“Here We Go Again” London Afternoon Tea Bus

REVIEW · AFTERNOON TEA & CREAM TEA EXPERIENCES

“Here We Go Again” London Afternoon Tea Bus

4.5 · 110 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $68 Operated by Golden Tours Gray Line London · Bookable on Viator
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ABBA, tea, and London landmarks, all in one ride. This London Afternoon Tea Bus packages big-name sightseeing with an ABBA party vibe, served from an iconic double-decker while you listen to English audio on the move.

I like two things in particular. First, the afternoon tea is included, and you can choose vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or a standard menu. Second, the format mixes sightseeing with an easy social setup, so you’ll have time to chat while you roll past major sights.

My main caution is about expectations. The experience leans more on recorded narration than a live guide, and the ABBA sound mix may not feel like constant ABBA the whole way, depending on the moment.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

"Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Up to 26 people keeps the bus from feeling too chaotic.
  • Afternoon tea with dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, standard) makes it easy to order.
  • Prosecco included for 21+ with a clear policy for under 21.
  • Audio guide in English, not a live guide means you get facts, but on a recording.
  • Landmark lineup includes Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.
  • ABBA theme timing can vary, so build the plan around fun, not a nonstop concert.

Other tea sittings we booked

ABBA Afternoon Tea from a Double-Decker, and Why It Works

"Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus - ABBA Afternoon Tea from a Double-Decker, and Why It Works
London has plenty of afternoon tea experiences, and plenty of ABBA-themed nights. This one tries to mash both into a single 1.5 hour outing, which is exactly why it’s such a practical pick.

The real appeal is that you’re not stuck in one room. You get tea, you get sweets, and you also get moving views of London icons from an iconic double-decker. That matters when you’re tight on time, or when the rest of your trip is packed with museums and long walks.

It also has a built-in social rhythm. You’ll eat and drink at a steady pace while the bus rolls, and it’s easier to mingle because everyone is doing the same thing at the same time.

What’s Included in the Tea Lunch, and What You Might Want to Plan For

"Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus - What’s Included in the Tea Lunch, and What You Might Want to Plan For
Your ticket includes lunch-style afternoon tea on board. The menu options are clearly laid out: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or standard. If you’re traveling with dietary needs, that’s a big plus for peace of mind.

You’ll also get an alcoholic beverage if you’re age 21 or older, specifically a glass of Prosecco. If you’re under 21, you’ll still get a non-alcoholic option instead. So the vibe stays party-friendly without turning into a guessing game.

One more inclusion that shapes the experience: there’s an English audio guide. That helps you understand what you’re seeing near stops, but it also means you won’t get the back-and-forth of a live expert.

So here’s the practical takeaway: this is best for people who want a smooth, low-effort way to see highlights, sip tea, and enjoy music, rather than people seeking deep, live storytelling.

The Route: Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and Tower Bridge Stops

This afternoon-tea bus is built around three heavyweight landmarks. You’ll spend your ride in the orbit of some of the most photographed architecture in London.

Also rated well in London

Westminster Abbey, Near Parliament Square

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s defining sights. It sits by Parliament Square, with the Houses of Parliament nearby and Big Ben in the neighborhood. The abbey is a large Gothic church, and it’s traditionally tied to coronations.

What’s useful for you is that this stop gives you an instant sense of place. Even if you don’t step inside, you’re oriented to one of the city’s most important ceremonial zones.

A practical consideration: the tour is only about 1.5 hours. So any landmark time is likely brief. If you love photographing stonework or want to linger, save extra time for a standalone visit later.

The London Eye, 135 Meters of Big Views

Next up is the London Eye. The tour approach here is all about perspective. The Eye has iconic glass capsules, and it rises 135 meters into the sky, giving you a city-from-above view.

The information you’ll be offered includes the idea of fast track versus standard tickets. If your booking or stop options give you any choice here, it’s the kind of decision that can matter when crowds are heavy.

What I’d plan for: the London Eye experience is best when you’re ready to trade a chunk of time for views. With this tour’s tight timing, you might only get the lead-in, not a full capsule moment. If your priority is going up, check what your ticket includes at the Eye stop before you assume you’ll board.

Tower Bridge, With the Steel-Build Facts

Tower Bridge brings a different kind of interest. It spans a history over 135 years, and it took 8 years to build. The construction numbers are striking, including over 11,000 tonnes of steel used for the towers and walkways.

The stop is also framed around walking walkways and engaging with interactive displays and exhibitions. That’s great if you like turning sightseeing into a mini activity, not just looking.

The only caution: if you’re expecting the walkways experience to happen in full, remember the tour is short. You may only get a view-and-orientation, so if Tower Bridge is a must-do, plan a separate visit where you can actually take your time.

Food and Drink Reality Check: Tea, Sandwiches, Desserts, and Prosecco

Afternoon tea on a bus is convenient, but it comes with quirks. The tea and sweets are part of the fun, and the included desserts are often the easiest win. When things are going well, the sweet course feels worth the ticket by itself.

The tea sandwiches are more mixed in texture. Some people found them a bit soggy, which can happen when food has to be served quickly and handled in a moving environment.

Then there’s the Prosecco. A recurring theme to watch for is that it can be served a little warm. That matters if you like crisp, cold bubbles. Still, the Prosecco is included, so you get the party element without hunting down a drink.

Also note how tea is served. It may come in a cute plastic souvenir mug. It’s a small detail, but it affects the experience feel. If you care about classic tea-cup aesthetics, you might find this more playful than traditional.

My advice: treat the food as “solid and fun” rather than “fine dining.” If you’re the type who needs everything perfect, you may leave slightly underwhelmed. If you want a comfortable break that pairs well with sightseeing, you’ll probably enjoy it.

The ABBA Factor: Songs, Sing-Alongs, and Expectation Management

"Here We Go Again" London Afternoon Tea Bus - The ABBA Factor: Songs, Sing-Alongs, and Expectation Management
Let’s talk about the ABBA part, because it’s the main reason many people book this.

The good news is the experience is designed around ABBA music and a chance to sing along while you watch London from the bus. If you grew up with ABBA or you’re on a “Mamma Mia” mood, you’ll likely enjoy the soundtrack during the ride.

The less predictable part is how nonstop the ABBA theme feels. At least some departures may start with non-ABBA music, and ABBA playtime may feel shorter than you expected. If your dream is an uninterrupted ABBA playlist from start to finish, you may want a different kind of evening that guarantees it.

So I’d frame it this way: this is a sightseeing-and-snacks show with ABBA sprinkled in, not a concert with theatrical staging.

Audio Guide vs. Live Commentary, and What That Means for You

You’re getting an English audio guide, which is handy because it keeps the timing consistent. Recorded narration can quickly point out why a building matters, like Westminster Abbey’s coronation tradition or Tower Bridge’s steel build story.

But it also means you won’t have the chance to ask questions or get tailor-made explanations. If you like dialogue, interaction, and deeper rabbit holes, this may feel a bit one-directional.

This is where knowing your style helps. If you prefer structured highlights and moving on, audio works well. If you want human storytelling, budget a separate time for a guided walking tour or museum visit where you can ask questions.

Practical Value: Does 68.06 Make Sense for 1.5 Hours?

At $68.06 per person, the question is not just price, it’s what you’re getting for that time window.

You’re paying for:

  • Afternoon tea (with multiple dietary options)
  • a glass of Prosecco for 21+
  • an audio guide in English
  • sightseeing along three major landmarks
  • the convenience of the bus format, so you’re not planning each stop on your own

For a short London afternoon, that can be a good value if your priorities are simple: eat well, enjoy the music vibe, and see the big landmarks without extra ticket planning.

Where the value can fall short is when your expectations are strict. If you expect a live guide, longer stops, or a guaranteed nonstop ABBA soundtrack, the ticket may feel expensive for what ends up being a light-touch experience.

My rule of thumb: book it when you want fun and convenience more than depth and control.

Timing, Check-In, and Getting the Best Seat on the Bus

Your tour starts at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way Departure Point, located at Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, UK. The experience ends back at the meeting point, and it runs about 1 hour 30 minutes.

It’s also close to public transportation, which helps because this is not a hotel pick-up style tour. Build that into your day plan, and give yourself time to get there without stress.

Group size is capped at 26 people. That’s small enough that you can have a calmer ride, but big enough that you’re still sharing space with a full bus party.

Seat advice is simple and useful: if your plan depends on window views, arrive early and pick the best side you can. One caution from past experiences is that window cleanliness can affect visibility. If clear views are a big deal for you, don’t assume every window will look camera-ready.

Also think about weather. One complaint in similar formats is that the bus can run very hot. Bring layers you can manage, and keep water on your personal packing list if you tend to get warm.

Who Should Book This Bus Tea, and Who Should Skip It

Book it if:

  • You want a playful London afternoon that mixes sightseeing with a sit-down meal
  • ABBA music is a key part of your trip mood
  • You like meeting other people easily because the schedule is fixed and shared
  • You want dietary options handled for you, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices

Skip it if:

  • You want nonstop ABBA music and will be upset if the soundtrack shifts
  • You expect a live guide with detailed, interactive commentary
  • You’re hoping for long, fully timed landmark visits like you’d get on a dedicated Tower Bridge or London Eye excursion

There’s a sweet spot here for short-attention planners. If you’re the type who likes a lot of variety in a small time window, this fits.

Should You Book the Here We Go Again London Afternoon Tea Bus?

I’d book this if your goal is an easy afternoon that blends afternoon tea with big-name London sights and a feel-good ABBA soundtrack. The ticket includes the food, the audio guide, and a Prosecco perk for 21+, so you’re not constantly paying extra.

I would think twice if you need deep landmark explanations or you want ABBA as a guaranteed nonstop soundtrack. This is more of a fun, packaged experience than a hardcore music event or a serious guided history tour.

If you’re celebrating something, one small thing to remember is that announcements may focus on birthdays and anniversaries, not every type of milestone. If that matters, keep your expectations friendly and flexible.

FAQ

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

The experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is included with the ticket?

It includes lunch afternoon tea, an audio guide in English, and a glass of Prosecco for guests 21 years old and above.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options?

Yes. You can choose between vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or standard afternoon tea menus.

Is there a live guide on board?

No. The experience includes an audio guide in English, not a live guide.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way Departure Point (Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, UK) and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are on the bus?

The tour has a maximum of 26 people.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you care more about the ABBA music or the landmarks, and I’ll help you decide if this fits your London schedule.