Best of London Afternoon Tea Tour Experience

A Stylish Spin on London Sightseeing with Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking for a way to see London that combines comfort, elegance, and a touch of British tradition, the Best of London Afternoon Tea Tour might just be your cup of tea. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the concept of blending iconic sights with afternoon tea on a luxury bus offers a refreshing take on city touring. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a shorter, more relaxed experience—without sacrificing the views or the atmosphere.

What we love about this experience is the luxurious setting—plush seats, a top-deck vantage point, and an onboard restroom make it a comfortable way to enjoy London’s sights. Plus, the small-group size (max 10 travelers) promises an intimate, personalized atmosphere. The fact that it’s a time-efficient tour, lasting just about 1 hour 40 minutes, makes it ideal for those with busy itineraries.

One thing to consider is that snacks are not included—so if you’re hoping for a full afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches, you might need to bring your own or plan for a post-tour treat. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, stylish overview of London’s landmarks combined with a special experience, rather than a full culinary or historical deep dive.

Key Points

• Luxury transportation offers comfort and exclusive views from the top deck.
• Small group size enhances intimacy and personalized service.
• Time-efficient at under two hours, perfect for busy schedules.
• Includes prosecco, canapes, and patisseries, elevating the sightseeing experience.
• Ideal for travelers seeking style and comfort in a short timeframe.
• No snacks included, so plan accordingly if you desire a full tea experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The tour begins in London at 2:00 pm, a convenient time for those who want to combine sightseeing earlier in the day with this afternoon activity. The exact meeting point is in central London, near public transportation options, making it easy to access without a car. The tour wraps up back at the start point, so you won’t need to worry about transport logistics afterward.

The Transportation: Comfort Meets Style

The highlight of this experience is the luxury bus provided by LE GRAND. This isn’t just any double-decker—based on the review, the bus is finished to a high standard, with plush seats that ensure a comfortable journey. We loved the way the top deck provides an excellent vantage point for sightseeing, giving unobstructed views of London’s skyline and landmarks.

The red carpet entrance and high-quality finishes create an atmosphere of elegance, making the ride feel more like a special occasion than a simple bus tour. Plus, the onboard restroom adds a practical touch that many other tours lack, ensuring comfort without needing to stop midway.

The Itinerary and Landmarks

The only stop explicitly mentioned is Westminster Abbey, but the real treat is how the entire tour is designed to maximize sightseeing from the bus itself. You’ll pass by or view key landmarks from the comfort of your seat—think of iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and perhaps the London Eye, depending on the route.

Since the tour is only 1 hour 40 minutes, it’s a swift overview rather than an in-depth exploration. But that’s part of its appeal: you get a glimpse of the city’s highlights without spending hours on foot or in crowded streets.

The Afternoon Tea: Sipping in Style

The real star of this experience is the afternoon tea with prosecco, canapes, and patisseries. Imagine sipping bubbles while you take in London’s skyline—there’s something uniquely luxurious about combining these two pleasures. The review appreciates the plush seating and the high standard of the bus’s finish, which extends to the dining experience.

While the tour includes the drinks and treats, it’s worth noting that snacks are not included—so if you’re expecting a full cream tea service with scones, you might need to arrange that separately. Still, the included delicacies are enough to add a festive, indulgent touch to your sightseeing.

What Travelers Say

The solitary review available praises the comfort and style of the experience, noting it as a must for anyone wanting to see London in style. The positive comments about the high-quality bus and the comfortable seating give a sense that the experience is more refined than typical hop-on-hop-off tours.

The review also highlights the red carpet entrance, adding a touch of glamour, and mentions that the experience provides a lovely way to see London in comfort. This makes it appealing to those who value a luxurious, relaxed journey—especially if they’re not keen on crowded, noisy buses.

Practical Details and Value

At $134.28 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but it offers value through comfort, style, and convenience. For travelers who want a quick overview of London’s sights combined with a special treat, this experience delivers a memorable moment without the fatigue of walking or standing in crowds.

Booking is recommended—people tend to reserve about 40 days in advance—probably because of the limited small-group capacity. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing you to change plans up to 24 hours beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for luxury travelers, celebrating special occasions, or anyone seeking a stylish way to see London in a limited amount of time. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer comfort and intimacy over large tour groups or noisy sightseeing buses. If you’re looking for a straightforward, elegant, and efficient way to enjoy some of London’s iconic sights while indulging in afternoon tea, this tour fits the bill.

However, if your goal is a deep dive into London’s history or visiting many landmarks on foot, you might want to explore other options. This tour is more about experiencing London from a comfortable, elevated perspective, with a touch of indulgence.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, making it a quick but memorable way to see key sights.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 2:00 pm, giving you plenty of time earlier in the day for other activities.

Are snacks included?
No, snacks are not included, but the tour features prosecco, canapes, and patisseries as part of the experience.

Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, the bus has an onboard restroom, which adds to the comfort, especially during longer tours.

How many people can join this tour?
It is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but it’s best to check specific arrangements if traveling with children.

Final Thoughts

The Best of London Afternoon Tea Tour offers a polished, relaxed way to enjoy London’s top sights without the hassle of crowds or tiring walks. Its combination of luxury transportation, small group intimacy, and a touch of British elegance makes it a memorable experience, especially for those short on time or seeking a special treat.

While it may not replace a full day of sightseeing or in-depth exploring, it provides a flavorful snapshot of London that balances comfort, style, and a bit of indulgence. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable, stylish afternoon, perhaps celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to experience London from a different perspective.

If you value exclusivity, comfort, and a touch of glamour, this tour is a worthwhile addition to your London itinerary. Just remember to book in advance, arrive on time, and enjoy the ride—and the treats!