London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour & London Eye Option

London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour & London Eye Option – A Unique Sightseeing Experience

The London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour & London Eye Option offers a distinctive way to explore the capital’s landmarks while indulging in a full afternoon tea. This 1.5-hour guided tour departs from Evan Evans Tours and features a fully guided panoramic sightseeing experience along with a delicious onboard menu, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, yet immersive outing.

Guests have the choice to upgrade their experience with a visit to the London Eye, standing at 135 metres tall. The tour combines stunning views, expert commentary, and culinary delights, with the added bonus of Prosecco for adults, creating a memorable way to see London from a different perspective. One consideration is that the tour duration depends on traffic, and children under 5 are not permitted, so it best suits families with older children or adults.

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Key Points

• 90-minute fully guided panoramic tour of central London’s most famous sights
• Freshly prepared onboard afternoon tea with a variety of sandwiches, sweets, and scones
• Glass of Prosecco included for guests 18 and over
• Optional London Eye visit for panoramic city views
• Accessible on a modern, comfortable bus with a toilet onboard
• Tour departs from Evan Evans Tours and finishes at Victoria train station

Starting Point and Duration of the Tour

The tour begins at Evan Evans Tours, from where the bus departs for a 90-minute sightseeing journey through London. This departure point is convenient for travelers staying in the city center, providing easy access. The duration is approximately 1.5 hours, but it may vary depending on traffic conditions, so planning accordingly is advisable.

The tour is designed to be a relaxed experience, blending sightseeing with fine dining. Guests should arrive prepared to sit comfortably for the duration and enjoy the scenic route along iconic landmarks along the River Thames.

Sightseeing Route and Key Landmarks

The route covers many of London’s most celebrated sights, starting with a pass by of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, both of which are among the most recognizable symbols of London. The London Eye is seen from the outside, offering impressive views of the city skyline, and is available for an optional visit.

Next, the tour passes Somerset House, a grand neoclassical building on the north bank of the Thames, followed by Fleet Street, traditionally associated with the British press. Guests see St Paul’s Cathedral, known for its majestic dome, and Tower Bridge, a Victorian bascule bridge that is one of London’s most photographed structures. The Tower of London also appears along the route, offering a glimpse into the city’s royal and fortress history.

Other landmarks include HMS Belfast, visible from the river, and Westminster Abbey, a site linked to many royal events. The route concludes at Victoria train station, providing a convenient spot for onward travel.

The onboard Afternoon Tea Menu

The afternoon tea features a selection of delicious sandwiches, including Honey roast gammon & pickled onion, smoked salmon & crème fraiche, Croxton Manor Cheddar & spring onion, cucumber & minted butter. For those with dietary preferences, a vegan/gluten-free menu is available, which includes Vegan Feta & pickled cucumber, roasted bell pepper & hummus, and spiced avocado & mint, along with wild mushroom & truffle pithivier.

Savoury bites consist of a truffled sausage roll, while the sweet bites offer options like chocolate éclairs, fruit tart, mini Victoria sponge, and salted caramel brownie. The scones, served with Devon Clotted cream and Tiptree Strawberry jam, are freshly baked.

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Drinks Offered During the Tour

Guests enjoy a range of hot beverages, including PG Tips teas, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai, decaf options, and Lavazza espresso-based coffees such as cappuccino, latte, and espresso. Other hot drinks include Cadbury Hot Chocolate, with semi-skimmed, skimmed, or oat milk options.

A glass of Prosecco is included for guests over 18, adding a celebratory touch. Cold beverages such as apple juice, orange juice, and still or sparkling water are also available, making for a well-rounded refreshment selection.

Adding the London Eye Experience

For an extra fee, guests can upgrade to include a visit to the London Eye, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The standard experience ticket allows guests to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the 135-metre-tall observation wheel. As they rotate, visitors can see famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and more.

It’s important to note that the London Eye visit is taken independently from the bus tour, giving guests the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

The Stops and Landmarks Passed

The tour’s itinerary includes notable landmarks and passing points, such as:

• Big Ben and Westminster Abbey (10-minute pass-by)
• The London Eye (10-minute pass-by)
• Somerset House (5-minute pass-by)
• Fleet Street (10-minute pass-by)
• St Paul’s Cathedral (10-minute pass-by)
• Tower Bridge (10-minute pass-by)
• Tower of London (10-minute pass-by)
• Westminster Abbey (5-minute pass-by)

Each stop offers a glimpse into London’s historical and architectural grandeur, with the bus providing external views and commentary from the Expert Live Guide.

Accessibility and Comfort on the Bus

The modern coach used for this tour offers fully wheelchair accessible tables on the lower deck, which can be reserved in advance. The premium seats are located on the upper deck, either in the front row or in front of the stairs for the best views. Seats on the lower deck tend to have a partially obscured view, so plan accordingly if views are a priority.

The bus features a toilet onboard, ensuring comfort during the journey. The air conditioning keeps the interior cool, especially during hot weather or crowded days.

Dietary Requirements and Special Requests

Guests are asked to advise dietary requirements at least 72 hours in advance to accommodate specific needs. The menu may vary slightly, but the focus remains on quality and freshness. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Travelers with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact Evan Evans Tours prior to booking to confirm availability.

Guide and Tour Experience

The Expert Live Guide leads the tour, providing engaging commentary on each landmark and London’s history. The guide’s knowledgeable storytelling enhances the sightseeing, making the experience both informative and entertaining. Friendly and professional, the guides ensure that guests feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the 90-minute journey.

Value and Customer Feedback

The tour is considered well-priced given the combination of sightseeing, quality onboard food, and optional London Eye visit. Reviews highlight the deliciousness of the afternoon tea, the expertise of the guides, and the comfortable coach. Some reviews mention traffic delays or noise issues for those with hearing difficulties, but overall, the experience receives a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Ideal Audience for This Tour

This experience suits adults and older children who appreciate a relaxed sightseeing approach combined with gourmet food. It appeals to those seeking a comfortably paced tour with beautiful views and a culinary touch. The optional London Eye upgrade makes it especially attractive for visitors wanting a panoramic view of London.

Final Thoughts on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour & London Eye Option

The combination of a guided tour, gourmet onboard afternoon tea, and the option to visit the London Eye creates a comprehensive London experience in a short time. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, relaxing after a day of sightseeing, or indulging in a unique way to view London’s landmarks.

While traffic can influence the pace, the expert commentary, delicious food, and stunning sights compensate for that. The fully accessible bus and variety of menu options make it a flexible choice for many visitors.

This tour offers comfort, delicious food, and great views, making it a noteworthy addition to any London visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the afternoon tea menu?
The onboard menu features a variety of sandwiches, sweet bites, scones with clotted cream and jam. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, with similar selection of savory and sweet items.

Can I upgrade to visit the London Eye?
Yes, the London Eye can be added for an additional fee, with a standard experience ticket providing panoramic views of London.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
Guests pass by Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Somerset House, Fleet Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and more.

How long does the tour last?
The guided sightseeing lasts approximately 90 minutes, but actual time may vary depending on traffic.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the bus has a fully wheelchair accessible table on the lower deck; contact the provider in advance to confirm availability.

What beverages are served onboard?
Guests enjoy PG Tips teas, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chai, decaf, Lavazza coffees, and hot chocolate. A glass of Prosecco is included for adults.

Where does the tour end?
The tour finishes at Victoria train station, making it easy for onward travel.

Are children under 5 allowed?
No, children under 5 are not permitted on this tour.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, guests should advise dietary needs at least 72 hours in advance. Menu options are subject to slight variations.

Is the tour suitable for large groups or special needs?
Yes, accessible seating and group arrangements are possible; contact the provider beforehand for specific requirements.

What is the overall rating of this experience?
The tour holds a 4 out of 5 stars based on 6 reviews, noted for friendly guides, delicious food, and beautiful sights.

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