Category Afternoon Tea Experiences

England · AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCES

The 10 Best Afternoon Teas in England

10 reviewed

Afternoon tea gets served on a Routemaster, on the Thames and on a palace lawn, and the setting is most of what you are paying for. Below: what comes on each stand, whether there is a vegetarian or gluten-free version, and how far ahead the weekend sittings disappear.

London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - 1960s Routemaster Bus - Where You Meet in London, and Why It Matters

1.London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,032 reviews · 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.) · from $87Our pick

Tea on wheels in a 1960s Routemaster, with recorded sights, two-decker seating, and French-style pastries and sandwiches for about 1.5 hours.

“I had the most wonderful experience on the Tea Party Bus Tour for my birthday! The food was absolutely delicious. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to make the experience special. The bus was spotlessly clean and adorned with beautiful decorations that created a charming and cozy atmosphere. It truly felt like a one-of-a-kind celebration. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for a unique and memorable outing!”

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The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea - Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park History, Told Along the Footpaths

2.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158

Kensington Gardens guided stroll plus classic high tea at the Orangery near Kensington Palace, with royal stories and small-group charm.

“Meet up directions were very clear and easy to find. Doug was wonderful, he catered the tour to our interests and ability levels, and he even stayed and had tea with us, to explain everything we were eating and how to use the strainers, etc... he also gave us history about high tea and the location we were in. The price is very high, but it was really worth the experience to do at least once, we had a wonderful time with Doug as our guide.”

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Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames - The Thames route you see in 90 minutes, Tower to Westminster and back

3.Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 884 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Afternoon tea on the Thames from Tower Pier, 90-minute cruise with unlimited tea, scones and Big Ben views.

“Perfect for a break in a busy day. My kids enjoyed the tower of food. Great tea and bar selection. Great service. I would have preferred Christmas music in the background instead of the guide talking. He was hard to hear and most tables seem to all be in conversation anyway.”

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London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour

London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour - Buckingham Palace Views Without the Walking Marathon

4.London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 763 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

London Afternoon Tea on a panoramic double-decker bus pairs scones and sandwiches with top-deck views of Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and more.

“Great food, helpful people running the tour, only thing that would have made it better is more recorded dialogue regarding the sites around.”

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Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford - University Regatta Course and Christ Church Meadows: Oxford at Work and Play

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire - Price and what $45.68 really buys you

6.Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 388 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Two-hour canal cruise from Skipton with traditional afternoon tea, panoramic countryside views, and a licensed bar. Relaxed, weather-proof, great value.

“Leisurely relaxing two hour cruise with attentive friendly staff. Good tasty afternoon tea. Couldn't fault it, would go again.”

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Notting Hill Walking Tour with Cream Tea

Notting Hill Walking Tour with Cream Tea - Pick your departure time, and plan around the flow

7.Notting Hill Walking Tour with Cream Tea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 319 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $81

Walk Notting Hill with a guide, hit Portobello Road Market, see Princess Diana’s memorial, then end with takeaway cream tea in 4 hours.

“Paddy was knowledgeable and entertaining. Lots of walking but worth it to see Notting Hill and hear some history.”

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Hampton Court Guided Tour. Full day Access & High Tea

Hampton Court Guided Tour. Full day Access & High Tea - Stop 1: Hampton Court Park, 60 acres of gardens, then your palace access unlocks

8.Hampton Court Guided Tour. Full day Access & High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 270 reviews · 4 hours 5 minutes (approx.) · from $212

Small-group Hampton Court Palace tour with full-day entry and traditional afternoon tea, plus Tudor stories from a real guide.

“Massive estate and gardens, dress comfortably with walking shoes. Tom, our guide, was fantastic: he made history come to life and was open to all sorts of questions. Truly enjoyed the high tea - perfect way to end the tour. One recommendation: The meeting pace is hectic and super crowded. Tom would have been easier to find with an identifying cap or flag.”

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Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace - The 2-hour rhythm: where your time goes (and how to enjoy it)

9.Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $114

Afternoon tea at The Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace Mews, with classic scones, a tea menu, and optional Champagne upgrade.

“It was fun. Felt posh for a little while but definitely not worth the money it costs. Basically you are paying to act wealthy for 90 minutes. You get a 1/3 of a sandwich x3, 2 scones, and a plate of dessert. And two pots of tea.”

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London Afternoon Tea Bus and Panoramic Tour on Lower Deck

London Afternoon Tea Bus and Panoramic Tour on Lower Deck - The afternoon tea setup: sandwiches, scones, mini pastries, and your drink

10.London Afternoon Tea Bus and Panoramic Tour on Lower Deck

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 160 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

London afternoon tea on a double-decker bus: lower-deck seats, Prosecco or soft drink, and views of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

“When we booked the “tour” we were under the impression it was an actual tour-a guide telling us about the city. Instead, we sat on a bus, ate finger sandwiches and had tea. I would never suggest this tour to anyone who was looking for a guided tour.”

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