Paddington Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Tour
Paddington-themed afternoon tea on a vintage Routemaster bus — marmalade sandwiches and London landmarks in 90 minutes
Paddington-themed afternoon tea on a vintage Routemaster bus — marmalade sandwiches and London landmarks in 90 minutes
A vintage 1960s Routemaster bus wrapped in Paddington Bear livery departs from Trafalgar Square three times daily, carrying passengers through central London while they tuck into a themed afternoon tea. Each table has a built-in screen playing Paddington-guided animations that narrate the landmarks passing outside the window.
You will eat marmalade sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and Paddington-themed cakes and pastries while the bus passes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus. The 90-minute route covers over a dozen major sights without a single stop.
Brigit's Bakery launched its first Paddington-themed bus tour in November 2017 to coincide with the release of Paddington 2. That initial run lasted just two weeks, but demand was so strong that the company relaunched the tour permanently in autumn 2022. The experience combines a full afternoon tea service with a 90-minute sightseeing loop through central London aboard a restored 1960s Routemaster double-decker bus.
The bus departs from 8 Northumberland Avenue, just off Trafalgar Square, and follows a route that takes in Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Hyde Park, Nelson's Column, St Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market, Green Park and Piccadilly Circus. Unlike hop-on-hop-off tours, the bus does not stop — passengers remain seated throughout, eating and sightseeing simultaneously.
The Paddington theming runs throughout the experience. Tables are laid with branded crockery and each seat has a built-in screen playing original Paddington animations timed to the landmarks outside. The bear himself narrates the journey, pointing out sights and sharing stories that appeal to children and adults in equal measure.
The afternoon tea menu includes Paddington's signature marmalade sandwich alongside more traditional fare — smoked salmon and cucumber pretzels, scones with clotted cream and jam, pawprint cookies and chocolate cupcakes. Dietary variations including vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free menus are available when specified at booking. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included in the ticket price.
Tours depart Wednesday to Sunday at 12:30, 15:00 and 17:30. All tickets must be booked in advance through the Brigit's Bakery website or by calling 020 3026 1188. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure — the bus leaves promptly and cannot wait for latecomers. No refunds are given for missed departures.
Children must be aged five or over, and a maximum of two children aged 5 to 12 may be booked per accompanying adult. There are no toilets, seatbelts or buggy storage on board. One modified bus with wheelchair access is available but must be reserved by phone as it does not appear on the online booking system.
Prices vary by date, time and seat selection — all bookings are non-refundable but date changes are available for a fee
The midweek lunchtime departure is the quietest and gives the best chance of a front seat on the upper deck. Weekend tours sell out weeks in advance.
The bus leaves promptly and will not wait for latecomers. No refunds are given for missed departures. The meeting point is outside the Grand Hotel on Northumberland Avenue.
Vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free menus are available but must be requested at the time of booking. The kitchen cannot accommodate nut-free requests.
There are no toilets on the vintage Routemaster bus and the 90-minute tour has no stops. The nearest public toilets are in Charing Cross station.
The upper deck gives panoramic views of landmarks through the large windows. Request upper deck seating when booking if it matters to you — seats are pre-assigned.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
