THE BEST AFTERNOON TEA ON A LONDON BUS
A PERFECT GIRLY AFTERNOON IN LONDON
If you’re coming to London, one of the top things to do is go for afternoon tea, but did you know you can have afternoon tea on a London bus? Not only do you get delicious food and sweet treats, you can enjoy seeing incredible views of London while you eat. This experience is something I highly recommend doing when you’re in London.
As a stay-at-home mum, I rarely get out without my kids but recently, I took an afternoon off (they were safe with my husband). I went out with my mum and sister-in-law for afternoon tea on a London bus. This was an incredible afternoon and I’m so pleased we did it. Tea, cake, prosecco and London are four things that I just love!
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 ON A LONDON BUS?
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, these 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 cold alcohol-free drink with the sandwiches. This is followed by tea with the scones and cake.
Most likely, you’ll be offered a selection of teas, sometimes coffee or hot chocolate are also options.
BOOKING YOUR AFTERNOON TEA ON A LONDON BUS
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?
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 BUS TAKE?
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! I believe the front seat is randomly assigned.
OTHER AFTERNOON TEA ON A LONDON BUS TOUR OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Firstly, I’ll link again THE TOUR WE DID HERE. 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 to book this for your next trip to London!
Cheers,
