The classic Routemaster red bus is an iconic feature of the capital. Featured on key rings, tops, bags, and more, the buses are synonymous with London.
Once upon a time, the double-decker bus was not as safe as it is nowadays, with the open platforms allowing passengers to hop on and off, sometimes without the bus stopping.
Now, London buses have USB chargers, and cushioned seats and are often a much smoother journey than in the past.
But, this month, for one weekend only you can experience what travelling around London was once like with the return of the vintage red double-decker London bus.
You can ride a vintage double-decker bus in London this month
The event is being run by the London Bus Museum as part of Route 19 Heritage Day taking place on Saturday, March 29.
The day will see heritage buses dating from the 1950s to the 1970s take to the streets of London between 10am and 5pm.
The buses will follow the normal daily service on route 19, between Finsbury Park and Battersea Bridge.
@uktoday_ This was the best afternoon tea I’ve ever had in London! 🫖 #london #thingstodoinlondon #afternoontea #comewithme #londonbus #explorelondon #fyp ♬ It’s Time – Foliage
Route 19 first began in 1906 under its former name route H before being renamed to 19, two years later.
The London Bus Museum shares that there is no need to book, you just need to turn up at one of the route 19 bus stops and flag down the heritage bus when it heads your way.
The stops along Route 19 are:
- Finsbury Park
- Highbury & Islington
- Islington Angel
- Tottenham Court Road
- Piccadilly Circus
- Knightsbridge
- Sloane Square
- Chelsea Old Town Hall
- Battersea Bridge South Side
Recommended Reading
A journey on the bus is completely free, and some lucky passengers may even get a vintage ticket to take home.
Fans of London buses can also visit the museum which is open daily at Brooklands Museum in Wybridge Surrey.
The route 19 Heritage Day takes place on Saturday, March 29.
