A singing afternoon tea on the Thames. I love the combo of traditional finger food and an ABBA soundtrack while you glide past London’s biggest sights. My one caution is that the tea-bus format can feel warm, and a few people wish the food and song list were even better.

You’re not stuck in one spot with a tray. You get your cup, your pastries, and a moving view of landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London from the water, with stops along the way through areas such as Waterloo and Westminster. The main trade-off is simple: it’s short, so you’ll want this as a fun add-on day plan, not your only London sightseeing.

Key takeaways before you go

• ABBA sing-along while touring: friendly energy built around well-known hits and group participation
• Afternoon tea included: finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, plus a drink of prosecco or soft drink
• Landmark views from the river: Big Ben, London Eye, Shard, and Tower of London are front and center
• Small comfort limits: no onboard toilets, and you may share tables
• Music can be hit-or-miss: some songs everyone knows, but not always the exact set you’d expect
• Food options exist, but plan ahead: vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free are offered if you request in time

A moving afternoon tea with ABBA hits over the Thames

This is afternoon tea with a twist: you’re on a bus that runs a sightseeing route, and the vibe is ABBA sing-along from start to finish. Expect a classic British tea setup—sandwiches, scones, and sweets—served as you pass landmark after landmark. It’s a fun way to do the famous parts of London without turning the day into a long walking marathon.

I like that the tour is built for relaxation. You’re not rushing between stops; you’re simply eating and singing while the city slides by. It also helps if you’re traveling with mixed ages, since the atmosphere isn’t just “tour mode.”

The “not perfect for everyone” part: because it’s a short ride, you don’t get deep context about each monument. If you want history lectures and museum-level detail, pair this with something else.

Meeting the pink English Tea Bus at Golden Tours Stop 1

Your day starts with a clear visual: meet at Golden Tours Stop 1, looking for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on its side. Give yourself a little buffer, especially if you’re arriving by foot or public transport and aren’t sure where the stop is.

This experience is also very practical about what to bring. Bring a camera so you can capture the river views, and bring water because it’s easy to get warm out on an afternoon tour. The route can shift due to road closures and traffic, so plan to stay flexible rather than treating it like a precision clock.

One small but real comfort note: the seating is arranged for viewing, and you might have to share tables. If you’re picky about personal space, arrive with a calm mindset and make it a social moment.

The 1.5-hour route: Waterloo to Westminster, then London Bridge

Even though the total tour time is 1.5 hours, you’ll see a lot of London’s “postcard” monuments by staying on the water-view route. The most-mentioned areas to watch for include Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge—those stretches are where the skyline scenes feel the most immediate.

Here’s how to think about the viewing arc. Early on, you’re positioned to spot the big civic landmarks that define central London. Later, the route brings you into the river stretch where iconic architecture stacks visually—so the Big Ben area and the London Eye type views tend to land close together.

As you continue, the sights most often called out include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben, the Shard, and the Tower of London. You’ll especially enjoy it if you like seeing the city from a different angle than the typical street-level look.

The possible drawback is also tied to the same thing: you’ll be shooting photos and eating at the same time. If you’re traveling with someone who gets easily distracted, agree in advance on what “must-see” photos matter most to you.

Afternoon tea details: sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and your drink

The heart of the experience is the afternoon tea. You’ll get traditional finger sandwiches, plus a selection of sweet treats. Fresh scones are part of the serving, and you’ll also be offered fine tea along with cupcakes and other desserts.

You also get a drink with your tea. It’s a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, depending on what you choose. If you’re doing the prosecco, note the age rule: alcohol is served only to those 18 and over with a valid ID ready.

Food quality seems to be the one area where opinions split a bit. Many people describe the tea as tasty and generous, and a few notes suggest the sandwiches could be improved. So if you’re a super picky tea-snacker, set your expectations as: good afternoon tea, not a fine-dining banquet.

Dietary needs: request early, and plan for limits

The menu includes options for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, you need to inform the team at least 24 hours before your visit. If you wait until the day-of, you may not be able to get the requested meal.

One more allergy reality check: they also can’t guarantee that all foods haven’t had contact with nuts or other allergens. If allergies are serious, I’d treat this as a “request carefully and confirm” situation rather than a guaranteed-safe meal.

Little touches that make it feel special

A couple of smart “small extras” show up in the experience. I like that some groups receive colored sunglasses, and that you may get reusable cups as souvenirs. Those touches don’t replace the main tea and sights, but they make the moment feel more like an event.

ABBA sing-along energy: what it feels like in real time

The ABBA part is the signature. The expectation is that you’ll sing along to ABBA top hits as you pass landmarks, with staff keeping the group involved. The staff may encourage calls like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and you’ll see the fun side of London tourism: a little silly, in a good way.

I love how this breaks the “sit quietly and look” tourist routine. If you enjoy group sing-alongs, this will feel like permission to relax and act a bit goofy with strangers who are in on the joke.

That said, the music selection can vary in your enjoyment level. Some people loved the hit parade; others felt the set leaned toward songs they didn’t know, or that the most famous tracks weren’t as present as they hoped. If you’re extremely attached to a specific handful of ABBA songs, don’t assume every single “big one” is guaranteed to be included.

Also remember: the music is part of the comfort trade-off. If you’re sensitive to loud audio, bring earplugs or choose to position yourself where you can still talk.

Staff and service: Chris, Odun, and a smoother experience

Service matters a lot on an event like this, because you’re eating while also trying to enjoy views through windows. Many people praised the experience for professionalism and kindness, including named staff members like Chris (noted as exceptional) and Odun (noted as super kind and helpful with photos).

I like that the staff isn’t just hovering; they step in to help with practical things like taking pictures. If you’ve ever struggled to get a good landmark photo without creating a “camera chaos” scene, you’ll probably appreciate the extra help.

There are also signs the team pays attention to moments. One review mentioned a thoughtful birthday shout-out, which tells me the staff is watching the group, not just running a script.

Comfort, rules, and who this tour fits best

This is where you should be honest with yourself, because these rules shape the experience.

First: there are no toilets on-board. Plan accordingly before you board.

Second: there’s a no smoking rule, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond what’s specifically served under the age policy. If you drink prosecco, have your ID ready.

Third: it’s not built for everyone’s physical comfort. The experience is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with back problems. Wheelchair access is handled oddly: wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck, but the experience is also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. If you need wheelchair support, you should confirm details with the provider directly before booking.

Finally: the bus can get hot. That may sound minor, but it affects how much you enjoy your tea and how patient you are during photo stops. Wearing breathable layers is a good idea.

Children and age rules

If you’re traveling with kids, keep this straight: children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and under 5s are not allowed. If you’re bringing a family, this tour can work well because it’s playful, but only within the age rules listed.

Price and value: is $79 worth 1.5 hours?

At about $79 per person for 1.5 hours, the value depends on what you’re comparing it to.

This isn’t just tea. You’re paying for:

• A plated afternoon tea experience with sandwiches, scones, and sweets
• A drink: prosecco or soft drink
• A sightseeing cruise-by style route with major landmarks visible from the water
• The event factor: ABBA sing-along energy and staff-led fun

So, if you want London highlights in a compact time box, plus the comfort of someone handling the serving and timing, it can feel like a good deal. It’s also a strong choice if you don’t want to spend your whole day on long transfers and waiting lines.

If you’re traveling solo on a tight budget, or if you mainly want quiet scenic views with minimal event noise, you might feel the price is more than you need. In that case, you’d likely prefer a standard walking route or a simple river sightseeing plan and buy tea separately.

Should you book the Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus?

I’d book this if you want a light, fun London experience where the hard part is deciding which landmark photo to take first. The combination of afternoon tea, major sights like Big Ben and the Tower of London, and ABBA sing-along creates an event you can remember without needing to plan every minute.

Don’t book if:

• You need toilets on-board
• You have back issues, are pregnant, or need reliable wheelchair suitability beyond what’s listed
• You’re very sensitive to crowd energy, heat, or loud music
• Your goal is deep historical storytelling rather than quick views and fun

If you do book, bring a small “tea touring” mindset: eat steadily, sip often, and pick a short list of must-see sights. Also, if dietary restrictions matter, send them in 24 hours ahead so you get the right meal.

FAQ

How long is the Here We Go Again Afternoon Tea Bus?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the bus?

Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on its side.

Is prosecco included in the afternoon tea?

Yes. Your afternoon tea includes a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. Alcohol is served only to guests 18 and over, with valid ID.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No. There are no toilets on-board.

Can children join this experience?

Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and under 5s are not allowed.

What if I have dietary requirements or allergies?

The menu offers standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. If you need a special meal due to dietary requirements, you must inform the provider at least 24 hours before your visit. They can’t accommodate dietary requests on the day-of, and they can’t guarantee food hasn’t come into contact with nuts or other allergens.

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