Is this the most British thing to do in London?

Picture this: a warm cup of tea, a tier of finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, and the sights of the capital rolling past your window - all aboard a classic red double-decker bus. If you’re looking for the most British thing to do in London, it’s hard to imagine anything that captures the spirit of the city quite like this!

Afternoon tea, a vintage Routemaster, and London sightseeing, all in one go. It’s a combination so distinctly British that even seasoned travellers can’t quite believe it exists. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Travel vloggers The Endless Adventure joined us aboard our afternoon tea bus and shared their first-hand verdict - and they summed it up perfectly.

What makes an afternoon tea bus tour a quintessentially British experience?

Three things come together to create something uniquely British, and each one is a London icon in its own right.

• Traditional afternoon tea - a much-loved British ritual dating back generations, complete with sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, jam, and a proper pot of tea. Anyone familiar with the afternoon tea etiquette?
• The red double-decker bus - few things are as instantly recognisable as a classic London Routemaster.
• London sightseeing - the capital’s most famous landmarks (including iconic royal attractions and stunning bridges), seen from the best seat in the city.

Put them together and you get a British experience in London that you simply can’t recreate anywhere else. It’s little wonder that first-time visitors and lifelong Londoners alike come away feeling they’ve done something unmistakably British.

What did The Endless Adventure think of the experience?

The travel duo came aboard not quite knowing what to expect, and left thoroughly charmed. Here’s what stood out to them.

• On the concept, they called it “maybe the coolest way to do afternoon tea in London” - a tour of the city served with tea and treats on, in their words, “an awesome old-school red London bus.”
• On the food, they were pleasantly surprised by just how much there was. Alongside the tea, coffee, sandwiches and quiche came the sweet treats, which they said “look really good.” They were especially delighted by the scones: “I didn’t know that we were going to get proper scones and cream! That’s awesome!”
• On the generous portions, they noted there was “a lot more food than I thought they were going to” bring, which is where a very practical British touch comes in.
• On the takeaway boxes, they loved that nothing goes to waste. Rather than 'stuff your face', as they put it, you can keep it classy and save the rest for later. And the travel mug? “The cup is a gift!”
• On the tour itself, they found it “a lot of fun, enjoyable and super relaxing.” Over the hour and a half, they enjoyed the highlights of the landmarks rolling by and, as experienced travellers who’d done plenty of walking tours, they were pleased to say they “did learn some new things.”

What is included in the Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea bus experience?

Climb aboard and you’ll find a full afternoon tea served at your table as the city drifts past. Expect:

• A selection of finger sandwiches and savoury bites.
• Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam.
• An assortment of sweet treats and pastries.
• A choice of teas, plus coffee - served in a keepsake travel cup that’s yours to take home.
• Takeaway boxes, so you can enjoy anything you don’t finish later.

At the back of your menu, you’ll also find a charming little route map showing the journey ahead, so you can follow along as the landmarks appear. Traditional, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal and Gluten-free menus are all available, so there’s something for everyone at the table.

What London sights can you see along the way?

This is where the sightseeing magic happens. As The Endless Adventure discovered, the route takes you past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, with plenty more besides. Their tour even passed through Notting Hill, the famous neighbourhood made iconic by the film of the same name.

From your seat on the top deck, you’ll take in a sweep of the capital’s best-loved sights - the kind of view you simply don’t get on foot.

During the festive season, you also get see London's famous Christmas Lights on a variety of our bus tours, find out more about the Christmas bus tour routes here.

Why combine afternoon tea with London sightseeing?

Because why do one when you can do both? Rather than choosing between a sit-down afternoon tea and a sightseeing tour, you get the best of each in a single, relaxing experience. There’s no rushing between attractions, no queueing, and no tired feet - just a comfortable seat, a steady stream of treats, and the city putting on a show outside your window.

It’s an efficient way to see London, yes, but it’s also a genuinely lovely one. As our guests often tell us, it’s the relaxed pace that makes it so special.

Is this a good experience for visitors looking for something different to do in London?

Absolutely. If you’ve already ticked off the usual attractions, or you simply want a unique experience in London that feels special, this is it. It works beautifully for visitors wanting a taste of British tradition, for locals treating out-of-town guests, and for anyone marking a birthday or celebration.

It’s a real hit with children, too. The novelty of taking tea on a big red bus, the sweet treats, and the landmarks rolling past all make it an easy, fun day out for younger guests - and with no walking involved, there are no tired little legs to contend with.

It’s also wonderfully accessible, with a warm, comfortable setting whatever the British weather decides to do.

A quintessential London experience worth booking

Afternoon tea, a classic red bus, and the sights of the capital: it’s hard to think of a more memorable way to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve called London home for years, our afternoon tea bus tour offers a fresh way to fall in love with the city all over again.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit our Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour page for the latest menus, routes, times and booking.

FAQs about our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours

How long does the afternoon tea bus tour last?

Around 90 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy a full afternoon tea while taking in London’s landmarks.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. Alongside our Traditional menu, we also offer Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal and Gluten-free options - just choose your preference when you book. The above links are for our classic tour, our themed tours have different afternoon tea menus which can be found on their individual tour pages.

Do I get to keep anything from the tour?

You do. The travel cup is yours to take home, and you’ll be given takeaway boxes for any treats you don’t finish.

Is it suitable for visitors who don’t know London well?

Definitely. An onboard guide points out the highlights as you pass them, so you’ll learn about the city along the way - even seasoned travellers pick up something new.

Ready to do the most British thing in London?

There’s no better way to combine tradition, sightseeing and a proper cup of tea. Book your Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour today and see the city the British way.