
Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 263 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace worth booking?
Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $112 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 263 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (263)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $112 per person
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel is a luxurious, 5-star venue situated a stone's throw away from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the lavish Palace Lounge, a bright, open space with panoramic views of The King's stables. Watch the comings and goings of the royal carriages as you dine on a selection of sumptuous sandwiches, delectable, fresh-made pastries and traditional scones with clotted cream and fruit preserve.
What you get
About this experience
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel is a luxurious, 5-star venue situated a stone's throw away from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the lavish Palace Lounge, a bright, open space with panoramic views of The King's stables. Watch the comings and goings of the royal carriages as you dine on a selection of sumptuous sandwiches, delectable, fresh-made pastries and traditional scones with clotted cream and fruit preserve.
What's included
Included
- Glass of Champagne (if selected this option)
- Afternoon tea
- Beverages
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Departure Point: The Rubens at the Palace, London Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS Directions: Nearest Station : Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District Lines and National Rail)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: The Rubens at the Palace, London Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS Directions: Nearest Station : Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District Lines and National Rail)
Options you can book
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea
Afternoon Tea with Champagne
Including a glass of Champagne
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Evan Evans Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive at the hotel 15 minutes prior to your booked timeslot
- Allergies / Dietary Restrictions: Please inform us of any special requests with 72 hours-notice. Please note that due to the nature of their business and offering the hotel cannot guarantee 100% allergen or intolerant free recipes/dishes. Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal and Gluten-Free options available, Please contact us after the booking.
- Menus listed are samples and subject to variations.
- Dress code: Smart casual. We respectfully ask guests to refrain from wearing sportswear, flip-flops, and non-tailored shorts. Guest not adhering to the dress code policy will not be permitted entry into our restaurants and bars
- A full refund or date change will be offered up to 24 hours before travel. Cancellations inside 24 hours will be charged at 100%
- Champagne, where included, is only for adults 18+
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 262 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
262 verified traveler reviews for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyable tea near the palace
Very elegant decor cozy room. The food was very good and lots of it bring an appetite! Great explanation of teas and the proper etiquette for high tea. The maitre de was very nice and knowledgeable my wife and I enjoyed it it was our anniversary and they even brought out a celebratory pastry for us !
via Viator
Excellent!
After a busy day in London it was lovely to retreat and unwind in the surroundings of the Rubens. The amazing afternoon tea was made even better by the service provided by Rebecca. She was attentive without being intrusive, interested without being nosy. All in all a credit to The Rubens Hotel. Thank you everyone for the wonderful experience - we will be back. Tim & Francesca
via Tripadvisor
Afternoon tea and cocktails with my close friend
Went for afternoon tea on Saturday, excellent service and superb food , we went to the Queen Elizabeth dreses exhibition in the Kings gallery, then returned to Rubens for cocktails, lovely atmosphere, and a big thank you to Frank for his care and attention, will definitely return and would thoroughly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Avoid for Families: Unmentioned Mandatory Child Set
We had a very disappointing experience with the afternoon tea service and ended up walking out before ordering. The venue insisted that a mandatory set had to be purchased for our 6-year-old child as well. When we questioned this, they suggested that our 6-year-old child could eat at the bar instead. Enforcing an afternoon tea set for a 6-year-old child—and failing to mention this policy anywhere on their website, menu, or booking details—was a huge disappointment and completely unacceptable customer service.
via Tripadvisor
The birthday tea
The staff was wonderful and the food was amazing!! We had a delightful time. We will do again when back in London.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a delightful time and enjoyed the food and service. We’re so pleased to hear that you would visit us again when you’re back in London. We look forward to welcoming you again! Kind Regards, Evan Evans Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $112 to $114
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 92
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Evan Evans Tours, who run 86 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.0 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Evan Evans Tours runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace cost?
+
Prices start at $112 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 263 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
Around 92 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
+
London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
+
May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
Included: Glass of Champagne (if selected this option); Afternoon tea; and Beverages. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
Departure Point: The Rubens at the Palace, London Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS Directions: Nearest Station : Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District Lines and National Rail) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
Across 263 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Afternoon tea, Afternoon Tea with Champagne. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, Buckingham Palace.
Pick your date




