London: Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

If you’re dreaming of a quintessentially British afternoon, a Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus Tour might just be the perfect way to indulge in both sightseeing and gourmet treats. While we haven’t personally taken this ride, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of a charming and memorable experience in the heart of Windsor, renowned for its royal connections.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it combines panoramic views of Windsor’s iconic landmarks from the upper deck of a vintage-style bus. Second, the afternoon tea served onboard promises a lovely selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, paired with a choice of fine teas or a glass of prosecco. Third, the informal, relaxed atmosphere allows you to enjoy the sights without the rush or noise of a busy tour group. The only potential drawback? Since the route may change due to traffic and road closures, some travelers might find it less predictable compared to walking tours. This experience is ideal for those looking to combine sightseeing with a laid-back, delicious break, whether you’re a royal enthusiast, a foodie, or simply after a unique way to see Windsor.

Good To Know

• Unique combination of sightseeing and afternoon tea
• Stunning views of Windsor Castle, Eton College, and Holy Trinity Church
• Flexible menus including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Informal and relaxed atmosphere with onboard commentary
• Includes a souvenir mug to remember your experience
• Suitable for all but some restrictions apply for pregnant women, wheelchairs, and children under 5

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Is the Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

Imagine gliding through Windsor’s historic streets aboard a vintage-style bus, all while sipping on a glass of prosecco and nibbling on delicate finger sandwiches. This 1.5-hour tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and indulgence, making it an ideal outing for those who enjoy a relaxed pace combined with a touch of luxury.

The tour departs from Theatre Road, Thames Street, and after circling Windsor’s most famous landmarks, it concludes back at the starting point. The experience is designed to give you a comprehensive view of Windsor’s highlights, all from the comfort of a cozy, partially open-top bus, which provides an excellent vantage point for photos.

What Makes This Tour Special?

While many sightseeing options in Windsor focus solely on walking or driving, this tour elevates the experience by adding afternoon tea as a key feature. You’ll love gliding past Windsor Castle, the Queen’s official residence, and Eton College, where many British leaders have been educated. The onboard staff are praised for their attentiveness and helpfulness, often pointing out interesting facts and landmarks, even if there’s no live guide onboard.

The stunning views from the upper deck are frequently highlighted by travelers as a standout part of the experience. You’ll get excellent angles for photos of Windsor’s most iconic sights, with commentary from staff who are knowledgeable about the area’s history and royal connections.

The Food and Drink Experience

The highlight for many is undoubtedly the afternoon tea menu. Expect a selection of sandwiches and snacks, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options if requested well in advance. The traditional scone with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream is a crowd favorite, paired with a variety of mini cakes and sweet canapes.

The beverage choices include a range of fine teas and the option to sip a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. For those with dietary restrictions, the need to request vegan or gluten-free options at least 72 hours in advance is crucial, as these meals are prepared separately. Reviewers often mention how much they appreciated the quality and presentation of the food, which elevates the entire experience.

The Route and Sights

The tour covers Windsor’s most famous landmarks, including:

• Windsor Castle – the largest inhabited castle in the world and a symbol of British monarchy
• Holy Trinity Church – historic parish church with royal links
• Eton College – one of the world’s most renowned schools, with a history dating back to 1440

While the exact route may change due to traffic, the staff will highlight points of interest during the journey, ensuring you don’t miss anything. Several reviews mention that the views from the upper deck are breathtaking, especially when passing Windsor Castle, with some guests noting they felt like they were part of a royal procession.

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Practical Details and Considerations

The 1.5-hour duration is perfect for a relaxed but rundown of Windsor. The price includes the afternoon tea experience, a souvenir mug, and the sightseeing. Additional food and drinks are not included, so if you’re looking for extra snacks or beverages, you may need to purchase them separately.

The meeting point at Theatre Road is easy to find, and arriving at least 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchairs, as accessibility is limited; wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need to occupy fixed seats. Children under 5 are not allowed, and those aged 15 or under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The route may change due to traffic or road closures, which is common in historic areas. While this might affect some views or stops, the onboard commentary ensures you’ll still get plenty of interesting information.

Value for Money

At a price point that covers both transport and food, this experience offers a good value, especially considering the quality of the food, the comfortable seating, and the scenic views. For those wanting a relaxed way to explore Windsor without the effort of walking or navigating traffic, it’s a logical choice. Plus, the souvenir mug adds a nice keepsake to remember the day.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for:

• Visitors looking for a laid-back, memorable way to see Windsor’s sights
• Food lovers who enjoy afternoon tea with a view
• Families with older children (over 5) who want a fun, relaxing outing
• Travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with a touch of luxury

It’s less ideal for:

• Those requiring full wheelchair access or with mobility issues
• Pregnant women or very young children under 5
• Anyone seeking a in-depth, guided tour with detailed historical narration

Final Thoughts

The Royal Windsor Afternoon Tea Bus Tour offers a delightful blend of sightseeing, culture, and culinary enjoyment. You’ll love the stunning vistas of Windsor’s most notable landmarks from the open-air upper deck and the chance to savor delicious, well-presented food without leaving your seat. It’s a relaxed, informal experience that captures the charm and elegance of Windsor, making it especially suitable for those who prefer a less hurried, more indulgent way to explore.

While it might not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility concerns—the overall experience provides excellent value and a charming way to appreciate Windsor’s royal heritage. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable day out, this tour delivers a taste of British tradition that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Under 5s are not permitted, making it better suited for older children and adults.

Can I request vegan or gluten-free menus?
Yes. Vegan and gluten-free options must be requested at least 72 hours before your travel date. After that, a standard menu will be served.

Does the tour include a guide?
No live guide is included, but onboard staff will highlight points of interest and landmarks during the ride.

Are there any accessibility limitations?
Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need to occupy fixed seats. The tour is not suitable for those with back problems or for pregnant women.

What should I arrive early?
Guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the meeting point on Theatre Road for a smooth start.

Are there toilets onboard?
No, there are no toilets on the bus, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring extra food or drinks?
Additional food and drinks are not included in the price, so you would need to purchase them separately if desired.

What is the route’s flexibility?
Routes may vary due to traffic and road conditions, but onboard commentary helps ensure you don’t miss key sights.

To sum it up, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and tasty way to experience Windsor’s landmark sights, this afternoon tea bus tour offers a delightful experience. It combines the charm of a vintage bus ride with delicious food and stunning views, making it a memorable highlight for anyone visiting Windsor who appreciates a bit of comfort with their sightseeing.

You can check if your dates are available here: