Afternoon tea on a bus in Bournemouth is a very different and unique way to enjoy afternoon tea in Bournemouth. Frieda’s afternoon tea bus tours depart from Bournemouth Pier every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Tour times are advertised as 2pm and 5pm.
**The Tea Bus is no longer running in Bournemouth**
Experiencing the afternoon tea bus in Bournemouth has been on my radar for quite some time, so when the opportunity arose to book I took it.
Booking Frieda’s Afternoon Tea Bus
When booking the tea bus, you are given the choice of date and time before viewing the seating plan of the bus. Prices vary across the bus depending on whether you choose to sit on the lower deck or top deck. The two tables at the very front of the bus on the top deck are classed as VIP seats offering the best views from the front of the bus.
The website offers additional extras that you can purchase at time of booking such as an extra scone, or glass of Prosecco. There is also a chance to add any dietary requirements at this point before payment.
Afternoon Tea Bus Route
The tea bus route begins at Bournemouth Pier behind Hot Rocks bar. You are advised to arrive at least ten minutes prior to the departure time as the bus doesn’t wait. There is plenty of parking in Bournemouth, but allow for traffic on busy days.
The bus route takes you along the promenade towards Boscombe Pier, before taking in the sights of Southbourne and Hengistbury Head. At this point you can see some of the great walks along Bournemouth beaches that you could do.
There is a ten minute break at Hengistbury Head, allowing you to depart the bus and use the facilities as there is no toilet on board the bus.
The return journey follows the same route in reverse back to Bournemouth Pier. You are on board for approximately 90 minutes in total.
What Is Included In The Afternoon Tea On Frieda’s Tea Bus?
Included in your afternoon tea is a selection of sandwiches with fillings including egg mayonnaise, ham and coleslaw, cream cheese and cucumber, and smoked salmon. A variety of mini cakes, macaroons, savoury pastry, scones with jam and cream. Drinks include orange juice and tea or coffee.
Our Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Experience
It was a very hot and busy afternoon in Bournemouth for our tea bus tour, and as we boarded the bus, the air was quite close. This did get a lot better when the bus was running, and the air con was much appreciated.
Boarding the bus, we noticed that everything had already been laid out on the tables. This was very clever, and the tables have been designed to keep everything in place whilst the bus is moving.
There are cup holders in the tables to keep the hot drinks safe in the ceramic cups with lids, and a clever contraption to hold the Prosecco glasses.
Our driver welcomed us and gave us the information about the route before we set off from Bournemouth. As it was a busy day, we were warned there may have to be some detours away from the traffic, but actually we still saw some brilliant views from the bus.
We had opted for the top deck with seats at the back of the bus, and actually this was a great spot to see everything.
Despite the hot weather, the food fared very well. The sandwiches were very tasty, and the cakes delicious. We had one gluten free in our party, and the gluten free sandwiches were separate along with the gluten free cakes and scones on the table when we boarded.
All the jam and cream was served in a small individual pot per person, and despite the small table area for such a lot of food and drink, it was very well laid out and presented.
I have never experienced afternoon tea on a bus before, and it was slightly amusing to begin with trying to work out when to sip your tea or orange juice when the bus was a little jerky, or the road uneven.
Being a hot day, I would advise to eat the scone sooner rather than later to get the best of the cream. We had some sandwiches left at Hengistbury Head, but they didn’t look very appetising at this point. The cakes however fared really well.
If I could change anything, I would probably like to see half the afternoon tea served on the outbound journey and half on the return journey.
The views out of the bus were great, and it was good to see sights in Bournemouth that we wouldn’t ordinarily spot. This was definitely a good experience, an expensive afternoon tea, but you’re paying for the experience and views as well which makes it worthwhile.