TL;DR: An afternoon tea bus tour in London combines a 90-minute sightseeing route past landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace with sandwiches, scones, and cakes served on board. Tours run daily from Victoria or Embankment, prices start from around £44 for children and £49 for adults, and most operators cater for dietary requirements including vegan, gluten-free, and halal menus.
Imagine gliding past the Houses of Parliament with a warm scone in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. That is exactly what an afternoon tea bus tour in London offers, and it is one of the most brilliant ways to see the capital!
Whether you are planning a special treat for the whole family, a birthday celebration, or simply want to tick off the London landmarks in the most delicious way possible, an afternoon tea bus tour ticks every box. You get the sightseeing, you get the food, and you get to do it all from the comfort of a beautifully decorated vintage bus. No walking, no queuing, no soggy sandwiches on a park bench. Just pure London magic!
We have rounded up everything you need to know about afternoon tea bus tours in London for 2026, from the best operators and routes to prices, menus, and tips for booking with little ones in tow.
What Is an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?
An afternoon tea bus tour is exactly what it sounds like: a guided sightseeing tour of London, served with a full afternoon tea spread on board. You board a beautifully decorated vintage or open-top bus, find your seat, and spend around 90 minutes rolling through the heart of the capital while staff bring your food and drinks directly to your table.
It is the ultimate two-in-one London experience, combining one of Britain’s most beloved traditions with a front-row view of the city’s most iconic sights.
What’s included?
Most afternoon tea bus tours include a similar spread, though the exact menu varies by operator:
- Finger sandwiches (classic fillings like cucumber, egg mayo, and smoked salmon)
- Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam
- A selection of cakes, pastries, and sweet treats
- Unlimited tea, coffee, or soft drinks
- A welcome glass of prosecco for adults (on selected tours)
Tours last approximately 90 minutes, with no need to hop on and off. You stay seated, enjoy your food, and let London roll past the windows. It is a genuinely relaxed experience, which makes it perfect for families with younger children who might struggle with a full day of walking.
Who are afternoon tea bus tours suitable for?
Pretty much everyone! Most operators welcome children from age 2 or 5 upwards, and many offer dedicated kids’ menus. They are brilliant for:
- Families looking for a special treat day out
- Birthday celebrations and hen parties
- Grandparents visiting London with grandchildren
- Tourists wanting to see the sights without the legwork
The Best Afternoon Tea Bus Tours in London 2026
There are several operators running afternoon tea bus tours in London, each with its own style, route, and menu. Here is a breakdown of the best options for 2026.
Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Brigit’s Bakery is widely regarded as the home of the original afternoon tea sightseeing bus tour in London, and it is easy to see why. Their classic 1960s Routemaster buses are iconic, and the tours run daily throughout the year with a brilliant range of seasonal and themed options.
The Classic Tour is the go-to choice for most families, but Brigit’s Bakery also runs some seriously fun themed experiences, including:
- Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (ages 2+, perfect for little ones)
- Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Bus Tour (ages 5+)
- PAW Patrol London Bus Tour (ages 2+)
- Father’s Day, Easter, and Christmas themed tours throughout the year
The route takes in some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, The Shard, and the London Eye. An onboard team points out the sights as you go.
Brigit’s Bakery key details:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Departure point | Victoria (near Victoria Station) |
| Age suitability | Ages 5+ (Classic); Ages 2+ (Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol) |
| Adult price | From £49 |
| Dietary options | Traditional, Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes (wheelchair-friendly bus available) |
Family tip: The themed character tours book up fast, especially during school holidays! If you have a Peppa Pig or PAW Patrol fan at home, check availability well in advance.
You can find the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour listing on Day Out With The Kids to plan your visit.
Golden Tours: The English Tea Bus
Golden Tours runs The English Tea Bus, a beautifully decorated bus that takes you on a panoramic tour of central London while you enjoy a classic afternoon tea spread. It departs from Victoria, making it easy to reach by train or tube.
The route glides past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and more. Staff on board highlight key landmarks, and you can choose between three seating options depending on how much you want to splash out.
Golden Tours seating options and prices:
| Seating | Adult | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Deck | £49 | £44 |
| Upper Deck | £59 | £54 |
| Premium Upper Deck (front of bus, best views!) | £69 | £64 |
Golden Tours key details:
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Departure: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9SR
- Nearest station: Victoria
- Departure times: 11:30am, 12:15pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm
- Under 5s: Not permitted
- Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal (must be requested at least 24 hours in advance)
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes (lower deck fixed-position seat)
- Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
Bear with us here! There are no toilets on board, so make sure little ones visit the facilities before you set off!
Londoner Buses: London Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea
For a slightly different experience, the London Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea from Londoner Buses is a wonderful option. You board a classic Union Jack-decorated 1960s Routemaster at Embankment Station and spend 90 minutes touring past some of London’s most famous sights, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Monument, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus.
The afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, and a selection of cream cakes, all served with premium teas, coffees, and soft drinks with a top-up service throughout.
Londoner Buses key details:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Departure point | Stop 40b, Embankment Station, London WC2N 6PB |
| Price | From £59 per person |
| Cancellation | Full refund if cancelled 24 hours before |
You can book the London Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea directly through Day Out With The Kids.
Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and pushchairs must be folded before boarding. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or guests with heart conditions.
What London Landmarks Will You See?
One of the best things about an afternoon tea bus tour is just how much ground you cover in 90 minutes. Routes vary slightly by operator, but most tours pass through the heart of central London and take in a seriously impressive list of sights.
Here is a quick guide to the landmarks you can expect to spot:
The Big Hitters
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are usually the first major wow moment of the tour. The Elizabeth Tower, home to the famous bell, is one of the most recognisable images in the world, and seeing it up close from the top deck of a vintage bus is genuinely brilliant.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of King Charles III, and most routes swing past the famous gates. Keep your eyes peeled for the Changing of the Guard if your tour departs at the right time!
Tower Bridge is another highlight that never gets old, no matter how many times you have seen it. The iconic Victorian Gothic towers spanning the Thames are one of London’s most photographed spots, and the views from the bus are fantastic.
The Tower of London sits right next to Tower Bridge and has been guarding the city for nearly 1,000 years. Home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeater guards, it is a fascinating landmark to point out to the kids.
More Sights Along the Route
| Landmark | Why it’s worth knowing |
|---|---|
| Westminster Abbey | Coronation church and resting place of British monarchs |
| Trafalgar Square | Home to Nelson’s Column and the famous lion statues |
| St Paul’s Cathedral | Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London |
| 10 Downing Street | The official residence of the Prime Minister |
| The Shard | Western Europe’s tallest building at 310 metres |
| The London Eye | The giant observation wheel on the South Bank |
| Piccadilly Circus | Famous for its neon signs and the Eros statue |
It’s a popular destination for a reason! London has more world-famous landmarks packed into a small area than almost any other city on Earth. An afternoon tea bus tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to see them all in one go.
Tips for Booking an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with Kids
Afternoon tea bus tours are genuinely family-friendly, but a little planning goes a long way. Here are our top tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly!
Book in advance
These tours are popular, especially during school holidays, half-terms, and weekends. The themed character tours (Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, Paddington) sell out particularly quickly. We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead during busy periods.
Choose the right departure time
Most operators offer multiple daily departures. For families with young children, a mid-morning slot (around 11:30am or 12:15pm) tends to work well, as little ones are usually at their best earlier in the day. Evening departures can be magical for older children and adults, especially if you want to see London as the sun goes down.
Check the age and dietary requirements
- Golden Tours: Children under 5 are not permitted
- Brigit’s Bakery: Classic tour is for ages 5+; Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol tours welcome ages 2+
- Londoner Buses: Check the specific tour page for age guidance
If anyone in your group has dietary requirements, always request your preferred menu in advance. Most operators need at least 24 to 72 hours’ notice for vegan, gluten-free, or halal menus.
Arrive early
All operators ask you to check in at least 15 minutes before your departure time. Arriving late means you could miss the bus entirely, so build in a buffer, especially if you are travelling with children!
Think about seating
If views are your priority, go for the upper deck or premium upper deck seats where available. Sitting at the front of the top deck gives you the most spectacular unobstructed views as you roll through the city. If you are travelling with very young children or anyone with mobility needs, the lower deck is the more practical choice.
No toilets on board!
This is the one thing that catches families out most often. There are no toilet facilities on board any of the afternoon tea bus tours, so make sure everyone visits the facilities before you depart.
Is an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! At first glance, prices starting from £44 per child and £49 per adult might seem like a stretch. But when you break it down, you are getting a 90-minute guided sightseeing tour of London AND a full afternoon tea experience in one. Compare that to the cost of a London afternoon tea in a hotel (which can easily run to £50-£80 per person) plus a separate sightseeing tour on top, and suddenly it looks like excellent value.
The real magic is in the combination. Young children who might find a traditional afternoon tea a little slow or grown-up suddenly love it when they are rolling past Tower Bridge or waving at the guards outside Buckingham Palace. And for adults, there is something genuinely special about seeing London’s landmarks from the top of a beautiful vintage Routemaster with a cup of tea in hand.
It is also one of the most stress-free ways to spend a few hours in London with the family. No map-reading, no rushing between tube stops, no tired legs. You simply sit back, eat well, and let the city come to you.
Our verdict: For a special occasion, a birthday treat, or simply a memorable London experience that the whole family will talk about long afterwards, an afternoon tea bus tour is hard to beat. Book early, grab a top deck seat, and enjoy every moment!
Ready to book? Browse the London Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea and find more brilliant things to do in London with kids over on Day Out With The Kids.