REVIEW · AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCES
“Here We Go Again” London Afternoon Tea Bus
A double-decker and ABBA, in London, sounds odd. It actually works because you get afternoon tea plus a soundtrack, while rolling past top sights like Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. The ride keeps things social, since you’ll share the experience with a small group and enjoy an English audio guide that helps the big landmarks make sense fast.
I really like that the food is built around real choices, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. I also like that the drinking is simple and clear, with a Prosecco glass for adults and non-alcoholic options for under 21s.
The main thing to consider is that this is not a live guided tour, and the ABBA theme is more of a playful add-on than a full, nonstop concert. If you want deep commentary or guaranteed clear views out spotless windows, go in with realistic expectations.
In This Review
- Key Things To Know Before You Ride
- Why This ABBA Afternoon Tea Bus Works in London
- Price, Time, and Booking Sweet Spots
- Where You Start at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way
- What You Eat and Drink on the Afternoon Tea Bus
- Allergens: One Caution You Should Not Skip
- The Route: Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge
- Westminster Abbey: Coronations and the Gothic look
- The London Eye: 135 metres of city views
- Tower Bridge: steel, walkways, and interactive exhibits
- Audio Guide Rhythm: Helpful Facts, Limited Depth
- Double-Decker Comfort and Sightlines: What to Do About It
- Who This Tour Fits Best
- Should You Book This ABBA Afternoon Tea Bus?
- FAQ
- How long is the Here We Go Again London Afternoon Tea Bus?
- How much does the tour cost?
- What food and drink are included?
- Do you provide a live guide on the bus?
- Can I choose a vegetarian or gluten-free menu?
- Is alcohol served to minors?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- How many people are on the bus?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key Things To Know Before You Ride

- ABBA-themed fun, not a live tour, since you’re on an English audio guide rather than a speaking guide
- Afternoon tea is the anchor, with multiple dietary options including vegan and gluten-free
- Adult Prosecco rules are strict, so plan around the age policy for drinks
- Landmarks are big and close by, including Westminster Abbey, the London Eye (135 metres), and Tower Bridge
- Small group size, capped at 26, which makes it easier to chat and get served without chaos
Scones elsewhere: more tea sittings reviewed
- London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus★ 4.5 · 2,032 reviews
- The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea★ 4.5 · 934 reviews
- Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames★ 4.0 · 884 reviews
- London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour★ 4.0 · 763 reviews
Why This ABBA Afternoon Tea Bus Works in London

London can feel like a lot if you’re doing it the usual way, museums here, tube there, lines everywhere. This sort of experience is different because it turns sightseeing into something you do while sitting down, eating, and chatting. You’re not rushing between far-off stops. You’re moving through central London with a ready-made plan and a soundtrack theme that gives you an instant reason to smile.
The double-decker bus also changes how you experience the city. Lower streets look different when you’re above them. Even if the windows are not perfect, you’ll still get that classic London sight picture, with landmarks popping into view like postcards you can actually move around in.
And for ABBA fans, the timing matters. The playlist and sing-along energy make the ride feel like a small event rather than just transportation. It’s the kind of activity that helps you meet people quickly, since you’re all in the same mood from the start.
Price, Time, and Booking Sweet Spots
At $68.06 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, this isn’t the cheapest way to spend an afternoon. But the value comes from what you’re getting in one package: afternoon tea lunch, themed atmosphere, and an audio guide designed to connect landmarks to context.
The biggest price question is whether you see afternoon tea as part of the day’s main event or just a bonus. If you come hungry and you want the full experience, this price starts to look fair. If you’re mainly after a rigorous landmark tour, you may feel shortchanged, because there’s no live guide and you’re not doing long stops.
Booking about 51 days in advance on average suggests that this is a popular slot, likely because it fits neatly into a short visit. If you’re traveling during peak times, I’d treat those advance dates seriously and lock it in earlier rather than later.
Where You Start at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way

Your meeting point is Golden Tours at the Bulleid Way Departure Point, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which helps you plan the rest of your day without guessing transit routes.
This start location also matters because it’s near public transportation. That makes it easier to combine with other London plans, like a pre-dinner walk or a quick stop at a nearby attraction after the tea.
My practical tip: arrive a little early, even if the route is straightforward. On a bus tour with food service, timing is everything, and you’ll want to be settled before the first rounds of tea sandwiches and desserts start appearing.
What You Eat and Drink on the Afternoon Tea Bus
Afternoon tea is the main show here, so I recommend you go in expecting tea service to be the center of gravity, not just a snack. You can choose between standard, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. That’s a big deal for London, where it’s easy to end up with one predictable meal choice that doesn’t fit your needs.
You’ll also get an audio guide in English, which means while you’re eating, you’re also hearing the story behind what you’re passing. That combo is part of the appeal, because it fills those moments that can otherwise feel like wasted time on a vehicle.
On the drinks side, adults 21 and older receive a glass of Prosecco. Under 21, you’ll get non-alcoholic drinks. This is clearly policy-driven, so plan your expectations around it, especially if you’re traveling with teens or mixed-age groups.
A small real-world detail worth knowing: some people have pointed out that the Prosecco can arrive on the warmer side. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re picky about temperature, you might want to pace yourself and balance it with hot tea.
Allergens: One Caution You Should Not Skip
Golden Tours cannot guarantee that all foods are free from nut or other allergen contact. If you have a serious allergy, you should treat this as a red flag and consider contacting the provider before booking.
The Route: Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge
This is a landmark-focused ride, and the itinerary hits three of London’s most photographed spots. Even when you’re on a bus and time is tight, these locations are so iconic that the audio helps you connect the sight to the story.
Westminster Abbey: Coronations and the Gothic look
Your first featured stop is Westminster Abbey on Parliament Square, next to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is a Gothic abbey church, and it’s also known as a traditional place of coronation.
What that means for you on the ride: when you’re hearing context while seeing the shape of the building and its location in political London, it helps the place feel more real than just a picture. It’s also a good early anchor, because Westminster is the kind of landmark that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
A possible drawback: since this is about a short afternoon and not a full walking visit, you might not get long enough outside for big-photo time.
The London Eye: 135 metres of city views
Next up is the London Eye, with a description of stepping into one of its glass capsules and going up to 135 metres. The plan notes choices between fast track and standard tickets.
Here’s how to think about value: if you’re already visiting the London Eye, this stop can feel like a double win, since you’re getting themed transport plus a chance to experience one of the most famous viewpoints in the city. If you’re not planning to do the Eye otherwise, this is one of the few London attractions that turns a sightseeing day into a clear, one-stop view.
One thing to watch: the included tea service does not automatically mean you’ll have lots of extra time for rides. Your best move is to check what your ticket setup includes for the London Eye experience so you’re not guessing in the moment.
Tower Bridge: steel, walkways, and interactive exhibits
The final landmark is Tower Bridge, with history spanning over 135 years. You also get concrete facts like the bridge taking 8 years to build and using over 11,000 tonnes of steel for the towers and walkways.
This matters because Tower Bridge isn’t just scenic. It’s the kind of landmark where short time can still feel meaningful if the audio points out the engineering and the story behind those materials. And since the plan includes time to wander the walkways and engage with interactive displays and exhibitions, you’re more likely to come away with more than just a photo.
A practical note: if your priority is the walkways and exhibits, wear comfortable shoes. The ride itself is relaxed, but the bridge area might involve walking and standing during exhibits.
Audio Guide Rhythm: Helpful Facts, Limited Depth
This experience includes an English audio guide, but it does not include a live guide. That is the key difference between this tour and the classic guided tours where someone answers questions and adapts to your interests.
With an audio guide, you should expect consistent storytelling: you hear what’s been programmed, and the tour keeps moving. That’s good for structure and speed. It’s not as good if you want follow-up details, local tips, or personal Q&A.
Some people also found the narration to be more basic than they wanted, with landmark points kept brief. So if you’re the type who loves architecture, politics, or deep local context, you may want to pair this with another activity where you can spend more time with a live guide.
On the music side, the ABBA theme is part of the atmosphere, but it’s also possible for the ride to feel like a mix rather than a pure ABBA soundtrack start to finish. If you’re counting on continuous ABBA songs for every minute, it’s safer to treat the playlist as a fun bonus than a guarantee.
Double-Decker Comfort and Sightlines: What to Do About It
Bus tours are all about comfort and visibility, and this one is a double-decker. That’s great for photos, but windows matter. One concern that came up for some people is that the bus windows can be dirty, which makes it harder to see out clearly.
You can still manage this. When you board, take a quick look at the window quality where you’re seated. If it’s not great, reposition if the tour team allows it. Also, remember that light changes during the afternoon, so your best chance for clear photos may be earlier in the ride.
Heat can also be a factor. One reviewer described the bus as extremely hot, to the point where a guest felt unwell and couldn’t enjoy the hot tea comfortably. If you’re heat-sensitive, plan accordingly. Dress in lighter layers and be ready to take it easy with the hot items until you feel settled.
Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit if you want London to feel like a fun afternoon rather than a strict checklist. I’d especially recommend it for:
- ABBA fans who want the music vibe while also seeing major landmarks
- People who enjoy afternoon tea and want it in a themed, social setting
- First-time visitors who want a quick hit of central London icons with an audio story
- Mixed groups, since the bus format keeps it flexible for different interests
It may be less satisfying if you’re mainly chasing one of these:
- A long, detailed walkthrough of the landmarks
- A guaranteed full-length ABBA soundtrack
- A tour where you expect a live guide to answer questions and add depth
The good news is that, even with those limitations, it can still be a memorable way to spend 90 minutes if you focus on the experience you’re actually buying: tea, music energy, and a short route past famous sights.
Should You Book This ABBA Afternoon Tea Bus?
If you’re in the mood for a playful, sit-down sightseeing break, I think this is a book-worthy choice. The combination of afternoon tea with themed music and iconic London landmarks is exactly the kind of “do something different” plan that works well during a short trip. Add in the small group size and dietary options, and it becomes easier to justify the price.
I would only pass if you want a serious guided history tour or you’re very particular about clean windows and nonstop ABBA. The experience is designed for fun and light structure, not deep lectures.
If you’re deciding today, use this simple rule: if you’d happily pay for afternoon tea anyway, and you’d enjoy the idea of ABBA as a soundtrack to it, this fits. If you’re paying primarily for expert commentary, you’ll probably want something else alongside it.
FAQ
How long is the Here We Go Again London Afternoon Tea Bus?
It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $68.06 per person.
What food and drink are included?
Afternoon tea lunch is included, with choices for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or standard menus. Adults 21 and older also receive a glass of Prosecco. An audio guide in English is included too.
Do you provide a live guide on the bus?
No. This includes an audio guide in English, not a live guide.
Can I choose a vegetarian or gluten-free menu?
Yes. You can choose from vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or standard options.
Is alcohol served to minors?
No. Alcoholic drinks are only served to travelers 21 and older. Minors are served non-alcoholic drinks.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way Departure Point, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, UK.
How many people are on the bus?
The tour has a maximum of 26 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
If you tell me your travel dates and whether your group includes any kids or gluten-free diners, I can help you decide if this is the best fit for your exact day plan.
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