“Here We Go Again” London Afternoon Tea Bus

The fun here is the unlikely combination: a moving afternoon tea room, London landmarks outside the window and ABBA on the speakers. It’s a lighthearted way to see parts of central London without planning a route or walking between sights.

I like the mix of British tea-time staples and familiar songs, and the chance to see landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye from a different angle. One caveat: this is a bus ride, not a landmark tour with stops, and both traffic and the music or food on a particular departure can affect the experience.

• Ninety minutes on the road: The bus takes you through areas including Westminster and London Bridge, with views of major London sights along the way.
• Afternoon tea is served onboard: Expect finger sandwiches, fresh scones, cupcakes and either prosecco or a soft drink.
• ABBA sets the mood: Sing along if you like, but this is a themed bus experience, not an official ABBA event or live concert.
• You can choose your deck: Options include lower deck, upper deck and premium upper deck, with prices varying by package.
• Plan around onboard limits: There are no toilets, and guests may need to share tables.
• Dietary needs need advance notice: Send requests at least 72 hours before the trip. The standard meal is served if you do not arrange an alternative.

A London tea room with wheels

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The premise is simple and cheerfully theatrical. You settle into a decorated bus, afternoon tea is served, and the city rolls past while ABBA classics provide the soundtrack. It’s sightseeing with a built-in theme, so you don’t need to know London well to follow the fun.

The experience lasts about 90 minutes. That is enough time to enjoy the food and take in a series of views, but not enough to explore the places you pass. Think of it as a moving introduction to central London, not a substitute for visiting landmarks on foot.

The bus passes areas such as Westminster and London Bridge, with sights that may include Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. The exact route can change with traffic and road closures, so treat those landmarks as part of the intended view, not a promise that every angle or stop will be available.

There are no named guides listed for this experience. The staff serve the food and drinks, while the bus route and music do much of the entertaining. If you prefer a guide to explain the city’s history in detail, this isn’t the right format; if you want a relaxed ride with a playful soundtrack, it may be just the thing.

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Westminster, Big Ben and the moving view

Westminster gives the ride some of its most recognisable scenery. Big Ben and the surrounding parliamentary buildings are among London’s classic sights, and seeing them from a bus offers a useful overview without having to navigate a busy pavement.

You may also see Buckingham Palace on the route. The bus does not list a stop there, so you should not count on getting off for a closer look or a photograph from the gates. The appeal is the passing view, with the city doing its best to frame itself through the windows.

The London Eye adds another familiar landmark to the mix. From the bus, you can take in its position beside the Thames and get a sense of how it fits into central London. But road traffic shapes what you see and when you see it; a window seat and a clear view are not guaranteed.

Because this is a moving vehicle, the experience is more about a sequence of glimpses than a long look at any one sight. I’d treat the route as a pleasant sampler and plan separate visits if you want time inside attractions or close-up photos.

London Bridge and the rest of the route

London Bridge is another named area on the ride, giving the tour a different slice of central London from Westminster. The route connects several well-known parts of the city, but the available information does not set out a fixed order or a stop-by-stop commentary, so it’s best not to expect a detailed guided itinerary.

Traffic and road closures can alter the route. That flexibility is practical for the operator, but it means the exact views can vary by departure. If one particular landmark is the main reason you’re booking, keep your expectations measured and consider visiting it separately.

The bus format has a clear trade-off. You get a sit-down way to see more than one area while eating, but you won’t choose where the bus pauses or how long it stays near a sight. For a first-day overview, that can be handy; for close-up sightseeing, walking or a dedicated attraction visit will serve you better.

What arrives on the afternoon tea stand

The meal includes finger sandwiches, fresh scones and cupcakes or other sweet treats. Meals and beverages are included, along with a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. It’s a familiar afternoon tea lineup, served in a setting that is more playful than formal.

Food quality can be uneven. Some accounts describe tasty desserts and drinks, while others report hard sandwiches, chocolate cakes that had begun to melt and wine they did not enjoy. That range suggests you should book for the whole experience rather than expecting a polished restaurant meal.

Drink choice also matters. Prosecco is offered to adults, while soft drinks are available; one account found the wine disappointing and had to ask for orange juice, with lemonade unavailable. If you have a strong preference, don’t assume every alternative will be on hand. Alcohol is served only to those aged 18 or older, and you’ll need valid ID.

The menu can change with the season and ingredient availability. Standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options are offered, but you must email Golden Tours at least 72 hours ahead to request a special diet or allergy accommodation. If you do not make a request in time, you’ll receive the standard meal on the day.

The operator cannot guarantee that food has not come into contact with nuts. If that is a serious concern, ask before booking rather than relying on a last-minute change. Dietary needs cannot be accommodated on the day itself.

ABBA, props and the tone of the ride

The music is a big part of the concept. ABBA hits invite a singalong, and the bus can feel especially enjoyable when the people around you are happy to join in. One enthusiastic group made the outing lively by singing, waving to people outside and leaning into the silliness.

Props are provided for those who want to ham it up, and a take-home cup adds a small souvenir to the afternoon. These touches make the experience feel more like a themed outing than a standard sightseeing bus with food added on.

Still, the mood depends in part on the group. If you enjoy a little performance and don’t mind being playful in public, you may find the atmosphere a plus. If you prefer quiet tea and restrained sightseeing, the ABBA theme may feel less charming once the singing starts.

The music has not been consistent on every reported departure. One account described a trip without ABBA music, so I would not book this as a guaranteed concert or music-only event. The official experience is not endorsed by ABBA, and there is no claim of a live performance.

Choosing lower, upper or premium seating

The package options listed are lower deck from US$65.69, upper deck from US$79.09 and premium upper deck from US$92.49. A separate advertised starting price is US$72.25, so check the live booking page for the date and package you want before deciding what it will cost.

Lower-deck seats are included in the basic package. Upper-deck and premium upper-deck options cost more, but no specific premium extras are described, so don’t assume the upgrade includes additional food, a better menu or another special feature. Compare the seating choice and current price before paying.

If the view is your priority, an upper-deck package may appeal. One lively outing on the upper deck had people waving and singing, which suggests that the elevated seating can suit a group that wants to make the theme part of the fun. But a higher price does not guarantee a better meal, a specific route or a more energetic crowd.

Tables may be shared, so this is not the best choice if you need a private table or want to control who sits nearby. If you are booking as a couple or in a small group, be comfortable with the possibility of sharing space with other passengers.

Is the price worth it?

The fare covers the ride, the afternoon tea food and drinks, and the themed entertainment in one package. That can be good value if you want an easy, distinctly London outing and would otherwise pay separately for tea and sightseeing transport. You’re buying a combination, not a high-end meal or a full guided city tour.

The lower-deck option is the least expensive listed package, while the two upper-deck choices raise the cost. The right value depends on what matters to you: a relaxed seat and included tea, or the chance to sit higher on the bus. With no stated premium inclusions, I’d compare the actual seat selection and total price rather than paying extra based on the word premium alone.

Food is the main reason to keep expectations sensible. The menu sounds appealing, but reports of hard sandwiches and melting cakes show why this should not be your pick if culinary quality is the whole point. For a celebratory afternoon where music, city views and a cup of tea matter as much as the food, the package makes more sense.

Before you head to Bulleid Way

The departure point is Golden Tours at Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start and have your mobile voucher ready. The voucher is valid only for the date and time selected, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable.

There are no toilets onboard, so plan ahead before boarding. The bus has lower-deck seating, but wheelchair users must occupy one of the fixed-position seats there. If you need to check whether that arrangement will work for you, contact the operator before booking.

Children must be at least five years old, and anyone aged five to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Alcohol is restricted to those aged 18 and older, with valid ID required.

The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity date, using local destination time. Check the terms shown for your own booking in case they differ.

Who will enjoy this bus ride most?

This is a strong fit for ABBA fans, families with children old enough to join, and anyone who likes sightseeing with a bit of theatre. It also suits people who want to see several central London sights while seated and fed, rather than spending the afternoon walking between them.

It is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet, traditional tea service, a detailed history lesson, or a guaranteed stop beside each landmark. People with strict dietary or allergy needs should contact Golden Tours well in advance, and anyone who needs a toilet during a 90-minute outing should weigh the no-toilet limit carefully.

Should you book it?

Book if the combination is what appeals: ABBA, afternoon tea and London views in one 90-minute outing. Go in expecting a fun, slightly cheesy ride rather than a fine-dining experience or an in-depth tour, and the value is easier to see.

Skip it if you need a fixed route, a quiet atmosphere, dependable specialty drinks or a close-up visit to the landmarks. For everyone else, choose your deck based on the price and seating you want, send dietary requests at least 72 hours ahead, and arrive early enough to settle in before the bus sets off.

FAQ

How long is the “Here We Go Again” London Afternoon Tea Bus?

The experience lasts 90 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

Afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, fresh scones and sweet treats such as cupcakes, along with prosecco or a soft drink.

Which London landmarks might I see?

The route may include views of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, as well as areas such as Westminster and London Bridge. The route can change with traffic and road closures.

Where does the bus depart from?

It departs from Golden Tours at Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled activity time. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

Are children allowed?

Participants must be at least five years old. Children aged five to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Can I request a vegetarian, vegan, halal or gluten-free meal?

Yes. Email dietary requests to [email protected] at least 72 hours before your visit. If you do not request an option in advance, the standard meal will be served.

Are there toilets onboard, and can wheelchair users board?

There are no toilets onboard. Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but must use one of the fixed-position seats.