London: “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

An Authentic and Entertaining Twist on London Sightseeing: The “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus

Imagine gliding through London’s bustling streets on a vibrant pink bus, enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, while singing along to ABBA’s greatest hits. This unique experience, offered by Golden Tours, combines the charm of British tradition with a playful, musical vibe that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, this tour promises a fun-filled 1.5 hours exploring some of London’s most famous landmarks.

One thing we love about this experience is the lively atmosphere created by the ABBA sing-along. It’s a fantastic way to add some musical nostalgia to your sightseeing. Plus, the inclusion of delicious food and drinks makes it feel like a true afternoon treat. That said, a potential consideration is the limited duration—you’ll get a quick snapshot of London’s highlights, but for those wanting a deep dive into the city, it might feel a bit rushed.

This tour works best for those who enjoy a relaxed, playful vibe coupled with sightseeing and good food. It’s perfect for ABBA fans, families with kids (aged 15+), and anyone looking for a memorable, light-hearted experience. If you’re after an immersive, lengthy tour or need accessibility accommodations like wheelchair access, you might find it less suitable. Still, for a fun, photo-worthy, and tasty London adventure, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Musical Fun: Sing along to ABBA’s top hits while exploring London’s landmarks.
• Iconic Views: See famous sights like Big Ben, London Eye, and Tower of London from the water and street.
• Gourmet Experience: Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a choice of prosecco or soft drinks.
• Unique Perspective: Combines sightseeing with entertainment, offering a different way to experience London.
• Short & Sweet: At just 1.5 hours, it’s a quick but memorable jaunt through the city.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for kids over 15 with adult supervision; not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Itinerary and Route

The tour begins at a central meeting point—look for the distinctive pink-striped bus adorned with “The English Tea Bus” sign—making it easy to spot. From there, the route weaves through popular neighborhoods such as Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge. Highlighted landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Tower of London.

While the route may shift due to traffic or road closures, the aim is to provide an engaging overview of London’s most recognizable sights. The added bonus is the water views—you’ll get to see some landmarks from the Thames, which offers a different perspective compared to street-level sightseeing.

The Transport: A Pink Bus With Character

The bus itself is small enough to foster an intimate, friendly atmosphere but large enough to hold a decent-sized group. Seating is shared, and while some reviewers noted that tables might be communal, the comfort level depends on group size and bus layout. The experience is relaxed, with friendly staff serving your tea and snacks.

The Food and Drink

Indulging in a traditional afternoon tea is a highlight. Expect finger sandwiches, cupcakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam. The menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options—just ensure you inform the organizers at least 72 hours in advance if you have specific allergies or preferences.

Guests have praised the quality of the food, calling it delicious and well-presented. You can choose to sip on prosecco or a soft drink, but note that alcohol is only served to those over 18 with valid ID. The addition of reusable cups as souvenirs was a thoughtful touch, adding to the eco-friendly aspect of the tour.

The Sing-Along Element

One of the most distinctive features is the ABBA sing-along. Staff play a curated playlist of ABBA’s hits, encouraging participants to sing along, wear colorful sunglasses, and get into the spirit. While some reviews mention that not all songs were familiar to every guest, overall, the atmosphere is lively and fun. The guide, whose name is often mentioned as attentive and professional, helps keep the energy up and ensures everyone’s enjoying themselves.

The Duration and Pacing

At 1.5 hours, this tour offers a quick but charming snapshot of London. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or want a lighthearted break from more intense sightseeing. However, some might wish for more time to explore the sights or participate in additional activities.

Accessibility and Practicalities

While wheelchair access is available on the lower deck, guests will need to occupy fixed seats, and there are no onboard toilets. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. Children must be over 15 and accompanied by an adult, with children under 5 not allowed.

You’ll want to bring a camera and water—the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly. Smoking or bringing alcohol on board is prohibited, aligning with health and safety standards.

Authentic Guest Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are appreciated for their friendliness and attentiveness. One reviewer mentioned that the staff was “attentive and very professional,” which contributed greatly to their positive impression. The food was also singled out as “lovely” and “delicious”, matching the high standards expected from a traditional afternoon tea.

Regarding the music, while some found the playlist a bit repetitive or not entirely familiar, most enjoyed singing along and dressing up in colorful accessories. The souvenir cups were a bonus, giving guests a keepsake of their memorable afternoon.

The views and the overall atmosphere are consistently praised. One guest described the experience as “a great, girlie tour,” emphasizing the social and fun vibe. Another highlighted how the sights from both street and water made the tour “awesome” and “a very good experience.”

Is It Worth It? Analyzing the Value

For around the price of a typical afternoon tea in London, this experience offers a mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and food—all in a cozy, mobile setting. While it isn’t a comprehensive city tour, it provides a charming overview combining iconic views with playful elements like the sing-along.

The inclusion of delicious food, a glass of prosecco, and a fun musical atmosphere makes it a good value for those looking for a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience. The tour’s brevity means it’s best suited as a supplement to a full day of sightseeing rather than a stand-alone exploration.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for ABBA fans, groups of friends, or families with teenagers looking for something different. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed, lively activity that combines food, music, and sightseeing without the hassle of a long tour.

However, if you need extra accessibility, more diverse itinerary options, or a quieter, more in-depth exploration of London, you might prefer other options. Still, for a fun, spirited, and delicious way to see the city, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

The “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus offers a playful twist on London sightseeing that combines the best of British tradition with pop nostalgia. It’s a bright, colorful, and tasty experience that captures the essence of London’s lively spirit. The friendly guides, delicious food, and iconic views make it a delightful choice for those wanting a cheerful break from the usual sightseeing routine.

If you’re after a short, fun, and Instagram-friendly activity that leaves you with a full belly and a happy heart, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s particularly well-suited for ABBA lovers, social groups, or anyone looking for a cheerful, memorable afternoon in London.

FAQs

• Where does the tour start? It begins at Golden Tours Stop 1, where you’ll see a pink striped bus with “The English Tea Bus” sign.
• How long is the tour? The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with starting times available on check.
• Are there any dietary options? Yes, the menu includes vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Inform the provider at least 72 hours beforehand.
• Can children attend? Children aged 15 and over can join with an adult; under 5s are not permitted.
• Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? Wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need to occupy fixed seats.
• Are there toilets on the bus? No, there are no onboard toilets.
• Can I drink alcohol? Yes, but only if you are 18 or older with valid ID.
• Is there a dress code? No specific dress code, but dress for the weather—it’s an outdoor and water-side experience.
• What should I bring? A camera and water are recommended.
• What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

In all, the “Here We Go Again” Afternoon Tea Bus provides a lively, tasty, and uniquely British way to see London with a musical twist. It’s a lighthearted experience that leaves plenty of room for fun and photo moments—perfect for those wanting a cheerful break in their city adventures.