Gin and tea on wheels.

This London tour is fun because it pairs Central London sightseeing with a proper Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea. I especially like that you’re not just sitting with snacks; you’re eating while London landmarks roll past outside. One thing to plan for: it’s a classic double-decker without doors, so the weather can affect how comfortable you feel.

The route hits big, recognizable stops like the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, with an audio guide in English to keep you oriented. You’ll also get a gin-focused afternoon that includes scones with jam and cream and a trio of Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic style drinks, served as part of the experience. The main drawback is practical, not dramatic: there are no toilets onboard, and the bus can’t stop during the tour.

Key things to know before you go

• Vintage Routemaster bus views that feel like old-school London, with landmark sightlines as you ride
• Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea with savories, cakes, and scones plus jam and cream
• Three Bombay Sapphire gin styles served as a tasting trio while you’re touring
• English audio guide so you can follow the route without needing to study maps
• Rain or shine comfort planning matters on an open-feel double-decker
• Top deck isn’t guaranteed, so be ready to enjoy the ride from anywhere

Getting on the Routemaster: Victoria or Trafalgar in about 90 minutes

This experience is built around one idea: keep London moving while you slow down for tea and gin. The tour runs for 1.5 hours, so you get a concentrated slice of Central London without turning the day into a planning project.

Your meeting point can be either Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square, depending on the option you book. Either way, the tour ends back at the meeting point, which is helpful when you’re trying to keep the rest of your itinerary simple. The host or greeter is English, and the audio guide is also in English, so you’ll have a consistent language experience from start to finish.

One practical note: buses are on schedule and they cannot wait for late passengers. This matters more than you’d think on a busy London day, so I’d treat the meeting time like a real appointment, not a loose suggestion.

Central London landmarks you’ll actually see from the bus

The sightseeing portion is the backbone of the tour. From the bus, you take in wide views of key Central London sights as you head through the city. Expect stop-and-see energy, but without the walking stress.

The route highlights include the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Marble Arch. These aren’t small landmarks that you might have to work to find. They’re major photo points, and the bus format makes it easier to see them from a comfortable seat while you’re already settled in.

Because this is a vintage Routemaster bus, you get that classic double-decker feeling. The tour is described as having a double-decker with no doors, which changes the vibe. In plain terms, it can feel a bit more open-air than modern buses. That’s part of the charm, especially on clear days, but it also means you’ll want to dress for the weather.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets motion-sensitive, keep in mind the tour is not suitable for people with motion sickness. The bus is part of the experience, so if you’re prone to nausea on vehicles, you’ll likely struggle even if the sights are great.

Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea: savories, cakes, and scones done right

This isn’t a token tea service. The tour’s afternoon tea comes from Brigit’s Bakery, with pastry chefs collaborating on the overall concept alongside Bombay Sapphire. That matters because you’re getting food that’s meant to be eaten during the ride, not just served as a formality.

You can expect a selection of savories and cakes, plus scones with jam and cream. The scones are the anchor here. They’re the kind of food you can recognize instantly as afternoon tea, and they’re also the easiest items to handle while you’re seated on a moving bus.

There are unlimited hot drinks included: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water. This is one of those details that improves the whole experience. If you finish one cup and want another, you’re not stuck deciding whether to interrupt your ride to buy a drink.

One more thoughtful detail: the tour description includes a gin-flavored twist to the afternoon tea, with a generous splash of gin in the tea experience. So yes, you’ll get traditional afternoon tea elements, but it’s customized for gin lovers rather than staying strictly classic.

The gin and tonic trio: Bombay Sapphire tasting in motion

The signature thrill is the trio of gin drinks. You get three distinct gin and tonic style options from Bombay Sapphire’s collection. The named highlights include Bombay Sapphire, Bombay Citron Pressé, and Bombay Bramble.

What I like about a trio like this is that it’s paced for people who don’t want to commit to one gin for the whole evening. You can compare flavors without turning it into a full-on bar crawl. Citron Pressé tends to read brighter and citrus-forward, while Bramble is typically more berry-leaning. Bombay Sapphire is the recognizable baseline. Together, they give you a simple tasting ladder, especially if you’re new to Bombay Sapphire’s range.

Also, the drink service is tied to the afternoon tea moment. It’s not an awkward stop where you feel like you’re separating tea from touring. You’re eating and sipping while landmarks slide past outside, which keeps the experience from feeling like two unrelated activities glued together.

There’s one limitation you should take seriously: the tour is not suitable for people with nut allergies. And it also says nut-free or coeliac diets cannot be catered to. So if your dietary needs are strict, this is one to verify early based on what’s included and what your tolerance is.

How the audio guide keeps the tour fun, not stressful

The audio guide is included and runs in English, which makes it easy to follow even if you’re not familiar with London’s landmarks. The value here is timing. When you’re on a bus, you don’t always have the energy to read signs, look up details, and keep everyone moving.

Instead, the audio guide helps you connect what you see with a quick explanation. That’s the sweet spot for this kind of tour: you want your sightseeing to make sense, but you don’t want it to turn into homework.

Because the ride is only 1.5 hours, the audio guide also helps you stay engaged. You’re less likely to drift when you know you’re getting brief context throughout the route.

Seating, the top deck, and the reality of no-doors comfort

This is the part that can make or break your experience. The bus is a classic double-decker without doors, which affects weather comfort. On a cool or rainy day, you’ll feel it more than you would on a modern, fully enclosed bus. The tour runs rain or shine, so bring layers and plan for changing conditions.

Also, availability of the top deck can’t be guaranteed. If you’re chasing the best views, you should still aim for the top deck when you board, but don’t count on it. In practice, the bottom deck can still be great for photos and landmark spotting, especially with the audio guide doing part of the work.

There are no toilets onboard, and the bus can’t stop during the tour. That means you should use facilities before you get on. It’s a short ride, but it’s long enough to be annoying if you’re caught needing a break.

Price and value: is $94.29 worth it?

At $94.29 per person, you’re paying for a bundled experience: bus sightseeing plus an afternoon tea service plus a gin tasting trio. In London, that bundle matters because transport, food, and drinks are usually purchased separately.

Here’s why I think the value works for the right person:

• You’re getting Central London views from a Routemaster bus, not just tea in a static setting
• You’re getting a full-style afternoon tea with savories, cakes, and scones with jam and cream
• You’re getting unlimited hot drinks alongside the drinks tasting
• You’re getting a named tasting trio (Bombay Sapphire, Citron Pressé, Bramble), which feels like a structured experience rather than random sipping

The price feels less justified if you’re only interested in one part. If you want tea but not the gin side, or if you’re mainly chasing landmarks but not interested in a tasting, you might find a separate sightseeing option fits better. But if you like food, views, and a guided sipping moment, this price is easier to stomach.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is designed for adults, since it’s not suitable for children under 18. It also calls out a few groups to be careful with, like people with motion sickness.

I’d put this at the top of the list if you’re:

• celebrating a birthday or marking a special night out
• traveling as a group of friends who like food and drinks, not just photos
• a gin lover who wants a simple, guided tasting in a scenic setting

It’s not a fit if:

• you need nut-free or coeliac diet accommodations (those can’t be catered to)
• you get motion sick on buses
• you strongly prefer a fully enclosed bus experience in bad weather
• you need onboard toilets during the ride

If you’re traveling with a wheelchair user, only foldable wheelchairs are permitted, and it needs to be mentioned when booking. Since top deck access isn’t guaranteed, it’s smart to plan for where you can comfortably view landmarks from your assigned spot.

Should you book this Gin and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

Book it if you want a one-and-a-half-hour London plan that mixes three things people usually do separately: sightseeing, afternoon tea, and gin tasting. The route covers recognizable landmarks like the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, while the food and drink pieces make the ride feel like an occasion, not a bus transfer.

Think twice if weather comfort, toilets, or strict dietary needs are major concerns. With no toilets onboard and no guarantee of the top deck, you’ll have to be comfortable with the format.

If your ideal day includes a seated experience, a clear route, and structured sipping, this tour is a strong pick. If you prefer flexible stops, total discretion over food choices, or enclosed comfort, you may be happier with a different style of sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the London Gin and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

The meeting point varies depending on the option you book. It can be either Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the afternoon tea?

You get a selection of savories and cakes, plus scones served with jam and cream. Tea is provided as part of the Brigit’s Bakery experience.

What gin drinks are included?

You’ll be served three different styles from Bombay Sapphire’s collection, including Bombay Sapphire, Bombay Citron Pressé, and Bombay Bramble.

Are hot drinks included, and is there enough for refills?

Yes. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water are included, and hot drinks are listed as unlimited.

Is there an audio guide?

Yes. The audio guide is included and is available in English.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No. There are no toilets onboard, and the bus cannot stop during the tour.

Can the bus wait for late passengers?

No. Buses are on schedule and cannot wait for late passengers.

Can the tour cater to nut-free or coeliac diets?

No. Nut-free and coeliac diets cannot be catered to.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18 years.