London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Review: Buckingham Palace Option
Getting to see London can sometimes feel a bit much, almost a frenzied experience of buses, tubes, and busy streets. What if there’s a way to roll sightseeing, treats, and that quintessentially British experience, afternoon tea, all into one? Well, turns out there is! The London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour promises just that, and with an added Buckingham Palace entry option, it’s an attraction. So, how well does it work? Let’s talk about my personal trip and share a review about it.
What to Expect on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Basically, the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour involves hopping on a retro bus that’s been carefully converted into a cozy, moving tea room. That gives it the most special vibe ever, really. As the bus tootles its way through central London, past a lot of iconic sights, you’re served a delightful afternoon tea. Think tiered stands packed with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, small, attractive cakes, and obviously, tea – all this while the city landmarks glide by. The Buckingham Palace entry option really gives an added bonus. Is that something extra for which the trip feels worth it? That, we will find out soon enough!
The Route and Sights
The standard route is structured in such a way to cover many popular sights. So, the bus goes past spots like the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, and more. The recorded commentary points out the sights and gives snippets of interesting facts, but that gives people time to soak up the atmosphere. Opting for the Buckingham Palace add-on, as I did, that extends the adventure. You actually hop off the bus for a visit to the palace itself, usually during the summer opening season. Pretty amazing, really! Getting off the bus to tour the Palace gives one time to stretch your legs, too, which comes handy considering that one is on the go.
The Afternoon Tea Experience
Afternoon tea can be seen as a main deal here, let’s face it. It has a mix of savory and treats that aims to satisfy. The finger sandwiches, usually cucumber, salmon, and ham, that are neatly presented. The scones – I have to say – were fluffy and not dry, almost. The clotted cream was pretty rich, and the jam, sweet. Little pastries were beautifully presented. When talking about freshness and taste, I’d rate them as a pretty solid effort. Of course, unlimited tea and coffee flows freely, ensuring that your cup is never empty. The service is welcoming. That truly enhances the experience, that is really true. So, a very attentive and accommodating crew serves all these treats with professionalism and speed.
Buckingham Palace Visit: Worth It?
The main event is when you actually add on Buckingham Palace. As a tourist, this seems like a highlight. You actually exit the bus and enter the Palace during the seasonal opening times, so you can explore the State Rooms. These rooms offer a glimpse into the official side of royal life. When roaming the elegantly furnished apartments, you can actually admire the artworks and historical artifacts. A guided audio tour gives context to each room and the events that unfolded there. I got really interested in hearing the history, like some interesting events took place there in the past. Even better than drinking cups of tea, I must say.
Is this upgrade worthy of your extra money? It arguably is, depending on what you enjoy. The palace opens a few months in summer to visitors every year. Usually in August and September, people from all over the world gather together. Tickets go on sale earlier on in the year. An adult ticket will cost almost £35. Depending on the tour company you use for your bus tour experience, a ticket could be anywhere between £89 and £130 including transport to the palace, bus tour and entry to Buckingham Palace. A great day out if the bus ticket includes a tour inside.
Overall Experience and Recommendations
Basically, the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with the Buckingham Palace option can give one an unique and enjoyable way to experience London. It mixes classic British traditions and famous sightseeing in a great way. It truly stands out as a special outing if you are celebrating a special occasion or trying to wow visitors. Yet, one can say it can still come with compromises. Riding on the go and trying to enjoy tea can pose tricky challenges at times. Even though the Buckingham Palace visit adds value to your whole trip, the increased cost is important to bear in mind.
Recommendations:
- Book in Advance: These tours do sell out quickly, especially during the summer season and holidays. So it is a must to plan your visit as soon as possible.
- Check the Timing: Is that so you need to know whether the Buckingham Palace visit ties in together with the tour’s timings so one can maximize your whole experience.
- Mind the Weather: This becomes a crucial factor due to London’s changing conditions. The panoramic windows in the bus makes sure one still gets amazing views no matter the weather conditions. However, it will still enhance the walking tour, if conditions outside are ideal.
- Dietary Needs: Do communicate earlier about allergies, and any dietary constraints during the time of your booking. With notice they are capable of accommodating.
Is the Tour Comfortable?
Riding on a vintage bus brings a touch of fun and novelty, and a different appeal, really. One may anticipate lots of room and suspension, however, that’s just not right. Space may sometimes be a bit tight, especially when the bus gets packed with people. Furthermore, the ride won’t be smooth especially in the busy city zones of London, in that case hold on to your teacups when moving.
Photo Opportunities
The tour makes a lot of amazing photography moments available, lets say that, whether capturing photos of notable sights through bus windows, taking pictures of beautifully displayed goodies of the afternoon tea arrangement, and recording your time touring the magnificent Buckingham Palace. Even though there are challenges from taking pictures through glass, I got pretty decent images. In that case consider taking many pictures in multiple angles to get a great image that you may like. This helps secure wonderful memories!
Value for Money
If one really wants a tour around the centre of London mixed with traditional afternoon tea plus a look inside Buckingham Palace, then spending a little extra will not hurt so much. You get everything arranged for you. This includes entry tickets plus you get the afternoon tea, so this trip really has great value in what they give.
Be very keen about if the palace visits are part of any trips. One would like this addition so you get extra bang for one’s bucks. Always watch out when you’re making a plan so that trips fit your expectations, what do you wanna have etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Kids like the tour in general particularly because of the bus component plus yummy goodies that are provided. The tour might not suit families, mostly ones having little kids or that should remain occupied due to the palace part requiring quite an amount of time walking. Determine if the child have sufficient patience. You do you, and be sure to decide to participate according to how that aligns.
Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yeah the tours usually arrange vegetarian, gluten free including other needs. Inform beforehand while booking thus arrangements gets organised better. All requirements you include upon the reservations should provide one seamless trip tailored according to preference.
Is there a restroom on the bus?
The tours lack facilities such as washrooms due buses often stop many periods granting people the ability be at nearby amenities if that’s their need. Check trip plans particularly while tour lasts at minimum period make plans of such breaks earlier so it may suits one’s comfort totally.
What is the dress code for the tour and palace visit?
These activities does not place an formal clothes limitation meaning wearing clothes that gives you utmost convenience specifically footwear ones needs touring the estate of palace which calls some walking at specific locations. In wearing clothing comes balance elegance with how comfortable that keeps everyone pleased at the experiences they are in .
Are tickets to Buckingham Palace included in the tour price?
Tickets would be bundled at tours given tours get marked during bookings that specifically indicate whether trip covers entrance fares inside premises of palace. Evaluate these minute details when one make plan hence price one paid would have items most significant into this amazing experience .