If you’re looking for a magical and unique way to celebrate the festive season, a Christmas afternoon tea bus tour in London is hard to beat. This year, we hopped aboard Golden Tours’ Snowman-themed afternoon tea bus with our kids, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable family Christmas activities we’ve done. With festive treats, joyful music and a route that passes some of London’s most iconic sights, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the season together, especially if you’re searching for a family-friendly Christmas outing that feels truly special.
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DISCLAIMER: This tour was kindly gifted to me by Golden Tours. All opinions are honest and my own. I also use affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. There is no additional cost to you, and I am extremely grateful, as it helps me to run my blog.
The Snowman Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour by Golden Tours Review
This tour is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, combining festive music with afternoon tea and seeing some of London’s best sights. Perfect if you’re only in London for a short time or if you’re just looking for a Christmas treat the whole family will enjoy!
Below, I will share everything you need to know about this festive experience. Including what to expect, the food, the route, and of course, tips on how to enjoy it with kids.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA DIRECTLY WITH GOLDEN TOURS AND RECEIVE 10% OFF WITH MY CODE ALEX10
What are the Food Options?
Golden Tours offers a range of menus, including standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal and even a gluten-free afternoon tea. There is also a special kids’ menu. All of the food is inspired by the Christmas snowman theme. I’ve linked the full menu options here.
Each menu includes a variant on a traditional afternoon tea: finger sandwiches and a selection of sweet treats. The treats are adorable, especially the little snowman-shaped one! You then get served a warm scone with jam and cream and a mince pie.
Everything tasted delicious, and we were very full! They gave out take-away boxes so we could enjoy the leftovers at home!
You also get a drink, with a choice of a variety of teas, coffee, hot chocolate or juice. There is also an option to upgrade to a premium drink. Of course, my kids wanted the premium hot chocolate, which came with cream, marshmallows and a candy cane. This was an extra £3. Drinks are served in a reusable snowman cup, which you get to take home with you!
Snowman Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Route
There are two starting points for this Christmas afternoon tea bus tour. We chose the London Eye pick up, but both do a similar route.
You’ll drive past some of London’s most iconic sights, including Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Around Christmas, London gets very busy, and indeed, some of the pavements looked very crowded. Crusing around on the bus while enjoying some delicious food is a lovely way to see the sights and avoid the crowds.
See the map of the tour’s route here.
Timings of the Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tours
This is a seasonal tour which runs from November until the 4th January. Similar tours do run year-round but obviously, they are not Christmas-themed.
You have a choice of two departure times from The London Eye (12 noon and 4:45 pm) and three from Aldwich (12:15, 1:45 and 5 pm).
We chose a 12 noon departure so the afternoon tea would replace lunch. Also, my children are typically in a better mood during the day!
If you do choose to take the latter tour, you’ll also be able to see some of London’s Christmas lights as the bus goes down Regent’s Street and Oxford Street. We’d already done a London Christmas Lights bus tour (full review here), and they are magical to see!
Is the Snowman Afternoon Tea Tour Good for Kids?
Golden Tour’s Snowman Afternoon Tea London bus tour is perfect for kids aged 3+. As this tour is based on the Snowman children’s book and film, it is popular with families. There were lots of children enjoying the experience, and also some couples without children.
The Christmas crackers were a nice touch that my children loved.
The kids’ afternoon tea menu is very similar to the adult menu; the kids’ sandwiches are kid favourites such as cheese and Nutella, cut into the shape of snowmen. The desserts, scone and a mince pie are the same.
The tour bus has space to store small, fold-up pushchairs (strollers) but no toilets, so make sure everyone in your group has gone prior to boarding.
How to Book the Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
You’re best to book this tour online as it is popular and can sell out! Just select your departure location and preferred time. You can also choose the upper or lower deck (I highly recommend the upper). If you want to sit right at the front, select premium seats.
If you also want to see the London Christmas lights, the front seats will definitely give you the best views, but generally, the views from any seat are great.
Prices start from £39 per adult and £34 per child, which includes the afternoon tea and the snowman cup you get to take home.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA DIRECTLY WITH GOLDEN TOURS AND RECEIVE 10% OFF WITH MY CODE ALEX10
Thank you for reading our review of the Snowman Christmas afternoon tea bus tour in London by Golden Tours. We hope you have a magical festive period.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
LONDON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BUS TOUR REVIEW
GIRLY AFTERNOON TEA ON A LONDON BUS
Happy Christmas,
