The 11 Best Afternoon Teas in England

1.Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – 1960s Routemaster Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,032 reviews · 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.) · from $87Our pick

You’ll spend about 85 minutes on a vintage double-decker bus, enjoying afternoon tea while passing London sights including Harrods, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, and Mayfair. Staff serve sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, and hot drinks, with pre-recorded commentary and music along the way. Seating is assigned, and the bus returns to Victoria Coach Station.

“Lovely food and service! The scones were delicious ! We had a difficult time hearing the narration, of course people were chatting too. They don't let you choose to sit on the top or bottom tables on the bus. It would be good to be able to know how the seating is decided and to be offered a choice. Overall it was a fun experience.”

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2.The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 934 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $158

Meet your guide at Queensway Station for a guided walk through Kensington Gardens, including the Italian Gardens and Round Pond. Learn about Hyde Park and its royal owners before settling into a private table at the Orangery for afternoon tea. Guides such as Doug, Paul, and Barbara add history and humor. Palace entry costs extra unless selected.

“Doug was very warm and enthusiastic. He shared some very interesting information as we walk through the beautiful green spaces. Additionally, he helped my friend and me secure more comfortable seating at the Orangerie for high tea. The only complaint I have is with the Orangerie service; It was lackluster to say the least.”

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3.Afternoon Tea River Cruise on the Thames

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 884 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Board at Tower Millennium Pier for a 90-minute afternoon tea cruise west along the Thames. You’ll have a guaranteed table, unlimited tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones, cakes, and live or recorded commentary. Panoramic windows provide city views from every seat, with time on the open-air deck after tea.

“The afternoon tea exceeded expectations. Every table had a window seat. Table were set with linen tableclothes - elevating the entire experience. The finger sandwiches and mini patries were devine. Highly recommend!”

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4.London Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 763 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Combine a traditional afternoon tea with a 90-minute ride past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. You’ll get sandwiches, pastries, scones, tea or coffee, and a Prosecco or soft drink on a shared-seating double-decker bus. This is sightseeing with limited commentary, not a full guided tour.

“Beautiful bus decorated, service was great by both girl Abi and saner. Thankyou for a great experience”

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5.Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 583 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80Top rated

Spend 90 minutes on the Thames from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, passing Christ Church Meadows, rowing boathouses, punts, and quiet water meadows. Your small group receives sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea from The Folly restaurant. Guides such as Nick, Henry, Dexter, and Duncan add local stories, though commentary can vary.

“They were very nice!! Unfortunately, I missed the cruise, but they were so kind to offer a rescchedule and make the afternoon tea inside! I will come back for sure!! Thank you for your kindness”

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6.Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 388 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Board at Coach Street in Skipton for a slow two-hour cruise through North Yorkshire. You will have your own table, afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, jam, cream, and desserts, plus tea or coffee. The boat is covered, the bar sells alcoholic drinks, and the route offers calm views of fields, trees, wildlife, and historic canal buildings.

“Very relaxing tour of the river and the afternoon tea was excellent. The crew were great, very friendly and attentive. I would definitely do this again. Highly recommended.”

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7.Notting Hill Walking Tour with Cream Tea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 319 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $81

Walk from Notting Hill Gate through film-famous streets and Portobello Road Market, then continue to Kensington Gardens, Princess Diana’s memorial, and Royal Albert Hall. Guides including Paddy, Maddie, and Elliott lead the English-language tour. Your cream tea is included to take away, but expect plenty of walking and a group of up to 30.

“Maddie was a great tour guide! Her knowledge of notting hill was above reproach! She was really fun to be around too!”

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8.London Traditional English Scone Making and Tea Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 271 reviews · from $48

Meet a local baker at De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar in London’s West End for a hands-on scone class. You’ll mix, roll, shape, and bake at least three scones, learn useful techniques and scone lore, then eat them with jam, clotted cream, and tea. Hosts including Ron, Danni, and Danny keep the small class friendly and easy to follow.

“This was the perfect London experience! We really enjoyed the cooking class as they explained the process step by step and provided the history of scones. Great afternoon!”

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9.Hampton Court Guided Tour. Full day Access & High Tea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 270 reviews · 4 hours 5 minutes (approx.) · from $212

Meet your guide at Hampton Court station at 11 a.m. for a two-hour tour of Henry VIII’s palace and its royal stories. Guides such as Tom, Julie, Suzanne, Prue, and Theresa bring the rooms to life, then lead you to afternoon tea across the road. Your ticket also lets you return to the palace and gardens on your own.

“This was a wonderful experience. We loved the majesty and history of Hampton Court. Susan did a wonderful job taking us back in time. The high tea across the street and on the water was lovely. The food was delicious. This outing was among our favorites.”

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10.Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $114

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in The Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews. You’ll have finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and freshly brewed tea in the Palace Lounge, with optional Champagne. Plan on about 90 minutes to two hours, smart-casual dress, and advance notice for dietary needs.

“The service was very good and there were great vegan options available. The atmosphere was relaxed.. I would highly recommend.”

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11.Delicious Doughnuts & Tea: Small-Group Borough Market Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96

Walk about two miles through Borough Market with a guide such as Oscar, Bhavani, Charlie, or Dan, stopping for doughnuts at St. John Bakery, Rodeo Doughnuts, Bread Ahead, and Crosstown. Tea, bottled water, and several doughnut samples are included. The tour ends near Tower Bridge and suits food lovers who enjoy a little local history along with breakfast.

“Super fun—borough market was amazing. Saw some hidden gems we would have missed if on our own. How can you beat donuts and London? Our guide Oscar was awesome!”

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