Tea, songs, and London views from a bus.

This pink, ABBA-themed afternoon tea ride mixes classic British tea with playful sing-along energy as you pass famous landmarks from the water.

I like two things a lot: the afternoon tea itself (finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones) and the chance to see skyline highlights like Big Ben and the London Eye from a new angle—while you’re busy enjoying the meal.

One possible drawback: there’s no toilet on board, so plan ahead, especially if you’re booking a later seating.

Key points at a glance

• ABBA sing-along soundtrack: friendly staff keep the mood up with hits from the pop era.
• Classic afternoon tea package: finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones served during the ride.
• Landmark views from the water: Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London show up along the route.
• Prosecco or soft drink included: alcohol is only for ages 18+ with valid ID.
• Limited onboard facilities: no toilets, plus some seats are fixed, so comfort and access matter.
• Routes can change: traffic and road closures can shift the exact sightseeing.

A Pink Bus, Afternoon Tea, and an ABBA Sing-Along

London already has plenty of afternoon tea options. This one adds a stage, a soundtrack, and a moving viewpoint.

Picture a pink striped bus with a big English Tea Bus sign, where the vibe is part party and part traditional British treat. You’ll get finger sandwiches, sweet bites, and scones—then you’ll likely be singing along to ABBA’s big songs as London landmarks roll by outside.

Just note the wording on the concept: it’s not official and not endorsed by ABBA. If you’re expecting an authentic ABBA-branded production, you might feel differently. But if you want a fun, music-forward way to enjoy tea and sightseeing, this format works.

Where You Meet the English Tea Bus (and What You’ll See First)

Your start point is Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for the pink striped bus with the large English Tea Bus sign on the side. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not scrambling for transit at the end.

I’d treat arriving a bit early as part of the plan. One of the recurring frustrations is simple: people have trouble finding the meeting spot when they arrive before the exact start window. If you’re early and unsure, take a moment to re-check the stop sign and bus color rather than assuming it’s already underway.

Also, this is a no hotel pickup experience. You’ll be handling your own way to the stop. That’s not bad—it just means you should plan your schedule around your meeting time, not around someone else’s.

How the 1.5-Hour Ride Actually Feels

The experience runs for about 1.5 hours, and start times depend on availability. With a duration this length, the day-of flow is simple: meet, settle, tea service and photo moments, then the ride back.

London traffic can be unpredictable. The route is subject to change due to road closures and congestion, so don’t expect a rigid, minute-by-minute parade. Instead, think of it as a moving sampler of major sights—especially along the Westminster and Waterloo corridors and toward river-adjacent views.

The ride is designed so you can enjoy your tea while still watching the changing skyline. That matters because it reduces the usual sightseeing friction: fewer “stand here and wait for the guide” moments, more “eat and look up when something iconic appears.”

Afternoon Tea Details: Scones, Sandwiches, Sweets, and Your Drink

The afternoon tea includes:

• Traditional finger sandwiches
• Sweet treats
• Fresh scones
• A glass of prosecco or a soft drink

If you care about the classic tea ritual, this is the version that keeps the basics: not just a pastry box, but a set meal built around the familiar sandwich-and-scone rhythm.

One practical note: you may have to share tables. That’s common for group tours and not necessarily a problem, but it does affect comfort—especially if you’re traveling as a couple and want uninterrupted table space. If that matters, consider dressing for flexibility and bringing a phone charger so you can enjoy your own photos and playlists while you share the experience.

Dietary needs and allergies: plan early

The menu includes options for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets, plus a standard non-vegetarian menu. The key rule is timing: if you want dietary accommodations, you must inform the provider at least 72 hours before your visit.

If you show up with needs on the day, the tour can’t guarantee an alternate meal. They also can’t guarantee that foods have not been in contact with nuts or other allergens, so if you have serious allergies, take that seriously and follow your own safety judgment.

Views From the Water: Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower

The big selling point isn’t just the tea. It’s the skyline. And in London, seeing landmarks from a different angle can make them feel new.

You’ll pass through key areas such as Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, with iconic views that can include:

• Big Ben
• London Eye
• Buckingham Palace
• The Shard
• Tower of London

The emphasis is on viewing from the water or water-adjacent sections, which is why the river light can feel different than it does on land. That’s also why a bus works here: it gives you motion and perspective, while still keeping you close enough to spot major monuments without trekking across multiple viewpoints.

If you’re the type who gets overwhelmed by too many stops, this is a relief. In a short time you’re exposed to a lot of “I’ve seen that on postcards” moments, without the strain of a long walking route.

ABBA Energy: Sing-Alongs, Staff Hosting, and the 70s Mood

This bus is built around the ABBA sing-along. You’ll hear top ABBA hits while you ride, and the experience encourages you to join in.

What stands out from real enjoyment patterns is that the hosts matter. One standout name from the experience is Odun, who kept the group spirit going and helped make the ride feel like an organized fun event rather than just a sightseeing transfer.

If you’re planning the trip for a birthday or a group celebration, this is the part that can turn ordinary photos into memories. The songs aren’t just background noise. They’re the shared moment that gets people talking, laughing, and syncing their attention to the view.

The experience also references classic sing-along moments like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Dancing Queen, which gives you an anchor if you’re choosing whether to come. If ABBA is your thing, you’ll likely feel the hype. If ABBA isn’t your style, the tea alone may still satisfy you—but the soundtrack is a core part of the product.

And yes, there’s a fair point to consider: some people wish there were more of the most well-known tracks. If your ABBA playlist is extremely picky, you may want to temper expectations.

Price and Value at Around $79: What You’re Paying For

At $79.47 per person, you’re paying for a package, not just transport. Here’s what that package includes:

• A set afternoon tea meal
• A drink: prosecco or soft drink
• London landmark sightseeing during the ride
• A themed ABBA sing-along experience

What makes this feel like value is the bundling. The cost covers eating in the middle of a sightseeing activity, with entertainment built in. You also don’t need to plan separate tickets and schedules for a tea event plus a quick view of major sights.

What can reduce value for some people:

• There’s no hotel pickup/drop-off, so you’ll still spend time and money getting to Golden Tours Stop 1.
• You might share tables, which can be a comfort tradeoff.
• This is a short tour by design. You’ll see a lot, but you won’t get deep, long-form guided stops.

Overall, if you want a fun London afternoon that’s part food, part music, and part “big sights in one go,” the pricing makes sense. If you prefer quiet sightseeing with self-paced time, you may find better value elsewhere.

Practical Tips: Cameras, Water, No Toilets, and Seating Reality

Bring what’s listed: a camera and water. The meal is part of the experience, but water is still useful, especially if you’re drinking prosecco or you’ll be singing and snapping photos nonstop.

No toilets on board

This matters more than you’d think. With no toilets on board, treat the 1.5 hours as fixed. If you’re someone who plans toilet breaks around sightseeing stops, make sure you’re set before boarding.

Alcohol rules

Alcohol is included for the drink option, but only for ages 18+. You’ll need valid ID. If you’re under 18, the soft drink is your path.

Seats, wheelchairs, and comfort

The information is a mixed picture. It says wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck, but they’ll need to occupy one of the fixed position seats. At the same time, there’s a note that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. In practice, that means this isn’t a flexible “easy access” setup. If you use a wheelchair, I’d plan this carefully and contact the provider so you understand exactly what seating options look like for your needs.

Who might want to avoid it

It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women and for people with back problems. If those categories apply to you, consider whether the seating and ride style will feel comfortable for 1.5 hours.

Should You Book the Here We Go Again Tea Bus?

Book it if you want a London afternoon that combines three things in one: traditional afternoon tea, iconic landmark viewing, and a fun ABBA sing-along you can actually participate in. It’s a strong choice for birthdays and music-loving groups, especially when you want a light plan that doesn’t require heavy walking.

Skip it if you prefer quiet, unguided sightseeing with lots of room to move—or if you’re uncomfortable with the “no toilets on board” reality. Also skip or rethink if dietary needs are last-minute, since accommodations need 72 hours notice.

My simple test: if ABBA-themed energy plus tea sounds like your kind of London moment, you’ll probably enjoy this more than a standard sightseeing bus.

FAQ

How long is the London Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus ride?

The duration is 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the times that fit your day.

Where do I meet the bus for Golden Tours?

Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for the pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on the side. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the afternoon tea?

The included meal is traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones, plus a drink: prosecco or a soft drink.

Is prosecco included for everyone?

Prosecco is included, but alcohol is only served to those aged 18 and over, and you will need valid ID. If you are under 18, you’ll have the soft drink option.

Are there toilets on board the bus?

No. There are no toilets on-board.

What are the child rules for this experience?

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

Can I request a special diet like vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, the menu includes standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. You must inform the provider at least 72 hours before your visit. Dietary requests can’t be accommodated on the day of travel, and there is a note about possible allergen cross-contact.