Exploring the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and indulging in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea are must-do experiences for any visitor to London. This immersive 4-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the storied past and present of the British monarchy. Guests embark on an audio tour of the opulent State Rooms, Throne Room, and Ballroom, followed by a delightful afternoon tea journey aboard the English Tea Bus. As they savor finger sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco, they’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, all while capturing a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of the British capital.
Key Points
- Offers a 4-hour experience to explore Buckingham Palace and enjoy afternoon tea on an English Tea Bus.
- Includes an audio tour of the State Rooms, Throne Room, Ballroom, and Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.
- Afternoon tea experience on the bus provides traditional English delicacies, such as finger sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes.
- Guests can cancel their reservation up to 7 days in advance for a full refund.
- Unescorted tour requires independent navigation between Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Craft Beer Tours And Tastings In London
Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Experience
- Buckingham Palace Highlights
- Afternoon Tea on the Bus
- Meeting Point and Logistics
- Duration and Cancellation Policy
- Included Amenities and Restrictions
- Menu and Dietary Accommodations
- Tour Details and Policies
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Tickets in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Experience
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea. It’s a sought-after experience that’s likely to sell out quickly, with a duration of 4 hours and free cancellation available up to 7 days in advance.
Guests will have the chance to step inside the iconic Buckingham Palace, guided by an audio tour that provides insights into the State Rooms, Throne Room, Ballroom, and more.
After the palace visit, they’ll board the English Tea Bus to enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, complete with Prosecco or a soft drink, finger sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in London
Buckingham Palace Highlights
Visitors exploring Buckingham Palace can enjoy the opulent grandeur of the State Rooms, where they’ll find the Throne Room showcasing the ornate throne used by the monarch during formal ceremonies.
The Ballroom, one of the largest rooms in the palace, impresses with its magnificent chandeliers and intricate ceiling decorations.
Plus, the tour allows guests to glimpse the Palace’s Picture Gallery, home to an extensive collection of artwork from the Royal Family’s private art collection.
From the lavish decor to the historic significance of each space, the highlights of the Buckingham Palace visit offer a captivating glimpse into the storied past and present of the British monarchy.
Afternoon Tea on the Bus
After exploring the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, guests can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience aboard the English Tea Bus.
The bus departs from Victoria Station at 3:00 PM, providing a unique opportunity to savor traditional English delicacies while taking in the sights of London during a leisurely tour.
Guests can expect to be served a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of tea cakes, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink.
The unescorted tour allows guests to relax and indulge in the quintessential British pastime of afternoon tea, all while admiring the city’s iconic landmarks from the comfort of the charming double-decker bus.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The tour begins at the King’s Gallery Entrance at Buckingham Palace, where guests must make their own way. Following the palace visit, participants proceed to Victoria Station to board the English Tea Bus for its 3:00 PM departure. This unescorted tour requires guests to navigate between the two locations independently. While children under 5 are not allowed, those 18+ with valid ID can enjoy Prosecco during the tea service. Guests should be aware that the menu is fixed, and vegan/gluten-free meals must be requested 72 hours in advance. Plus, the tea bus route may change due to conditions, and there are no onboard toilets. Shared tables on the bus create a convivial atmosphere for this unique London experience.
| Meeting Point | Time | Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| King’s Gallery Entrance, Buckingham Palace | – | – |
| Victoria Station | 3:00 PM | English Tea Bus |
| – | – | Unescorted Tour |
Duration and Cancellation Policy
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, and travelers can cancel their reservation up to 7 days in advance for a full refund.
This is a great option for those who want to experience Buckingham Palace and enjoy an afternoon tea on a classic London bus, without worrying about strict cancellation policies.
The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot.
With the flexibility of free cancellation up to a week before the tour, travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary.
This tour offers a unique and memorable experience in the heart of London.
Included Amenities and Restrictions
This tour includes admission to Buckingham Palace with an audio guide available in multiple languages, enabling visitors to explore the State Rooms, Throne Room, Ballroom, and other remarkable areas of the palace at their own pace.
Following the palace visit, travelers will enjoy an afternoon tea experience aboard the English Tea Bus, which includes Prosecco or a soft drink, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and tea cakes.
However, it’s important to note that the menu may be subject to change, and the tour is unescorted, requiring participants to make their own way to the tea bus departure point at Victoria Station. Plus, children under 5 aren’t allowed, and no requests for special meals can be accommodated, with a standard meal provided on the bus.
While the bus doesn’t have onboard toilets, the route may be adjusted due to various conditions, and shared tables are the norm on the tea bus.
Menu and Dietary Accommodations
The afternoon tea menu on the English Tea Bus includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delectable tea cakes, accompanied by either a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink.
The menu is designed to provide a traditional English afternoon tea experience, with a variety of savory and sweet items to satisfy every palate.
Guests with special dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free, can request accommodations, but they must do so at least 72 hours in advance.
While the menu is subject to change, the tour strives to offer a high-quality and enjoyable afternoon tea experience for all participants.
Tour Details and Policies
Guests join the tour at the King’s Gallery Entrance of Buckingham Palace, where they’ll begin their visit to see the State Rooms, Throne Room, Ballroom, and other highlights using a provided audio guide in multiple languages.
After the palace tour, participants make their own way to Victoria Station for the 3:00 PM departure of the Afternoon Tea Bus.
The bus tour is unescorted, and guests will share tables with others. Children under 5 aren’t allowed, and some menu items may be subject to change.
Vegan and gluten-free meals must be requested 72 hours in advance. Due to conditions, the bus route may change, and there are no toilets on board.
London: Buckingham Palace Ticket and Afternoon Tea
Recap
This immersive experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea.
From an audio tour of the opulent State Rooms to savoring finger sandwiches and scones aboard the English Tea Bus, this captivating journey provides a memorable glimpse into the storied past and present of the British monarchy.
You can check availability for your dates here:
