free drink with the sandwiches. This is followed by tea with scones and cake.
Most likely, you’ll be offered a selection of teas, and sometimes coffee or hot chocolate are also options.
Booking Your Girls’ Day Out in London
There are options for your afternoon tea on a London bus experience. I would 100% recommend the one we did through GOLDEN TOURS. At the end of this post, I’ve linked some other options you could consider, including some for kids, as this one is for ages 5 and above!
Sitting on the top deck does cost slightly extra, but it is worth it in my opinion. I live in London and could happily do this tour again and again!
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What will you get to eat and drink on this Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?
You’ll start with a selection of finger sandwiches. On our tour, you pre-order from a choice of traditional, vegetarian and vegan fillings. This is served with a glass of prosecco or soft drink.
You then move on to a delicious selection of sweet treats, including a scone with cream and jam (which is very British), cake, chocolate brownie, a macaroon and shortbread. This is served with a hot drink, they offer a selection of teas, coffee or hot chocolate. I’m pretty sure our treats came from The Hummingbird Bakery, which is a popular, premium bakery in London.
Our food was all so delicious and really felt like a well-deserved treat! They also let you keep the adorable, reusable cup!
What Route does the Afternoon Tea Bus take Around London?
It starts from Bullied Way, which is right by London Victoria station, so very convenient. You’ll drive through Westminster, where you’ll see iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then you’ll drive into the City of London, past more iconic buildings like St Paul’s Cathedral. The bus crosses 3 of London’s bridges, London Bridge, Tower Bridge. Then, finally, Westminster Bridge, from here, you can see the London Eye.
As I mentioned, you’ll get the best views from the top deck!
Other London Afternoon Tea Bus Tours to Consider:
Firstly, I’ll link again THE TOUR WE DID HERE. We had the best time, and I would highly recommend it. This one is for ages 5 and above.
If you’re travelling with children, you may like this PADDINGTON BEAR AFTERNOON TEA BUS. This one also says for ages 5 and above.
If you have young children, this PEPPA PIG AFTERNOON TEA BUS is suited to age 2 plus.
Is tea not your thing? No problem, you can also do a GIN LOVERS AFTERNOON TEA BUS. As it has alcohol, this one is for ages 18 and above only.
Thank you so much for reading my guide on afternoon tea on a London bus. I hope it has inspired you and you have the best girls day out in London!
Cheers,
