London does tea best when it’s on the move. This afternoon tea bus turns classic British snacks into a fun, music-led sightseeing loop around the city’s biggest landmarks, with ABBA sing-along energy and a proper view from the Thames-side route.

Two things I really like: the afternoon tea setup (finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and a drink) and the sing-along-host vibe, especially when the host amps up the group like Odun did for one departure I’m hearing about. One thing to plan for: you may need to share tables, and there are no toilets on board, so keep the 90 minutes in mind.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

ABBA sing-along while you ride with cues built around songs like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Super Trouper, and Dancing Queen

Proper afternoon tea service with finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and tea plus prosecco or a soft drink

Thames-side landmark viewing aimed at Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London area

Friendly, party-style hosting that keeps the mood up for all ages

No on-board toilets and a route that can shift with traffic, so go in with realistic expectations

A Pink Bus With Afternoon Tea and ABBA at Volume

This is the kind of London experience that feels like a party, but still gives you something tangible: a plate of afternoon tea while you watch major sights slide past. You meet at Golden Tours Stop 1 and look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign, then settle in for a set ride of about 1.5 hours.

The best part is how the atmosphere changes your pace. Instead of rushing between attractions, you get one relaxed block of time, guided by music and a host, while the route focuses on high-recognition areas like Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge.

What’s Included in the Afternoon Tea (and What You Should Expect)

Your ticket includes a full afternoon tea spread: traditional finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats, and freshly served scones. You’ll also get a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, plus tea as part of the afternoon tea experience.

You can’t expect tiny, decorative bites only meant for show. The menu is built around the familiar tea-time comfort foods: sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and more, served in a way that keeps you eating while the bus is moving through central sights.

Diet-wise, you do have options. The menu includes standard (non-vegetarian), vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free choices. The catch: you need to tell them at least 72 hours in advance, and if you don’t submit a special request before your visit, you’ll be served the standard meal that day.

Thames-Side Sights in About 90 Minutes: Big Ben to Tower of London

The route aims at some of London’s most photo-friendly landmark clusters, and you’ll spend a good chunk of the ride getting views from the riverside stretches. The highlights include London Eye, the Shard, Big Ben, and the Tower of London, plus passes near Buckingham Palace.

A smart way to think about the timing: 1.5 hours is enough to see a lot of icons in sequence, but not enough to stop and wander like you would on a walking tour. You’ll get framed views—what you’re really paying for is seeing these places efficiently while you snack and keep the fun going.

Also, the route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions. So if you’re the type who plans your photos down to the minute, go with the mindset of enjoying whatever sightlines you get rather than expecting a perfect checklist order.

The Sing-Along Factor: How the Host Runs the Mood

This isn’t a silent, sip-and-stare kind of tour. The ABBA theme is central, with staff helping the group join in as you pass key parts of central London.

Songs called out in the experience include Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Super Trouper, and Dancing Queen. Even if you don’t know every lyric, the format is built for group energy, which is why it works well across age ranges.

One of the most praised parts of this experience is how the host handles the room. I’ve seen mention of Odun being exceptional at keeping everyone in the party spirit, and that kind of hosting matters because it turns sightseeing into something you actually remember.

Driver, Comfort, and the Reality of Riding Through London Streets

You’re on a double-decker bus, so you’ll feel the motion and the urban pace. The good news is that the driving is described as careful, which is exactly what you want when you’re balancing a drink and tea-time plates.

There’s also a practical rhythm to the ride. You’ll be seated while the afternoon tea is served and the music/hosting runs, so it’s best to treat this like a moving dinner show rather than a traditional hop-on, hop-off style sightseeing bus.

Group size can vary, and it sometimes doesn’t feel packed. On at least one departure, the double-decker carried a small group, which made the whole thing feel easier to enjoy. Still, plan that you could be sharing space with others.

Meeting at Golden Tours Stop 1 Without Losing Your Group

The meeting point is straightforward on paper: Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1, then find the pink striped bus with The English Tea Bus on the side. But London crowds and signage can still create stress, especially if you arrive right at the start time.

Here’s the practical approach I’d use: arrive early enough to find the exact bus and settle in, then double-check you’re in the right boarding area. If you feel unsure, contact the tour provider for help.

I’ve also heard that if things look off (like the wrong bus timing), there may be another bus following shortly. In those cases, a quick call can get you confirmation that you haven’t missed your ride.

Price Check: Is $79.47 Worth It?

At $79.47 per person, this is not a bargain. But it’s also not just a bus ride with a photo stop.

You’re paying for four things bundled together:

• Afternoon tea (finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats)
• A drink (prosecco for adults 18+, or a soft drink)
• A guided, landmark-focused route through central London
• A built-in ABBA sing-along experience that changes the feel of sightseeing

If your London plan already includes afternoon tea but you also want iconic landmarks—Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard—this can be a good use of time because it combines food + views in one window. If you only want one of those elements, you might feel the price more sharply.

My take: value is strongest when you treat it as a fun way to see the city icons without adding extra activities that require separate tickets and waiting.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is great for people who want a light, social London plan with clear visual payoffs. It’s also a fun pick for groups celebrating something, since the ABBA theme and music-led hosting create a natural reason to talk and laugh.

It’s marked as not suitable for pregnant women and for people with back problems. Wheelchair guidance is also mixed in the information provided: wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck, but they must use one of the fixed position seats. If you need accessible seating, confirm details in advance before you book.

If you’re planning this with kids, note the age rules. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and under 5s aren’t allowed.

Small Rules That Matter: Alcohol, Tables, No Toilets, Allergens

There’s no trick here—read these points before you go.

Alcohol: You can’t assume everyone gets prosecco. Alcohol is only served to those aged 18 and over, and you’ll need a valid ID. Smoking and alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the activity.

Tables: You may have to share tables, so go in ready for a chat with your table mates or at least a neutral attitude if space is tight.

Toilets: There are no toilets on board, which is a big deal for a 1.5-hour ride. If you’re coming straight from an earlier walk, use the facilities before you board.

Allergies: While multiple dietary types are offered (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and standard), Golden Tours can’t guarantee that foods haven’t had contact with nuts or other allergens. If allergies are serious, plan extra caution.

Route changes: Road closures and traffic can change the route, so don’t schedule another timed activity too tightly right after the ride.

The ABBA Theme Is Fun, But It’s Not an Official ABBA Experience

The experience is not official and not endorsed by ABBA in any way. That’s worth knowing so your expectations match the reality: this is a themed London experience that uses ABBA music and spirit for entertainment, not a branded production.

If you love ABBA as part of the fun, that’s a win. If you’re expecting a backstage-level show, you may find it more like a party atmosphere on a sightseeing vehicle with a meal.

Should You Book the Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus?

Book it if you want an easy London win: icon views + afternoon tea + ABBA sing-along in one 90-minute block. It’s especially worth it if you’d rather avoid juggling multiple attractions and want a social atmosphere that keeps the time moving.

Skip it (or think twice) if you’re very sensitive to motion, need frequent restroom access, or prefer sightseeing that includes lots of stops and walking. Also, if you strongly dislike sharing tables, or you have complex dietary needs that you can’t arrange 72 hours ahead, it may be a tougher fit.

If you do book, plan smart: arrive early enough to find the bus at Golden Tours Stop 1, bring a camera and water, and treat it as a fun ride where London’s biggest landmarks come to you.

FAQ

How long is the Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus?

The experience lasts about 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the schedule.

Where do I meet the bus?

Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on its side.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get afternoon tea with traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, plus landmark views and an ABBA sing-along.

Do I receive prosecco on the tour?

Yes, a glass of prosecco is included, but alcohol is only served to guests aged 18 and over (ID required). If you’re not eligible for alcohol, you’ll get a soft drink instead.

Are there any rules about alcohol, smoking, or drugs?

Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Are there toilets on board?

No. There are no toilets on-board.

Can children join?

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Under 5s are not allowed.

Are vegetarian, vegan, halal, or gluten-free options available?

Yes. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. You must inform the provider at least 72 hours in advance for dietary accommodations, and dietary needs can’t be handled on the day of your visit.

Is the route guaranteed to be the same?

No. The route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions.

Is this an official ABBA experience?

No. This product is not official and is not endorsed by ABBA in any way.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.