London Attractions you can see on our Bus Tours

Are you looking to explore London and soak in its history, culture, and stunning sights? There's no better way to enjoy the best London attractions than onboard our Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tours. You get to experience the city aboard a beautiful classic 1960s Routemaster bus while enjoying delicious afternoon tea. During our 90-minute journey, we pass by some of London’s most iconic landmarks. So let’s take a closer look at the attractions you’ll see on our route.

Best Parks in London

Hyde Park

London's parks are world-famous for providing a green, lush escape amidst the city's urban landscape and hustle and bustle. Our bus tours take you past Hyde Park - one of the greatest city parks in the world. Covering 142 hectares (350 acres) and with over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and ornamental flower gardens, there’s a good chance you’ll forget you are right in the centre of London. Hyde Park has something for everyone. You can enjoy swimming, boating, cycling and skating. There are pitches for team games, tennis courts, tracks for horse riding, and a spectacular children’s playground.

Green Park

Our buses also take you past Green Park. The original park's name was "Upper St James's", but the area was officially renamed in 1746 for reasons unknown. We speculate it might be because, at the time, the park was an open meadow with few trees. Or, it may date back to a tale
about King Charles II and his wife. She discovered that Charles had picked flowers in the park and given them to another woman. In revenge, the Queen ordered that every single flower in the park should be pulled up and no more planted. True or not, there are still no formal flowerbeds in Green Park. Interesting, right?

Kensington Gardens and The Diana Memorial Fountain

Another park worth mentioning is Kensington Gardens, home to The Diana Memorial Fountain. The fountain was built with the best materials, talent, and technology - it contains 545 pieces of Cornish granite. The design aims to reflect Diana’s life. Water flows from the highest point, in two directions, as it cascades, swirls, and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly refreshed and is drawn from London’s water table. The Memorial also symbolises Diana’s openness. There are three bridges where you can cross the water and go right to the heart of the fountain.

If you're ever visiting the gardens and have some time on your hands, you could take the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, taking you through four of the most beautiful parks in the world: St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens. It’s a seven-mile-long walk, charted by 90 plaques set in the ground that takes you within sight of famous buildings and locations associated with the Princess during her life.

London Attractions on Brigit's Bakery bus routes

Bridges of London and Tower Bridge

While traveling through the city, you’ll encounter several charming bridges over the River Thames. Although Tower Bridge isn’t directly on all our bus routes, it’s featured on our popular Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. With its unique design and fascinating history, Tower Bridge is a true symbol of London.

Built in 1894, Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge. This working bascule and suspension bridge exemplifies Victorian engineering. Visitors can explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes glass-floored walkways providing thrilling views of the Thames River and the road below. The stunning architecture of the bridge is complemented by the nearby Tower of London, making it a must-visit area for anyone interested in the city’s rich history. If you're ever there at night when the bridge is beautifully illuminated, be sure to take plenty of photos!

Other famous London bridges include:

London Bridge. One of the oldest Thames crossings, it's existed in various forms since the Roman period.
Millennium Bridge. An iconic pedestrian suspension bridge connecting St. Paul's Cathedral with the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Westminster Bridge. Located near the Houses of Parliament, it offers picturesque views of Big Ben.
Blackfriars Bridge. A road and railway bridge known for its striking design and Blackfriars Station on its northern bank.
Southwark Bridge. This road bridge links the City of London to Southwark, known for its beautiful Thames views.

These bridges not only serve as vital transport links but also offer a glimpse into London’s history and architecture.

London Attractions on Brigit's Bus Route

London Eye

Did you know that, on average, the London Eye receives more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza? When you're up on it, you can see up to 40 km in all directions (that’s as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day).

Here are some other fun facts:

In December 2005 the London Eye was lit pink in celebration of the first civil marriage partnership performed on the wheel.
The 32 capsules on the London Eye represent the 32 London boroughs and each one weighs as much as 1,052,631 pound coins.
Despite there only being 32 capsules, for superstitious reasons, the numbers are 1-33. For good luck, number 13 is left out.
The London Eye can carry 800 people each rotation, which is comparable to 11 London red double-decker buses. Imagine a fleet of 11 Brigit's Bakery buses - what a sight!
Not many people know that the London Eye had a predecessor – The Great Wheel, which was in working order from 1895 - 1906.
Capsules travel at a leisurely pace of 26cm per second, which is twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting. Funny, right?

London Attractions on Brigit's Bus Routes: London Eye

Tower of London

The Tower of London is not only one of the city’s most historic locations but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England, it has served various roles—the royal palace, fortress, prison, and treasury for the Crown Jewels. The Yeoman Warders (or “Beefeaters”) provide guided tours, sharing fascinating stories about its tumultuous history and the famous prisoners who were held there, including Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh.

The Tower of London is also home to the Crown Jewels, which include the crowns, sceptres, and other regalia of British monarchs. These exquisite pieces are a stunning testament to the history of the monarchy. Definitely worth a visit if you have time while in the area!

London Museums

Here are some of the museums on our bus route:

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is named after Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. It was opened to the public in 1857 and is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a staggering collection of 4.5 million items on display. It covers 12.5 acres with 145 galleries. The collections come from all over the world, spanning over 5,000 years of art, from ancient times to the present day. Like other national British museums, entrance to this museum has been free since 2001.

The Natural History Museum

This neo-gothic building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. It was opened in 1883, and, as the name may suggest, 'natural history' is the name of the game here. The museum exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. There are over 80 million items on display. It has five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. The museum even has a whole wing dedicated to the findings of Charles Darwin.

The Science Museum

The Science Museum was founded in 1857 and today is one of the city’s major tourist attractions, counting 3.3 million visitors annually. Did you know it's the most visited science and technology museum in Europe? There are over 15,000 objects on display, including world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket. With a large collection of interactive and hands-on technology for them to play with, it's fair to say that all children (and their grown-ups) love it!

Trafalgar Square

This bustling piazza is the largest square in London and an important historic landmark. It commemorates the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and serves as a strategic hub in central London. The square is where you might see a sign saying '20 miles to London,' as distances are measured from this point.

Originally, the area was the courtyard of the Great Mews serving Whitehall Palace. It underwent numerous changes throughout the 1800s until it officially became Trafalgar Square in 1830. The National Gallery, recognised by its large dome and built in 1832, anchors the square. After renovations suggested by architect Sir Charles Barry, Trafalgar Square was completed between 1840 and 1845. Fountains were added in 1845, and the iconic bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s Column were installed in 1867, designed by Edwin Landseer.

Today, Trafalgar Square is a vibrant gathering place for celebrations, protests, and cultural events. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the Fourth Plinth, which showcases contemporary artworks. The square is buzzing with street performers, food stalls, and tourists from around the globe. Most of our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours depart from and return to Trafalgar Square, making it an essential stop on your London visit. Before or after our bus tour, don't forget to take photos with the iconic lions that guard Nelson’s Column!

London Attractions on Brigit's Bus Tours: Big Ben & Westminster Abbey

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey

Completed in 1858, Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The tower housing the bell is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, a name given in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Towering at 316 feet, it's an iconic symbol of London and has served as a timekeeping beacon for the city. The clock mechanism is notable for its precision and the tower itself is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, making it a must-visit landmark for tourists and locals alike.

Formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, Westminster Abbey is one of the most significant religious buildings in the UK. Recognised for its stunning Gothic architecture, it's been the traditional site for the coronation and burial of English and later British monarchs. The Abbey is not only a place of worship but also a repository of national history, featuring numerous memorials and tombs of prominent figures. Its rich heritage and ongoing role in the ceremonies of the British monarchy make it an essential part of the nation’s cultural identity.

What are 7 places to visit in London?

If you're taking a tour of London and have a few days to spend in the capital, here are the top 7 places we'd recommend you visit.

Buckingham Palace. The official residence of the British monarch, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
London Eye.
Madame Tussauds. This famous wax museum allows you to get up close with lifelike figures of your favorite celebrities and historical icons.
Westminster Abbey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning architecture and royal ceremonies.
London Zoo. A family-friendly destination housing thousands of animals and offering interactive exhibits.
Hampton Court Palace. A historic royal palace packed with beautiful gardens and fascinating tales of Henry VIII.
The London Dungeon. A thrilling attraction that delves into the darker side of London’s history with live actors and spooky exhibits.

What are the special attractions in London?

Here are a few other attractions you won't want to miss:

British Museum. Home to a vast collection of world art and artifacts, the British Museum offers a glimpse into human history. Entrance is free, but attraction tickets are available for special exhibitions.
London Transport Museum. This museum showcases the city's transport history, featuring iconic vehicles and interactive exhibits. It's a fun and educational stop for families and history buffs alike.
London Aquarium. Located on the South Bank, the London Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. Explore a fascinating underwater world filled with exotic marine life.
Kensington Palace - a beautiful royal residence with enchanting gardens. Visitors can explore the State Apartments and the surrounding gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, these special attractions highlight the charm and heritage of London. But there's a lot more to see!

London Attractions on Brigit's Bus Tours: Marble Arch

What shouldn't you miss in London?

Over and above the top London attractions, here are a couple of experiences you definitely shouldn't miss:

Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tours. A unique twist on traditional afternoon tea aboard Brigit's Bakery iconic double-decker buses. Choose between the Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, the Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, or one of the many family-friendly tours, such as the Monopoly Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, or the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour.
Visit Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden. For a charming café experience, make sure to stop by Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden. Enjoy a selection of delectable cakes and pastries in a cosy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the city.

Which London attractions are your favourite?