London Vintage Bus Tour and Cream Tea at Harrods

London Vintage Bus Tour and Cream Tea at Harrods

This half-day London tour offers a charming combination of sightseeing on a restored 50-year-old vintage bus, a cruise along the Thames, and a delicious cream tea at Harrods. Priced at $134.70 per person, it provides a balanced mix of iconic sights, historic landmarks, and a touch of luxury, making it an appealing choice for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed experience of London.

The tour starts at Victoria Coach Station at 1:00 PM, with the entire experience lasting approximately 4 hours. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided storytelling, classic transportation, and luxury afternoon tea. While the tour is suited for most guests, it’s worth noting that it’s not accessible for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it involves some walking and standing at stops.

Key Points

• Vintage London Bus & Thames Cruise: Travel through the city on a beautifully restored double-decker bus and enjoy a short river cruise along the Thames.
• Iconic Landmarks: Get views of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye from the bus, plus visits to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
• Historical Highlights: Explore the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, and learn about its history from an engaging guide.
• Harrods Cream Tea: Experience a luxurious afternoon tea at The Georgian Restaurant in Harrods, featuring freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and over 35 teas, plus a glass of Prosecco.
• Expert Guides: The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to entertain, making the tour both informative and enjoyable.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind amid changing plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting out on a Classic London Sightseeing Journey

The tour begins at Victoria Coach Station, where you board a beautifully restored vintage double-decker bus. This classic vehicle provides an authentic London experience, allowing guests to enjoy open-top views of the city’s landmarks. The guides lead guests through the historic streets, pointing out highlights like Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

The bus ride is well-paced, with stops at major sights. Guides are praised for their storytelling, making the commentary lively and informative. One guide, named John, earns special mentions for taking pictures and explaining the sights with enthusiasm. The bus sometimes may be replaced with a closed-top vehicle in rare cases, so packing comfortable shoes and being prepared for weather changes is recommended.

Exploring St. Paul’s Cathedral on a Guided Tour

An essential stop during this tour is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Guests are led on a guided tour where they can admire its architectural grandeur and learn about historical events associated with it. Notably, Admirals Nelson and Wellington are buried here, and it’s known as the site of the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles.

The experience at St. Paul’s offers a deeper appreciation of London’s religious and architectural history. The guided tour ensures that visitors gain insights beyond what they see, making it a memorable part of the itinerary.

The Tower of London: History and Crown Jewels

Next, guests visit the Tower of London, a nearly 1,000-year-old fortress built during William the Conqueror’s reign. The Crown Jewels are housed here, and the famous Beefeaters patrol the grounds. The guide leads visitors through the traitors’ gate and shares stories about the Tower’s past as both a fortress and a prison.

While the Tower of London involves some walking and standing, it offers an impressive look into English history. The guide’s narration enhances the experience, making history come alive through engaging storytelling.

Thames River Cruise: Views of London’s Famous Landmarks

Following the Tower, the tour includes a short cruise along the Thames, passing by notable sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Cleopatra’s Needle, and London Bridge. The boat ride offers a relaxing way to view the city from a different perspective, with the opportunity to take photos of London’s skyline.

The Thames cruise complements the bus tour by giving guests a waterfront view of the city’s modern and historic architecture, creating a diverse sightseeing experience.

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The Luxury Cream Tea at Harrods

The highlight of the afternoon is a luxurious cream tea at The Georgian Restaurant inside Harrods, London’s most famous department store. Opened in 1911, Harrods’ Georgian Restaurant embodies luxury and offers an elegant setting for afternoon tea.

Guests are served freshly baked plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and chef-made jams. Over 35 varieties of tea are available, allowing each guest to choose their preferred brew. A glass of Prosecco is included, adding a celebratory touch to the experience. During the tea service, live music enhances the atmosphere, making this a memorable way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

The tea experience is praised for its quality, presentation, and ambiance, with many reviewers noting it exceeds expectations for a traditional British tea.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from Victoria Coach Station at Gate 0 at 1:00 PM, making it easy to arrive on time. The total duration is around 4 hours, including sightseeing, the cruise, and teatime, providing a comprehensive yet relaxed schedule. The group size is manageable, and the guides are known for their friendly, informative approach.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes for walking and be prepared for weather variability, as the bus operates as an open top unless changed on rare occasions. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or for wheelchair users.

Value and Overall Experience

At $134.70, this tour offers a good value considering the inclusion of transportation, a Thames cruise, guided commentary, and an afternoon tea in a luxury setting. The reviews highlight the expert guides and the beautiful views as key strengths. The tea at Harrods is frequently praised as a standout experience, often described as elegant and delightful.

Some feedback mentions delays in organizing the Harrods visit or issues like audio malfunctions, but overall, the positive comments outweigh the negatives. The full refund policy if canceled up to 3 days in advance offers flexibility for travelers.

London Vintage Bus & Cream Tea: Who Will Enjoy It Most?

This tour is perfect for visitors seeking a classic London experience with a touch of elegance. It suits those who enjoy guided sightseeing, appreciate historic landmarks, and want a relaxing afternoon with luxury tea service. The friendly guides and beautiful routes make it suitable for first-time visitors eager to see London’s highlights comfortably.

The limited accessibility and walking requirements mean it might not be ideal for everyone with mobility challenges. However, for those interested in a well-rounded, enjoyable day combining sightseeing, history, and afternoon tea, this tour offers a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the tour involves sightseeing, walking, and standing, so it’s best for older children who can sit comfortably and follow the schedule.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for the possibility of rain, since the bus is open top unless otherwise noted.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Is the afternoon tea at Harrods included in the price?
Yes, the cream tea with sparkling wine at The Georgian Restaurant in Harrods is included in the $134.70 price.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours, including bus sightseeing, Thames cruise, and afternoon tea.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
This tour is conducted in English, and no other language options are mentioned.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

Where does the tour end?
The experience concludes back at Victoria Coach Station, where guests can continue exploring London on their own.

This London Vintage Bus Tour and Cream Tea at Harrods combines iconic sights, historic landmarks, and luxurious relaxation, making it a popular choice for those who want a full yet comfortable London experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby