ABBA meets your afternoon tea on a sightseeing ride, and I like the combo of finger-food comfort plus an ABBA sing-along that keeps the vibe light. You’ll also get those big-name views—Big Ben, the London Eye, the Shard, and the Tower of London—without needing a full day of planning. One drawback to keep in mind: the music is themed, but it may not hit every single famous chorus you’re hoping for, and the sandwich quality can be hit or miss.

If you’re lucky with your crew, this can feel like a party with purpose. I especially liked hearing about guides like Chris and servers like Odun, both praised for keeping people smiling and helping with photos. Just know there are trade-offs: no onboard toilets and a bus that can run hot, plus you might share tables.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• ABBA sing-along energy while you move past major sights, with staff playing along and prompting participation
• Afternoon tea service with finger sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, and a drink (prosecco for adults, or soft drinks)
• Landmark spotting from the Thames-side corridor, including Westminster and London Bridge areas
• Good service moments stand out, like Odun helping guests take as many pictures as they needed
• Surprise extras in the spirit of the theme, including reusable cups as souvenirs and birthday shout-outs
• A few realistic downsides, like uneven sandwich quality, possible table-sharing, and hot seating on the upper deck

What this ABBA tea bus really feels like

This is not a quiet museum stroll. It’s a 1.5-hour, hop-through-London kind of experience built around two things: proper afternoon tea and a themed ABBA sing-along as the city rolls by.

The big win is that you don’t have to choose between “tea people” and “sightseeing people.” You get the classic British setup—sandwiches, scones, sweets—then the bus soundtrack pushes you to act a little goofy while you watch the skyline come into view. That matters if you’re traveling with mixed tastes (or if you just want a low-effort way to feel festive).

The second win is the structure. You’re not wandering and guessing where to stand for the best skyline angle. You’re on a route that lines up major landmarks across central London, so the ride does the heavy lifting.

The catch is that it’s still a moving bus. Things like heat, seating comfort, and access to the restroom are real-world issues you’ll need to plan around.

Getting on board: the Golden Tours meeting point and first 10 minutes

Meet at Golden Tours Stop 1. Look for a pink striped bus with a big The English Tea Bus sign on the side. The reason I’m picky about this: with themed departures, you want to be at the exact right curb, not five minutes away and hoping someone finds you.

Once you’re on, you’ll settle in and get your tea service flowing. Expect a lively staff presence—some hosts seem especially good at keeping everyone in the spirit, including birthday shout-outs and photo help.

Two practical notes that can shape your comfort:

• You may have to share tables, so don’t expect private dining.
• There are no toilets onboard, so if you’re doing this with kids, plan a quick stop before you arrive at the bus.

The afternoon tea spread: what you actually get to eat

This tour’s food is the centerpiece, so it’s worth understanding what’s on the table. Your afternoon tea includes traditional finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats, and fresh scones. You’ll also get things like cupcakes, plus tea.

Drink-wise, you’ll have a glass of prosecco or a soft drink. If you’re opting for alcohol, you’ll need to be 18+ and have valid ID ready. Even if you’re not drinking, the soft drink option keeps the tea ritual intact.

Dietary options (and the one big limitation)

The menu includes standard (non-vegetarian), vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Here’s the important part: you need to inform the provider at least 24 hours before your visit for dietary needs. If you don’t, they may serve the standard meal on the day.

There’s also an allergy caution: Golden Tours can’t guarantee that food hasn’t been in contact with nuts or other allergens. If your allergy is serious, treat this as a “check carefully” situation, not an automatic safe choice.

Quality reality check

Most of the tea experience gets positive marks for tastiness and plenty to eat. Still, at least one booking note says the sandwich quality could be improved. My advice: go in expecting a fun tea service first, not a gourmet sandwich course.

ABBA sing-along: how much music you’ll get

This is the part that can either delight you or annoy you, depending on your ABBA expectations.

The tone is clearly built to get people singing. The format leans into big sing-along moments, and staff may prompt you with classic calls like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! as the service moves along. I like this approach because it breaks the “we’re just sitting on a bus” feeling.

That said, the music selection isn’t guaranteed to match every fan’s personal greatest-hits list. Some people wanted more of the most well-known ABBA songs. So if you’re the kind of ABBA fan who only listens to the hits, you might walk away thinking, they could have played a few more top tracks.

If your goal is mostly fun and a lively atmosphere, you’ll likely be happy. If your goal is a perfect ABBA setlist, keep your expectations flexible.

Landmark viewing from the bus route: the sights you’ll clock

The route is designed for fast landmark recognition. You’ll pass through areas including Waterloo, Westminster, and London Bridge, and you’ll see major icons like:

• Buckingham Palace
• London Eye
• Big Ben
• The Shard
• Tower of London (plus surrounding views)

Because it’s a bus ride, the views are best when you angle yourself toward the windows on your side and keep your phone camera ready. It’s not a slow, single-sightpoint photo stop. This is more “spot it as we roll through” than “walk around and linger.”

One more detail: the experience is described as showing iconic sights from the water. In practice, what matters to you is timing and perspective—when the route runs close to the Thames corridor, landmarks often line up in a postcard-like way. The bus setup makes it easier to catch those skyline moments without you doing the navigation work.

Timing and pace: why 1.5 hours can feel long or short

Ninety minutes can go fast when you’re singing along and eating. It can also feel like it’s over quickly if you’re hoping for more photo time at each landmark.

This experience is built to be a smooth loop that keeps you seated with your tea, rather than a hop-off-and-explore itinerary. That’s part of the value: you trade a bit of freedom for convenience.

If you’re on a tight schedule—like a half-day between museums—this can be a smart fit. If you want a relaxed, unhurried London day with long walks, you may find this too concentrated.

Traffic is also part of the deal. The route is subject to change due to road closures and congestion, which can slightly shift what you see most clearly.

Service and staff: why names like Chris and Odun matter

The vibe isn’t just music and tea. The human touch is a big part of the good reviews.

Chris gets called out as exceptional by name for tour guidance and a smooth, fun atmosphere. Odun is praised as kind and friendly, and specifically for helping guests take as many pictures as they needed. That’s not fluff—photo support matters because you’re on a moving vehicle, so getting the right angle is tricky.

I also like that staff seem to understand this is a milestone-style activity for some people. There are mentions of birthday celebrations handled thoughtfully, plus small theme touches like coloured sunglasses.

These details are why the experience can feel more personal than you’d expect from a group ride.

Seating, comfort, and the one thing you should plan for

Two comfort realities show up in the information:

• You might share tables.
• There are no onboard toilets.

There’s also a note about heat—one booking mentions it was really hot on the bus. If you run warm easily, dress in layers and keep a small fan or handheld spray (if you travel with those) in your day bag.

If you have back problems, this probably isn’t the best day. The activity is marked as not suitable for people with back issues, and it’s also not suitable for pregnant women. Wheelchair use is complicated: wheelchair users can sit on the lower deck but will need one of the fixed-position seats, even though the listing also says it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. If you’re in that category, I’d check directly with Golden Tours so you understand what seat options and viewing will actually look like for your body.

Price and value: what $79 gets you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $79 per person for 1.5 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: themed entertainment (ABBA sing-along), a full afternoon tea service, and a guided sightseeing route through central London highlights.

That can be good value when you:

• want a pre-set experience (not planning lunch plus a sightseeing plan),
• like social energy on a bus,
• and care about the tea ritual as much as the landmarks.

But it’s not value if your priorities are different. You’re not getting a long walking tour with deep stops. You’re also not getting a guaranteed ABBA greatest-hits setlist, and you shouldn’t count on unlimited photo time.

For me, the real “value test” is simple:

• If afternoon tea is your thing and you’ll enjoy singing, this price feels reasonable.
• If you’re mainly chasing landmarks, you might prefer a cheaper sightseeing option and buy tea separately.

Who should book this ABBA afternoon tea bus?

This works best for people who want London to feel fun, not formal. I’d steer you toward it if you’re:

• a strong ABBA fan who likes crowds and sing-alongs,
• traveling with friends from mixed interests,
• celebrating a birthday or another occasion (the staff touches are genuinely part of the charm),
• short on time and want a safe, organized “see a lot fast” plan.

I’d think twice if you:

• hate shared seating or prefer quiet dining,
• need restrooms during the activity,
• have back issues or are pregnant,
• require strong accessibility accommodations beyond fixed-seat options.

Should you book this London ABBA tea bus?

Book it if you want a low-planning, high-fun London moment where the main acts are tea, music, and skyline spotting in one smooth package. The staff quality—names like Chris and Odun show up for a reason—can make the difference between a merely themed ride and a genuinely enjoyable afternoon.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you’re picky about ABBA track selection, or if you strongly prioritize top-tier sandwich craftsmanship over the broader experience. Also, remember the practical constraints: no toilets onboard, possible table-sharing, and the fact that the route can shift with traffic.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my quick decision trick: treat this as a 1.5-hour party with tea, not as a full sightseeing tour. If that matches your mood, it’s an easy yes. If you want something calmer and more flexible, put your money toward a more traditional sightseeing plan and add afternoon tea on your terms.

FAQ

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

It runs for 1.5 hours.

What’s included with the afternoon tea?

You get traditional finger sandwiches, sweet treats, scones, and a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, plus the ABBA top hits sing-along and landmark views.

Do you serve alcohol, and do I need ID?

Alcohol is served as prosecco for adults 18 and over, and you’ll need valid ID.

Is the tour good for kids?

Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult, and under 5s aren’t allowed.

Can I choose a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free option?

Yes. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, but you need to tell the provider at least 24 hours in advance. Dietary requests can’t be accommodated on the day.

Are there toilets on the bus?

No. There are no toilets onboard.

What if the route changes due to traffic?

The route is subject to change because of road closures and traffic conditions, so what you see most clearly may vary.

Can I get a refund if I cancel plans?

Yes. There’s free cancellation up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.