In summary
Jump on a vintage red Routemaster, decorated with images of Peppa and her friends, for an official Peppa Pig sightseeing tour of some of London's famous landmarks, while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea, complete with an activity pack and on board entertainment for fans of the show.
When did we visit?
I visited with my six-year-old son Reuben on a Sunday afternoon in mid November. The Peppa Pig Bus Tour runs throughout the year on Thursdays to Sundays, at 12.15pm and 14.45pm.
Where is it located?
The Peppa Pig Bus Tour departs from outside Somerset House by Victoria Embankment. But Brigit's Bakery runs a number of themed bus tours, including a Paddington Bear tour, so if you decide to book one of their other themed sightseeing tours, it's worth noting that some depart from Victoria Coach Station and Trafalgar Square, so be sure to check your departure point.
We travelled by train to Waterloo, which is about a 15 minute walk from the departure point. As we crossed Waterloo Bridge, Reuben looked down and got excited when he saw the bus pulled up (with all its Peppa signage on the side). Charing Cross Station is a 10 minute walk from the departure point, and Temple Underground Station is just a two minute walk. We were keen beans and arrived about half an hour before departure time. But I would recommend aiming to arrive about twenty minutes beforehand, as you don't want to end up rushing with little ones in tow, and if you miss it, you won't get a refund.
It seemed everyone was playing safe with arrival times, as other people showed up shortly after us. We took the opportunity to use the loos in Somerset House before boarding, but there was a toilet on the bus for children in emergency situations. The bus leaves and returns from the same point.
Address: Victoria Embankment, WC2R 0RN
What does the experience involve?
As we boarded, Reuben was handed an Peppa themed activity pack and we took our seats on the lower deck. Inside, the bus is cute, with pink leather seats and clouds painted on the blue roof - all in keeping with the distinctive Peppa Pig style.
The tour is operated by afternoon tea specialists, Brigit's Bakery, who host a variety of themed bus tours. The Peppa Pig afternoon tea is a treat for adults without the flavours being too fussy for kids. Savoury snacks consisted of egg and cress finger sandwiches, Cheddar cheese finger sandwiches, chicken and tomato burger buns, veggie crudité and breadsticks with hummus and mini Margherita pizza.
Sweet treats included Peppa Pig shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles with sprinkles, strawberry macarons, fruit tarts with crème pâtissière, carrot cupcakes with cream cheese topping, and mini scones with jam and clotted cream. There were two of each option, and the food was really fresh and tasty. The scones were warmed up before being served. I'm not a fan of carrot cake, but the carrot cupcakes with cream cheese topping were so tasty! Reuben declared it the best lunch he's ever eaten.
To drink, there was a selection of teas and coffees, but Reuben and I went for the hot chocolate, which for kids was served at the perfect temperature. The waitress was excellent and diligent in topping up drinks, which were served in reusable Peppa Pig travel cups that you get to take home as a souvenir. These are actually really good quality and dishwasher safe and we've used ours many times since. If you wanted to upgrade, there's also the option of adding wine or bubbles for adults.
This kid-friendly sightseeing tour takes in great views of Central London and passes landmarks, such as Big Ben, The House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Nelson's Column, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market, Piccadilly Circus and more. As we were on the bottom deck, I feared the views wouldn't be as good as from top deck, but we were able to see and enjoy everything. There was a built in tablet on each table with a Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour, and there was a guide on board to point out the sights and provide information of interest to both kids and adults.
All the kids had smiles on their faces as they sang songs from Peppa Pig and took part in a little quiz about the show. But the entertainment isn't too loud or in your face, it's more a leisurely and relaxed experience that the adults can also enjoy. Reuben got busy colouring in and filling out his activity book as we drove around, stopping to look out at each attraction along the way. There were visitors from America, Italy and different parts of the UK on board, and a couple of kids were enjoying the experience in celebration of their birthday. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
We were full by the end of the tour and had a few sweet treats left over. So, the helpful waitress boxed them up and I took them home for my older son. The standard menu is suitable for those requiring a halal afternoon tea, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus are available on booking.
What age is it most suitable for?
It's suitable for ages 2+. Peppa Pig is a show that will always remind me of Reuben being a pre-schooler, as we'd snuggle on the sofa and watch it together. But even now, he'll still occasionally pop it on if he's feeling unwell or particularly tired, as the familiarity seems to bring him comfort. He's now aged six and I wondered if the Peppa Pig Bus Tour would be a little too babyish for him. But he loved it, and there were other kids his age on board. I even spotted a couple with no kids joining the tour.
How long does the experience last?
The experience lasts about 90 minutes, which felt like the right amount of time for young children.
How much does it cost?
Prices from £48 for an adult and £43 for a child. But prices vary by date, time and seat selection. NHS workers get a 20% discount (email a picture of your valid NHS card to apply the discount). Find out here
Take a Break's verdict
This is a wonderful treat day out for Peppa Pig fans. It is pricey, but not when compared to other kids' themed afternoon tea options we've looked at in London, and it's a lovely way to explore London with a young child. The food was delicious, while also being child-friendly, and the staff were warm, friendly and efficient. The whole experience was well organised, and as an adult, I was surprised to find that I enjoyed it as much as Reuben did. We'd rate it a 4.3 out of 5.