2025 Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: Honest Review

If you fancy seeing London in a quite different way, then the Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour could just be your ticket! We’re going to be checking out this upper-deck experience, sharing our experiences, plus what you can anticipate from this unique attraction. So, get comfy as we check if the Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is actually worth the cost.

What Is The Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

Picture this, so, that you’re sat on the upper deck of a beautifully turned out bus, a bit like one of those traditional London Routemasters, yet instead of speeding to your next stop, you are basically cruising past London’s most iconic landmarks whilst enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. Isn’t that lovely? Bella Vista offers up precisely that, blending a tour around London with the delightfully British tradition that is afternoon tea. The afternoon tea experience takes you past many famous locations, and it typically features things, like dainty sandwiches, scrumptious cakes, plus, naturally, scones with clotted cream and jam. Very yummy! So, you sip tea and munch on goodies as the city slowly unveils itself outside the window, and that gives quite a unique sensory experience. The idea has become really sought after, very much for people wanting something that’s a bit different to traditional sightseeing trips.

The Upper Deck Experience: A Cut Above?

Let’s get one thing clear right off, there is an advantage to riding on the upper deck of any bus, yet with the Bella Vista tour, it adds another dimension, too. Positioned above everyone else, you get an outstanding, pretty much unobstructed view of London. Seems like perfect picture opportunities! From this vantage point, that are buildings like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye and they seem somehow grander. Also, the upper deck generally has that exciting atmosphere – and it’s a bit separate from the bustle on the lower level that may give, arguably, a better experience overall, which might well justify paying that extra little bit more for your ticket.

Talking of the actual seating layout and atmosphere up there; that is, apparently, carefully considered to maximise comfort, yet also visibility. The tables are arranged so most passengers get a great view, also, the interiors, and that’s something to consider, that the interiors are generally designed in a way to complement the sophisticated, yet quintessentially British, theme of the afternoon tea, that certainly brings something to the trip.

A Taste of London: Evaluating the Afternoon Tea

Okay, it is about the sights of London, yet that’s something to keep in mind: this really is an afternoon tea bus tour, and that suggests the tea and treats really must be up to snuff, as well. The Bella Vista apparently does its best to offer a mix of both savoury and sweet stuff, basically aiming to delight most taste buds.

You often find a range of finger sandwiches, seemingly with classic fillings, alongside more inventive and interesting options. The pastries will look really beautiful – and you’ll want to take photos, obviously! Scones, that can be either plain or fruit, tend to come with clotted cream and jam, which is pretty much essential for a proper afternoon tea. There is that crucial element, too; the tea. Seemingly, Bella Vista makes an effort to have various teas, that range from your traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey, as well as some herbal infusions and fruit teas too, therefore suiting most tastes.

Yet, like your experiences and those of others are slightly inconsistent, you know. The fresh ingredients, presentation, as well as that all important flavour can really differ, a bit like depending on the day, yet quality is that one critical thing to consider, too, as that will make the afternoon tea tour into something worth recommending.

The Route and the Sights: What Will You See?

It’s important to consider the route, too, so that you can make the most of this tour. The Bella Vista, in some respects, and typically takes a planned route, passing, arguably, most of London’s famous attractions. From the bus, and that really makes a difference, from the bus you can expect that you might see:

• The Tower of London: A historical castle and fortress.
• The Houses of Parliament: Seat of British government.
• Westminster Abbey: Where royal coronations and other important events occur.
• Buckingham Palace: The Queen’s London residence.
• Trafalgar Square: A vibrant central London square.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: An iconic cathedral, a masterpiece basically, with it’s enormous dome.

How long the tour is, really affects that depth of the experience. So, shorter tours might just touch on the main spots, as well as the longer ones might enable a slower, more thoughtful look at all the various landmarks. When the tours are carefully planned, there’s the stories and little details that are given along the way (usually in audio form), really enhancing your understanding of the city’s heritage. Consider if that is something that is of importance to you.

Practical Things: Booking, Cost and Length of Tour

Right, so, that you are interested in the Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, that you should probably find out how you should turn your interest into actually going on a trip! Here are the key things you might want to find out:

• Booking: Book beforehand, definitely, is that crucial, and do it through the Bella Vista site, or one of those authorised vendors. It could just ensure you do actually get a spot, as the upper deck could just sell out, very fast!
• Cost: Cost depends on the day, if you want to be up on the top deck, any extra fizz or tea choices, so, that’s something to keep an eye on. Search around on the internet for offers and deals too.
• Tour length: Tour lengths vary – normally from ninety minutes to three hours, or something around those lengths. Make sure the duration gives you the time that you expect for that whole, rounded experience.

Things, such as the departure location, accessibility, or any dress codes, can really make a big difference, too, on how much fun the whole afternoon becomes. Is that correct? So, go and check the small print and T&Cs before you go.

Is the Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Worth It?

Okay, that important question; must you do this? Arguably, if you have some specific interests, then maybe you would love this tour. You may want to check this out if:

• If you are new to London, or you want just a relaxed and different tour, maybe.
• If you like afternoon tea and need a twist.
• If you want a memorable event for people who are visiting or marking some special occasion.

On the flip side, maybe give it a miss if:

• You aren’t interested in afternoon tea, and you’re all about London’s history and major attractions – because this mixes the 2.
• You get travel sick easily – a moving bus and drinking hot drinks may be bad!
• If you are watching pennies. This might be a splurge rather than the inexpensive way to go and sightsee!

Read our full review: Bella Vista Afternoon Tea Bus Tour London Full Review and Details

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