Paddington Themed Afternoon Tea: What to Expect

Looking for a unique family day out in London that combines sightseeing, delicious food, and a national treasure? Then a Paddington themed afternoon tea on a vintage London bus sounds exactly what you're after!

This isn't your typical afternoon tea bus London experience. It's a 90-minute journey through Central London aboard a beautifully decorated Paddington-themed Routemaster bus, where families enjoy freshly prepared treats while taking in the city's most iconic landmarks.

What makes this experience special?

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour brings together everything families love: great food, London sightseeing, and the magic of Paddington Bear himself. It's one of those things to do in London with kids that works brilliantly because it keeps everyone entertained from start to finish.

Each table comes with a built-in screen featuring Paddington-guided animation, so as you roll past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, and St Paul's Cathedral, Paddington and Mrs Bird share stories about London's famous landmarks and the bear's own adventures and mishaps.

The bus itself is stunning. Our iconic double-decker Routemaster is decorated in Paddington's signature red and blue, creating that instant sense of occasion from the moment you board. Children love spotting familiar Paddington details throughout the journey - and (not so secretly) adults do too!

Who is this experience ideal for?

Is the Paddington Afternoon Tea suitable for families?

Absolutely! This themed afternoon tea London experience is designed with families in mind. The menu features familiar favourites that appeal to both children and adults. And the sightseeing element means parents can relax and enjoy London's views while children are captivated by Paddington's stories.

Grandparents often love to join our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours, making them wonderful family activities London parents and grandparents choose for multi-generational outings. There's something genuinely special about three generations sharing afternoon tea together on a vintage bus!

What age groups is the experience best suited for?

The sweet spot for this experience tends to be children aged 5-12. That said, we've seen plenty of teenagers and adults thoroughly enjoy the experience too. After all, Paddington Bear has been charming British families since 1958, so there's often a nostalgic element for grown-ups too.

Is this a good option for a family day out in London?

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is an excellent choice for a family day out 'London style', particularly if you're looking for something that combines multiple experiences in one neat package. You get afternoon tea, sightseeing, and entertainment all rolled into 90 minutes.

The timing works well too - tours run throughout the day, so you can easily build a full day around it. It's one of the unique things to do in London that families combine with other attractions, including museums or parks.

Can you combine this with Paddington the Musical for a full day out?

Yes, and it makes for a wonderful Paddington-themed day! Paddington the Musical is currently playing at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End. The show features show-stopping songs, dazzling choreography, and of course, marmalade sandwiches. It's based on Michael Bond's beloved books with a story inspired by the award-winning 2014 film.

You could easily do the Paddington Afternoon The Bus Tour earlier in the day (12:30 or 3pm), and then head to the theatre for an evening performance. It creates a full Paddington experience that children (and adults) will talk about for months.

We also serve our Paddington Afternoon Tea at our Covent Garden Bakery, just around the corner from the Savoy. In a jungle-themed room, you can enjoy your afternoon tea as if you were in Peru. This is an ideal option if you have children under 5years old in your group.

Birthday ideas London for kids

Is this a good experience for a children's birthday party?

This is one of the most popular birthday ideas London parents can choose - and for good reasons! The experience feels special and memorable without being stressful to organise. Everything is taken care of, the entertainment is built in, and every child even goes home with a Paddington-themed travel cup as a keepsake. The tours run regularly, so you can book for your child's actual birthday or the nearest weekend.

Can you hire the Paddington Afternoon Tea bus for birthdays or private events?

Yes! The Paddington bus is available for private hire, which is perfect for larger birthday celebrations or special family occasions. The entire bus is available exclusively for your group. You set the departure time, and the experience is tailored to your celebration.

Is this a good activity for school holidays?

The Paddington afternoon tea bus is an ideal school holiday activity. It gets children out of the house, keeps them engaged, and gives parents a relaxing experience at the same time. No one gets tired from walking, and the 90-minute duration is just right for keeping everyone excited.

Summer holidays, half-term breaks, Easter, and Christmas periods are particularly popular times for families to book. The tour runs all year-round, and there's even a special Paddington Christmas Lights version from early November to the end of December, where the 5:30pm departure showcases the spectacular Regent Street Christmas lights.

Special occasions and celebrations

Is this a good experience for special occasions or celebrations?

Beyond birthdays, families book the Paddington afternoon tea for all sorts of celebrations - from end-of-term treats to welcome visits for relatives from abroad. There's something about afternoon tea on a vintage bus that makes an ordinary day into a beautiful occasion.

Is this good for a group experience for families or friends?

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour works brilliantly for groups. Multiple families often book together, or extended family groups use it as a reunion activity. The bus layout means different groups can sit together at their own tables while still sharing the overall experience.

Is the Paddington Afternoon Tea a good gift or surprise experience?

Gift vouchers for the Paddington afternoon tea make thoughtful presents for families. It's the kind of experience people genuinely appreciate receiving because it's something they might not book for themselves, but absolutely love once they're there.

Grandparents often gift this to grandchildren, godparents to godchildren, or aunts and uncles to nieces and nephews. When you think about it, it's a gift that creates memories rather than clutter. What's not to like about it?

What to expect on the day

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour departs from Trafalgar Square and runs throughout the week. The 90-minute journey takes you past London's most famous landmarks while you enjoy a menu that includes (of course) the best marmalade sandwich ever, alongside finger sandwiches, mini pizzas, sweet treats, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a choice of hot drinks.

Full dietary options are available, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, and Gluten-free menus. If the grown ups in your group fancy adding a glass of bubbly to your afternoon tea, you can do so when booking.

What our customers say

Here's what some of our recent customers had to say:

• A real must-do. Great tour. Staff was awesome, both service and tour guiding. We had a great time and it was a lot of fun not only for the kids. Not to mention the delicious food. Definitely the highlight of our vacation. Thank you. - Matthias K.
• Great experience. Bought as present for my mum, she was so amazed by the whole experience, food on offer and service. [...] you could see really went above and beyond and made everyone have a good time. Great experience not just for kids but also adults. - Sabrina T.
• Must do if you want to visit London but don’t have that much time. Combines Afternoon tea and Bus tour perfectly. You can visit a bunch of places in London while eating small and cute little treats. [...] The staff [...] were all very kind and helpful and brave for carrying everything through a moving and bumpy bus. Overall a must do experience for visiting in a short amount of time and learning new information about London as well. - Natacha.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

What will we see on the Paddington Afternoon Tea bus tour?

The tour passes iconic London landmarks including Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson's Column, Downing Street, St Paul's Cathedral, and Piccadilly Circus. Paddington and Mrs Bird provide commentary throughout, sharing fun facts and stories about each location.

How long does the experience last?

The tour runs for approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Can adults enjoy this even without children?

Absolutely! While it's designed with families in mind, plenty of adult Paddington fans book the tour for themselves. The quality of the food, the charm of the vintage bus, and the unique London sightseeing experience appeal to all ages.

Is this suitable for very young children under 5?

The tour is recommended for ages 5 and up because there are no toilets onboard and it lasts 90 minutes. Parents know their own children best, but this is something to consider when deciding if it's right for younger ones. Do try our Paddington Afternoon Tea at our Covent Garden Bakery if you have children under 5 years old.

Ready to book your Paddington adventure?

For full details about departure times, menus, pricing, and availability, visit the main Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour page. You'll find everything you need to book your bear-tastic London adventure.