Tea and sightseeing in one ride. This Afternoon Tea Bus pairs a panoramic London loop with an expert live guide and a proper afternoon tea served right at your seat. You get the big-name landmarks in a short window, without having to plan a route or fight for a spot on crowded streets.

What I like most is the combo: you watch London roll by from a double-decker coach and then settle in for tea that’s freshly prepared by the onboard chef. The ride also includes a Prosecco drink for adults 18+ and plenty of hot and cold options. One thing to consider: if the weather is dark or rainy, it can be harder to pick out details outside, and clear audio matters if you’re hard of hearing.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Double-decker panoramic views of the main sights, with premium seats up top
• Freshly prepared afternoon tea served onboard by the chef
• Live guide storytelling as you pass major landmarks along the Thames
• Drinks package included, including Prosecco for adults 18+
• Optional London Eye ticket if you choose the upgrade, taken independently
• Practical comfort extras like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and an onboard toilet

How the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Works (and Why the 90 Minutes Matter)

This is a short-and-sweet London day experience: you’re on the coach for about 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and then you hop off at Victoria train station. You meet at Evan Evans Tours, 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1BS, so plan to arrive on your own (hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included).

The time limit is the point. Instead of spending half a day on trains or walking loops, you get a guided “best of” route in one sitting. It’s also a smart plan when the weather turns, because you’re mostly inside with air-conditioning and a steady rhythm of passing sights.

If you’re the type who wants a deep, slow neighborhood-by-neighborhood walk, this may feel too fast. But if you want a confident overview of London’s landmarks—then you can explore on your own afterward—this format makes a lot of sense.

London From the Double-Deck: Big Ben to St Paul’s and Tower Bridge

From the start, the tour leans into iconic London. You’ll pass Big Ben (about 10 minutes) and then move along toward the London Eye (also about 10 minutes), giving you an easy “where are we?” sense right away. Next comes Somerset House (about 5 minutes) and Fleet Street (about 10 minutes), two areas tied to London’s older, story-rich identity.

Then the route swings toward the skyline. You pass St Paul’s Cathedral (about 10 minutes) and continue toward Tower Bridge (about 10 minutes), before finishing with the Tower of London area (about 10 minutes). This stretch works well because you get both river and city views, and you’re seeing how the Thames acts like a spine through central London.

After that, you’ll pass Westminster Abbey (about 5 minutes) and wrap up at Victoria. The big win here is perspective. You don’t have to guess where everything is—your guide’s pacing helps you mentally map London so your future sightseeing clicks into place faster.

Seat choice can change everything

The coach is a double-decker setup. Premium seats are on the upper deck, either in the front row or in front of the stairs. Lower-deck seating can have a partially obscured view, so if photos and sightlines matter, I’d aim upstairs.

Afternoon Tea Onboard: The Menu You Actually Get (Standard and Vegan/Gluten Free)

Afternoon tea is the heart of this experience, and it’s served onboard while the tour rolls. The standard menu includes classic sandwich options like honey roast gammon & pickled onion, smoked salmon & crème fraîche, Croxton Manor Cheddar & spring onion, and cucumber & minted butter.

Next come the savoury bites, including truffled sausage roll. For sweets, you’ll find chocolate éclair, fruit tart, mini Victoria sponge, and salted caramel brownie. The scones are the expected star: freshly baked plain and fruit scones with Devon clotted cream and Tiptree Strawberry jam.

If you’re going vegan or need gluten free, the menu switches to fit. You’ll get vegan-style sandwiches like vegan feta & pickled cucumber, roasted bell pepper & hummus, spiced avocado & mint, and vegan mozzarella & beef tomato. Savoury options include wild mushroom & truffle pithivier, and sweets include spiced gingerbread cake, lemon drizzle cake, plus repeats of some items like mini Victoria sponge and salted caramel brownie. Scones are also included in both plain and fruit versions, with Tiptree Strawberry jam and butter.

What I like about serving it onboard

Serving tea while you ride solves two problems at once: you get a break from standing in lines, and you don’t lose time traveling to a tea room. You also don’t have to choose between sightseeing and eating—this keeps both happening in one block.

The menu is also built for real satiety, not just dainty bites. One added perk I appreciate is that the portions are substantial enough that most people won’t feel like they barely ate.

Drinks, Prosecco, and Hot Drinks to Power Through the Ride

Your drinks are part of the package, and they’re not limited to tea. You’ll have hot beverages such as teas and infusions by PG Tips (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai, and more), plus decaf options. There are also espresso coffees made with Lavazza, including Americano, cappuccino, latte, espresso, and espresso macchiato.

Milk options matter on a ride like this, and you’ve got choices: semi-skimmed, skimmed, and oat milk for teas and Americano.

For cold drinks, you get a glass of Prosecco for adults 18+, along with apple juice, orange juice, and still or sparkling water. If you’re traveling with mixed drink preferences, this set-up makes it easy to stay comfortable without asking for extra purchases.

And yes, there’s something psychologically nice about a hot drink in a moving city. It gives you a sense of routine while you watch London slide past.

London Eye Upgrade: 135 Metres of Views, With Your Ticket Done Separately

If you choose the upgrade, you’ll add a visit to the London Eye. The observation wheel stands 135 metres (443 ft) tall and is described as the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. The appeal is straightforward: you’re getting a high, panoramic view over the same landmarks you just saw from the street.

One practical detail: the London Eye visit is taken independently. That means your day becomes a “two-part experience,” where the bus gets you oriented and the Eye adds the vertical perspective. If you’re coordinating with another timed plan that day, keep that separation in mind.

I like this upgrade for people who want a classic London view without committing to a long queue-and-taxi day. Still, if you already have your own Eye plans, you might save money by skipping the add-on and going at your preferred time.

Seats, Sightlines, and Sound: Small Details That Can Make or Break It

This is a sightseeing bus, but it’s also a dining experience. That means where you sit affects both comfort and what you can see.

• Upper deck, front row or near the stairs usually gives the best shot at landmarks.
• Lower deck can have partially blocked views, so it’s less ideal for serious sightseeing photos.
• There’s a fully wheelchair accessible table on the lower deck, and you should contact the provider ahead of time to confirm availability for your date.

You’ll also be glad to have free Wi-Fi and USB charging, plus air-conditioning. Even in mild weather, you’ll appreciate the ability to keep phones powered for photos and maps.

One more real-world tip: audio matters. If you’re hard of hearing or you’ve ever struggled with bus tour announcements, pay attention to where the guide is speaking from and be ready to ask for a better position. In at least one case, the guide adjusted to help someone hear better, which is reassuring if you’re worried about the narration.

Finally, there’s an onboard toilet, which sounds basic until you’re sitting for a moving 90 minutes. It’s one of those extras that makes the experience feel less rushed.

Price and Value at $66: When This Bundle Fits

At $66 per person for a 1.5-hour experience, the value comes from the bundle. You’re not just paying for transport and commentary. You’re getting:

• A live guide plus panoramic sightseeing
• Afternoon tea with a full menu structure (sandwiches, savoury bites, sweets, and scones)
• A drinks selection, including Prosecco for adults 18+
• Comfort features like Wi-Fi, USB charging, and air-conditioning
• A branded souvenir travel cup

That’s why this can be a strong deal even though it’s not the cheapest way to see London. You’re paying to remove planning and decision fatigue. You show up, you ride, you eat, and you leave with a mental map of central London.

Two value caveats to keep in mind:

1. No hotel pickup or drop-off means you have to get yourself to Vauxhall Bridge Road and back from Victoria.
2. If you want the London Eye, you’ll need to choose the inclusive option or add it separately, since the standard experience ticket isn’t included unless you pick the upgrade.

If your day is packed and you want one activity that handles multiple needs at once—sightseeing plus a meal—this price is easier to justify.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Might Prefer Another Plan)

This fits best if you:

• Have a short stay and want an efficient “greatest hits” London orientation
• Like sightseeing but don’t want to spend hours walking between major stops
• Want a pre-planned meal experience without hunting for a tea room
• Travel with someone who enjoys comfort and the idea of eating while seeing the city

It’s also a practical pick for families of older kids, since children under 5 aren’t permitted. And because it’s onboard dining, you’re less exposed to long waits and weather shifts.

If you prefer slow, in-depth history walks with lots of stops where you can wander into side streets, you’ll likely get more satisfaction with a walking tour or a themed day trip. This one is built for the big views and the classic London highlights, not for deep dives.

Should You Book the London Afternoon Tea Bus (with or without the London Eye)?

I think you should book if you want a simple London win: a guided loop of the icons plus a real afternoon tea experience in one neat package. The combination of live guide storytelling, freshly prepared tea, and included drinks gives you more than “just a bus ride.”

Choose the London Eye upgrade if you want the sky-high payoff after seeing the landmarks from street level. If you already have the Eye on your schedule, you might skip the add-on and spend that money on food, a museum, or a neighborhood walk.

If you’re sensitive to audio and you’re visiting in rainy, darker conditions, still consider it—but be intentional about seat choice and positioning near the guide so you don’t miss the narration. Do that, and this becomes one of the easier, more enjoyable ways to feel like you’ve seen London—even if you only have a single afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Afternoon Tea Bus tour?

The tour runs for approximately 90 minutes, and the overall duration is listed as 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

You meet at Evan Evans Tours, 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1BS, and the tour finishes at Victoria train station.

What’s included with the standard afternoon tea experience?

You get the panoramic tour with a live guide, onboard chef-prepared afternoon tea (sandwiches, savoury bites, sweet bites, and scones), hot and cold drinks, and a glass of Prosecco for adults 18+.

Is Prosecco included for everyone?

No. The Prosecco is included only for adults aged 18+.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options?

Yes. Vegan/gluten-free menus are available, and you should advise dietary requirements at least 72 hours in advance.

Does the tour include the London Eye?

The London Eye is an optional extra. If you select the inclusive option, a standard experience ticket is added. The London Eye visit is taken independently.

Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes, there is a toilet onboard the bus.

Is Wi-Fi and charging available?

Yes. The bus includes free Wi-Fi and USB charging.

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