ABBA, tea, and London views in one ride. This London afternoon tea bus mixes a full ABBA sing-along with a classic British afternoon tea of sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones, plus a glass of prosecco or a soft drink as you pass sights like Big Ben and the Tower of London. The biggest drawback to plan for is simple: there are no toilets onboard.

I like how the experience turns a short sightseeing window into something you actually feel like doing. You’re on the bus for about 1.5 hours, moving through hotspots such as Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, with landmark views built into the ride. It’s also very social: you might have to share tables, and the music-and-tea format works best when you’re ready for a fun group moment rather than a quiet tea.

Key things to know before you buy

• ABBA sing-along is the engine of the day, with staff keeping the party going through the route
• Afternoon tea is included, including finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and fresh scones with tea (and prosecco or soft drinks)
• Landmark views from the water angle give you a different look at Big Ben, the London Eye, and more
• Dietary options exist, but you must request them at least 72 hours ahead for best results
• Short ride, big sights: 1.5 hours means you’ll see a lot, but you won’t get deep time at any one stop
• No onboard toilets means you’ll want to plan your timing before you board

How the Here We Go Again bus day actually feels

This is not a slow, sit-and-watch type of sightseeing tour. You’re on a pink double-decker bus, eating afternoon tea while music plays and the city rolls by outside. The format is designed for two goals at once: a proper British tea moment, and a guided tour-like view of central London highlights.

Because it’s about 1.5 hours, it works well if you’re short on time or if you don’t want another full-day commitment. It’s also a good “first London hits” option if you want to get your bearings fast, since the route focuses on major landmarks around Waterloo and Westminster.

The vibe is also very much group-friendly. You’ll be eating and singing with other people, and you should expect the experience to keep moving instead of pausing for photos every few minutes. If you’re hoping for a quiet, pick-your-own-pacing tea, this probably isn’t that kind of outing.

Getting to Golden Tours Stop 1 (and seating without stress)

Your start point matters because this tour departs from a specific meeting location: Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a large sign on its side reading The English Tea Bus.

Plan to arrive a bit early. One piece of feedback called out confusion at the meeting point, and the difference between a smooth start and a stressful one was simply knowing where to stand and when the next bus would appear. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s also worth building in extra time so nobody ends up wandering around central London while you’re trying to find the bus.

Seating is part of the deal. You may have to share tables, so treat this like a social meal rather than a reserved private dining setup. The upside is that shared tables can make it easier to talk to other people and get pulled into the sing-along energy.

Also note a couple of practical limits:

• There are no toilets onboard
• Alcohol is only served to age 18+ with valid ID
• The bus route can change due to road closures and traffic

ABBA sing-along: the fun factor and the reality of song choice

The ABBA music is the main event. The idea is simple: you sing along as you glide past London’s best-known skyline moments. The format is designed to get even shy singers joining in, and the host role is key here.

In feedback, a host named Odun was specifically praised for keeping the group in the spirit while serving afternoon tea during the ride. That matters, because on a moving bus, the only thing that makes the sing-along feel organized is an energetic facilitator.

One caution: you’re paying for the theme, not a guaranteed greatest-hits track list. Some people felt there could be more of the biggest ABBA songs, so if you’re chasing very specific favorites, keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the overall party atmosphere.

If you’re traveling with teens or younger adults, this is often the kind of activity that feels like entertainment first and sightseeing second. If you’re older and want landmarks with a side of fun, it can still work—just expect the music to stay central.

Afternoon tea on wheels: what you’ll eat and what to watch for

The included meal is a full afternoon tea setup, not just a token snack. You get:

• traditional finger sandwiches
• sweet treats
• fresh scones
• tea service, plus a glass of prosecco or a soft drink

This is a great match for London because it gives you a classic UK tradition without needing to pick a restaurant, make a reservation, and plan a meal around your day. Eating while you travel also turns “waiting time” into actual time spent doing something.

Dietary needs: plan ahead or you’ll end up with the standard menu

The menu includes options for many diets: vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. The key detail is timing. If you need special options or allergies covered, you must inform them at least 72 hours before your visit.

If you don’t send requests in advance, you’ll be served the standard meal on the day of travel. And even with special requests, there’s an added reality check: the operator cannot guarantee food won’t have contact with nuts or other allergens, so people with serious allergies should treat this as a risk-managed experience rather than a fully controlled environment.

Alcohol rules are straightforward

A prosecco glass is included, but only for adults. If you’re under 18, you’ll have the soft drink option instead. Bring ID if you’re going to drink—there’s an explicit requirement.

One more practical note: because you’re eating on a moving vehicle, keep your pacing simple. Don’t plan to eat super slowly. Most people will find the best rhythm is to start early once the tea arrives, then use pauses in the sing-along for photos.

The view plan: Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower of London, and more

The route is built around London’s headline moments. You’ll pass areas such as Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, and you’ll be shown views of major landmarks like:

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

The “from the water” angle is a key detail. Seeing these landmarks from a perspective that isn’t just a street-level sidewalk walk makes it feel less repetitive. It also helps you get those postcard shapes without having to line up for every viewpoint.

Because the bus route depends on traffic and road closures, you shouldn’t assume every view angle will be identical. Still, if your priority is seeing the big names in one short window, this tour’s routing focuses on that goal.

A smart tip: bring your camera and treat the ride like a moving photo platform. Expect some moments to be faster than others, so glance up when the host calls out landmarks and be ready to grab quick shots.

Price and value: is $79.47 a good deal?

At around $79.47 per person, you’re buying a bundle: transit + guided sightseeing views + a themed sing-along + a full afternoon tea service with a drink.

That price is easier to justify if you’d otherwise pay for separate pieces, like:

• an afternoon tea meal somewhere in central London, plus
• a paid attraction or guided sightseeing activity, plus
• a way to keep the day fun and social

It may feel less “cheap” if you mainly want one thing, like either the tea or just the music. But the tour is built so you get both during the same 1.5 hours, which is the value formula.

Also consider group dynamics. Because tables can be shared, the per-person value can feel better if you’re comfortable joining in socially. If you want a private, slow, restaurant-style tea for your party only, this may not feel worth the cost.

Who it’s best for (and who should think twice)

This is a good fit when you want a short, upbeat London outing that mixes sightseeing with a classic meal format.

It’s especially suitable if you:

• like pop-culture themed experiences (the ABBA factor is real)
• want major landmarks without committing to a long day plan
• enjoy group entertainment and don’t mind being part of the crowd

It’s less suitable if you:

• need onboard facilities, because there are no toilets
• have mobility or seating challenges (wheelchair information is limited; it says wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but also notes it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• have back problems, since it’s listed as not suitable
• are pregnant, since it’s listed as not suitable
• have very young kids: under 5s aren’t allowed, and kids 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult

If you’re traveling with friends of mixed ages, this can be a surprisingly good peace treaty: younger people get the sing-along, older people get the landmark loop, and everyone gets fed.

Practical tips to make your ride smoother

A few small things make a big difference:

• Bring a camera and water. The tea is included, but you’ll still appreciate water while you sing and move around.
• Don’t over-plan your itinerary around pauses. The point is the moving ride, not long stops.
• Have ID ready if you’re ordering the prosecco glass.
• Expect table sharing. If you’re coming as a small group, decide in advance how you’ll handle sitting with others.

Also, confirm in your head that this is a themed product and not an official ABBA-branded experience. It’s not endorsed by ABBA, so the promise is entertainment and tea—not access or official music authority.

Finally, keep your expectations flexible on route timing. Road closures and traffic can change the path, so treat the landmarks as guaranteed categories rather than guaranteed exact view angles at exact minutes.

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

Book it if you want a short, fun London activity that combines afternoon tea with a proper ABBA sing-along and landmark views in one ticket. It’s strong value when you’re trying to pack in the big sights without turning your day into a checklist.

Skip it if you need quiet, private dining, or if the lack of onboard toilets would be a dealbreaker. Also skip or plan carefully if you have accessibility needs or health constraints noted for the tour.

My bottom-line advice: if your group will actually sing along and you’re excited by the idea of eating tea while London floats by, this is a memorable, easy-choice afternoon.

FAQ

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

The experience runs for about 1.5 hours. You’ll want to check availability to see the starting times.

Where do I meet for the tour?

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

What’s included in the afternoon tea?

You’ll get traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones as part of afternoon tea, plus a glass of prosecco or a soft drink.

Is prosecco included, and do I need ID?

A glass of prosecco is included, but alcohol is only served to guests aged 18 and over. A valid ID is required.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No, there are no toilets onboard.

What about dietary restrictions and allergies?

The menu includes standard, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. If you have allergy needs or specific dietary requests, you must inform them at least 72 hours before your visit. They can’t accommodate dietary requirements on the day of your visit, and they can’t guarantee foods haven’t been in contact with allergens.

Do I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour officially endorsed by ABBA?

No. The experience is not official and is not endorsed by ABBA in any way.

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