Reviewed · AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCES

London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

★ 4.4 · 14 reviews From $79 Operated by Golden Tours - Gray Line London · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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London’s Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus is a fun mashup of British tradition and 1970s pop energy. You get a proper tea service, a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, and a playlist built for people who know every ABBA hook while you roll past the capital’s top sights.

I especially love the landmark views from the water side of London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard. I also really like the social, upbeat format, where the staff keep things moving and the music is part of the experience, not background noise, with one host named Odun called out as great at keeping the party spirit going.

The main thing to watch for is practical, not fancy: there are no toilets on board, and you may have to share tables. If you hate crowds, struggle with road vibration, or need frequent breaks, this may feel like more hassle than the classic tea you might picture.

Key things to know before you go

London: "Here We Go Again" Afternoon Tea Bus - Key things to know before you go

  • ABBA sing-along soundtrack: you’ll be encouraged to join in as the bus moves through central London
  • Afternoon tea plus a drink: finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones, paired with prosecco (18+) or a soft drink
  • Landmarks from a water-side perspective: Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London show up on the route
  • No toilets on board: plan around the 1.5 hour ride and bring water
  • Limited seat flexibility: table sharing can happen, and wheelchair seating is restricted to fixed position seats

A Pink ABBA Bus Afternoon Tea That Feels Like a London Party

London: "Here We Go Again" Afternoon Tea Bus - A Pink ABBA Bus Afternoon Tea That Feels Like a London Party
If you want London in a single, easy hit, this is a smart choice. You do afternoon tea, you do sightseeing, and you do it with music that turns the trip into something you would actually look forward to. The bus is a bright pink style vehicle with a big English Tea Bus sign, so you’re not hunting in circles for long once you’re at the meeting point.

The vibe is family-friendly party energy in the right way. It’s not a quiet tea and photo-only sightseeing hour. It’s more like a sing-along class where your job is to enjoy the moment. ABBA’s top hits keep the tempo steady, and the friendly staff serve fresh scones and help keep the group on track.

And yes, you do get classic London landmarks, but the angle matters. This ride is built to show you the city from water-side views, which makes Big Ben feel more dramatic than a street-level glance. You’re also likely to see the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London in one smooth run, rather than stitching them together across multiple transport steps.

More afternoon tea sittings in London:

What You Really Eat and Drink (Plus Dietary Options You Should Know)

London: "Here We Go Again" Afternoon Tea Bus - What You Really Eat and Drink (Plus Dietary Options You Should Know)
This is an afternoon tea format, with the food served as part of the experience while you’re on the move. Expect traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones brought to you by the staff. The tea portion is also part of the package, with fine tea served as you enjoy the sights.

Your drink is where this tour earns its keep. You’ll have a glass of prosecco or a soft drink included. If you’re traveling with alcohol, keep the age rule in mind: alcohol is only served to those aged 18 and over, and you’ll need valid ID.

Dietary options exist, which is a big plus if you have restrictions. The menu includes standard (non-vegetarian), vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free choices. The key practical point is timing. If you need a special option, you must inform the operator at least 72 hours before your visit. If you don’t request in advance, you will get the standard meal on the day of travel, and they say they cannot accommodate dietary requirements on the day.

One more detail to keep expectations realistic: there’s no guarantee that food hasn’t touched nuts or other allergens. If you have severe allergies, treat this as a call-ahead situation, not a last-minute fix.

Landmark Views: Big Ben, London Eye, Shard, Tower of London

London: "Here We Go Again" Afternoon Tea Bus - Landmark Views: Big Ben, London Eye, Shard, Tower of London
The sightseeing piece is the star for people who want the highlights without planning. The route is designed to take you through key areas like Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, so you’re moving across the places you’d normally pin on a map.

From there, you’re set up to see major landmarks along the way, including:

  • Big Ben (not just a distant tower, but admired from the water perspective)
  • London Eye
  • The Shard
  • Tower of London
  • Buckingham Palace as part of the monument lineup on the route

This matters because some London sightseeing feels repetitive when you only do one neighborhood. Here, the drive connects several iconic zones in a single 1.5 hour window, with the scenery rolling past you while your tea service keeps the trip comfortable.

A quick practical tip: bring your camera, and plan to shoot from your seat. There are no promises about stopping at each landmark, so treat this as views from the bus and enjoy the ride rather than trying to replicate a walking tour.

Also, keep in mind that the route can change due to road closures and traffic conditions. That’s common in London, but it can mean you see slightly different angles than you hoped for. If you’re flexible on exact photo spots, you’ll be happier.

How the Sing-Along Works and Why the Staff Matter

The ABBA theme is not just branding. You’re guided through the ride with music that builds around well-known songs. The whole point is to take part, so you’ll likely hear top ABBA hits and get encouraged to join in along the way.

The staff role is real. They serve the tea, manage the flow of food, and help keep the atmosphere fun. In one highlight from a previous ride, a host named Odun was praised for keeping everyone in the party spirit. Even if your group is quieter, having staff who keep things moving makes a big difference, especially when the schedule is only 1.5 hours.

Comfort-wise, this is an on-the-road tea service. You’ll be eating while the bus moves through city traffic. If you’re sensitive to motion or you have back trouble, this is worth thinking about. The information provided says it’s not suitable for people with back problems.

One more comfort reality: table sharing may happen. That can be totally fine if you’re relaxed, but if you strongly prefer your own space, come mentally prepared for a shared table setup.

A different sort of day out in London:

Duration and Meeting Point: Golden Tours Stop 1 Made Simple

This experience runs for 1.5 hours, with starting times based on availability. You meet and board at Golden Tours Stop 1, then you end back at the same meeting point.

The meeting point is specific enough to make things easy if you arrive ready:

  • Go to Golden Tours Stop 1
  • Look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on the side

Arriving early is smart. One of the helpful lessons from past riders is that even when you think you’ve got the location right, confusion can happen around pickup timing and the meeting point presence. If something feels off on the day, you can contact your tour provider for help, and there may be a follow-up bus if you arrive before the final lineup.

Bring water. There’s no need to overpack, but it helps to have something on hand, especially since there are no toilets on board.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great match if you like:

  • ABBA music and don’t mind singing along
  • London landmarks but want a low-effort format
  • A short, structured outing with food included
  • A light celebration vibe, like birthdays, group fun, or a first-time London day that doesn’t drain your energy

Age fit matters. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and under 5s are not allowed. That means you’ll likely see a mix of adults and families, but it’s not a preschool-only activity.

Comfort and health fit matter too. The activity is marked as not suitable for:

  • pregnant women
  • people with back problems
  • wheelchair users, with limited seating described as a fixed position on the lower deck

If you use a wheelchair, pay close attention to the details provided. The operator states wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck, but you’ll need a fixed position seat. Since the tour is also marked as not suitable for wheelchair users, this is the kind of situation where it’s worth contacting the provider to confirm your exact seating options before you commit.

Price and Value: Is $79.47 Worth It?

At $79.47 per person for a 1.5 hour ride, you’re paying for a packaged experience. That means you’re not just buying views, and you’re not just buying tea.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money, based on the included details:

  • Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones
  • A drink included, either prosecco or a soft drink
  • ABBA top hits sing-along entertainment
  • Landmark views designed as a connected loop through key central areas

So the value depends on your priorities. If you want a classic tea in a calm setting only, you might compare it to a seated tea venue and decide this is too theatrical or too short.

But if you want a quick, fun London hit where sightseeing and entertainment happen together while you eat, then the price feels more reasonable. You’re paying for the convenience of having food plus a guided, landmark focused route in one booking.

If you’re traveling on a tight schedule and want to see big names like the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Tower of London without switching plans all day, this is the kind of add-on that works.

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

Book it if:

  • ABBA music makes your day
  • you want a short afternoon outing with food included
  • you like the idea of seeing multiple famous landmarks in one go
  • you’re okay with a shared, social experience and eating while the bus moves

Skip it or choose carefully if:

  • you need guaranteed private seating at all times
  • you strongly dislike crowds or shared tables
  • you need onboard facilities like toilets, because there are none
  • motion discomfort is an issue for you, since it’s not suitable for back problems
  • you need mobility accommodations, because seating options are limited and the tour is marked not suitable for wheelchair users

If you fit the first list, this is a genuinely enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes in London. It’s not the cheapest way to do tea, but it is a smart way to stack sightseeing, music, and a classic British meal into one simple plan.

FAQ

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

The experience lasts about 1.5 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

What’s included with the afternoon tea?

You get afternoon tea with traditional finger sandwiches and sweet treats, plus fresh scones. You also get a glass of prosecco or a soft drink.

Do I need ID for the prosecco?

Yes. Alcohol is served only to guests aged 18 and over, and a valid ID is required.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No. There are no toilets on board.

Will I have my own table?

Not always. Guests may have to share tables.

Can kids join this tour?

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

What dietary options are available?

The menu includes standard (non-vegetarian), vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. You need to inform the operator at least 72 hours in advance for special dietary requests.

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