Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus in London

If you’re looking for a way to see London that’s both fun and flavorful, the Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus offers just that. This tour combines the charm of a vintage double-decker bus with the classic British tradition of afternoon tea, giving you a relaxed yet captivating way to take in the city’s sights. While it’s not a comprehensive city tour, it’s perfect for those wanting a memorable experience that pairs sightseeing with an authentic food experience.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the vintage bus provides an atmosphere full of nostalgia, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Second, the delicious selection of sandwiches, scones, and cakes offers genuine value and makes the journey extra special. Lastly, the onboard commentary adds context about London’s landmarks, enriching the visual experience. The only real consideration? The tour length is just under an hour and a half, so those craving a full day of sightseeing might want to supplement this with other activities.

This tour appeals most to travelers seeking a relaxed, enjoyable way to combine sightseeing with a tasty treat—perfect for a special occasion, a romantic outing, or a fun family adventure. It’s especially well-suited for those who love food and are curious about London’s landmarks without the fatigue of walking or standing for hours.

Key Points

• Unique experience in a vintage bus combining sightseeing and afternoon tea
• Delicious food including sandwiches, scones, cakes, and traditional tea
• Pre-recorded commentary providing context about London’s key sights
• Flexible departure times to fit different schedules
• Limited walking and no stops, focusing on a comfortable viewing experience
• Capacity of 32-44 seats ensures a cozy, intimate atmosphere

The Experience: What to Expect on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

When you book this tour, you’re reserving a seat on one of Brigit’s 1960s vintage Routemaster buses, a charming nod to London’s historic transportation. You’ll have the option to select from several departure times, which helps tailor the experience around your plans. The journey begins at Victoria Coach Station, a central and easily accessible location, and ends back there, making it straightforward to add to your day.

Once aboard, staff will guide you to your seat—either upstairs or downstairs—on the bus. While up deck seats are not guaranteed, the higher level typically offers the best views of London’s landmarks, and many guests prefer the open-air feel. The bus is fitted with a recorded guided commentary, so you can listen to stories about the city’s history and architecture while taking in the sights, all without the fatigue of walking.

The core of the experience is the afternoon tea, served with freshly made sandwiches, scones, and cakes, accompanied by a selection of hot drinks. Travelers have remarked on the generous portions and tasty treats, with many praising the quality of the food and attentive service. Pre-booking dietary requirements such as Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free options ensures everyone gets to indulge comfortably.

What’s Included?

Guests are treated to high-quality tea and/or coffee alongside a variety of tasty sandwiches and pastries. The local bakery’s offerings are fresh and plentiful, often enough for guests to request a to-go box. The experience emphasizes a relaxed, luxury feel, perfect for savoring your meal while cruising past London’s most famous sights.

What to Keep in Mind

• No top deck seats are guaranteed, so if views are a priority, arrive early or check with staff upon boarding.
• There are no toilets onboard, so plan accordingly if you might need one during the trip.
• The tour doesn’t stop during the ride, so be prepared for a continuous viewing experience.
• The duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, which is ideal for a light, relaxing sightseeing session but might feel brief for those wanting extensive exploration.

The Landmarks You’ll See

The route takes you past Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, Knightsbridge, and Hyde Park, among others. One reviewer appreciated the drive past Hyde Park and Mayfair, noting that it’s a lovely way to see these neighborhoods without walking. The recorded commentary offers insights about each area, adding historical tidbits and fun facts to enhance your experience.

While the tour doesn’t stop for sightseeing, it provides a broad overview of London’s most recognizable spots from a comfortable vantage point. The guide’s narrative, though pre-recorded, received praise for being informative and lively, making the ride feel engaging rather than just a transit.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Guests have mentioned that the food quality stood out, with delicious scones and a variety of cakes. One stated, “The food was very good and plentiful,” while another appreciated the friendly staff who ensured everyone’s needs were met. The atmosphere is described as fun, lively, and cozy, with some noting that the music and decor add to the charm.

A few reviewers pointed out minor drawbacks, such as traffic delays affecting the commentary’s flow, or the bus being too hot on warm days—something to consider if visiting during summer. Despite this, most found the experience worth the cost, especially given the unique combination of sightseeing and dining in a single ticket.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $82.65 per person, the tour offers a mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and a culinary experience that many find good value. Considering the all-inclusive nature—including the food, tea, and the novelty of riding a vintage bus—the price aligns with similar premium experiences in London.

Guests often comment on how the food portions are generous and the atmosphere is special, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. One reviewer called it the “perfect birthday experience”, and many mention returning for special occasions. It’s an experience that balances relaxation with visual entertainment, which can be rare in a city packed with hurried tours and crowded attractions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, fun way to see London without the physical effort of walking or public transport. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or friends celebrating a special occasion. The delicious food and charming setting make it particularly appealing to food lovers or anyone looking to indulge in a quintessentially British activity.

If you’re after a quick overview of London’s landmarks paired with a delicious afternoon tea, this tour ticks both boxes. However, if your goal is a comprehensive, in-depth city exploration, you might want to combine it with other tours that focus more on walking or visiting specific sites.

The Sum Up

The Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus presents a delightful way to combine sightseeing with an authentic British tradition. It’s a cozy, charming experience that offers great value and plenty of tasty treats, all while cruising past London’s most famous sights. Though it’s not the best choice if you’re seeking a full-day tour, it’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon or special occasion.

If you love good food and want a memorable, somewhat nostalgic way to see the city, this tour is a wonderful option. It’s especially great for those who appreciate the romance of a vintage bus and the joy of a proper afternoon tea, all wrapped into one uniquely British experience.

FAQs

• What is the start point for this tour? The tour begins at Victoria Coach Station, a central location easily accessible via public transportation.

• Are there options for dietary restrictions? Yes, you can pre-book dietary options such as Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Vegan, or Gluten-Free. Nut allergies are not catered for.

• How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a relaxed, light sightseeing option.

• Can I choose my seat? Seating on the top deck is not guaranteed, but many guests prefer the view from upstairs. You may want to arrive early for a better chance.

• Are there toilets onboard? No, the bus does not have toilets, so plan accordingly.

• Is this experience suitable for children? Children under 5 years old are not permitted for safety reasons, but older children and families generally enjoy the experience.

This experience offers a charming, tasty shortcut to enjoy London’s sights from a different perspective. Whether celebrating a special day or just craving an enjoyable afternoon, the combination of vintage transport and high tea makes it a memorable choice.