Trip to Ipswich / Felixstowe 14-10-2023

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
35925	Ipswich Cattlemarket BS	Felixstowe, Leopold Road	75	First Eastern Counties
44518	Felixstowe, Great Eastern Square	Woodbridge, Turban Centre	73	First Eastern Counties
32653	Woodbridge, Turban Centre	Rushmere, Khartoum Road	64	First Eastern Counties
69426	Rushmere, Adj Khartoum Road	Rushmere St Andrews, Linksfield	66	First Eastern Counties
69010	Rushmere St Andrews, Linksfield	Ipswich Railway Station	66	First Eastern Counties
69428	Ipswich Railway Station	Ipswich, Old Cattle Market	66	First Eastern Counties

Today Matthew was on the second full day of a trip to East Anglia. Matthew got up around 09:00 and had toast and juice for breakfast. We chilled out watching TV and watching the squirrels and ducks outside the caravan. Around 11:00 we got in the car and we set off out of the caravan park. We set off out of the caravan Park and we ran down to the main road. We headded Westwards along the A143 Border Bus 109 on #580 to Great Yarmouth and we passed Cooks Coaches WA10 KNL. We stopped at a food truck by The Horseshoes pub and Matthew had a sausage bap washed down with a can of Cherry Coke. When we had finished eating we continued along the A143 and we joined the Southbound A140. We joined the Southbound A14 and we came of at Junction 53 onto Bury Road. We ran to the edge of town and we joinde the anti-clockwise ring road. We ran along Star Lane and we turn ed left onto Lower Brook Street and we parked up on the small car park there. We said goodbye to mum and we set off on foot Northwards up Foundation Street. We stumbled upon the bus garage and we saw First Eastern Counties 44513 pasked up there.

First Eastern Counties 44513 in Ipswich

We walked to the top off Foundation Street and we turned left onto Tacket Street and we saw Ipswich Buses 71 on an inbound #4 service.

Ipswich Buses 71 in Ipswich

We continued forwards onto Dogs Head Street and Matthew decided he neede the toilet. The bus station toilet appear to be closed so we went to the Plough. We saw First Eastern Counties 32652 arrive on a. After Matthew had used the toilet he had a glass of Coke. When we had finished we went outside to see what we might catch. At the bottom end of the bus station we saw First Eastern Counties 44516 on layover.

First Eastern Counties 44516 in Ipswich bus station

We walked back to the top end of the bus station and there was a bus about to leave for Felixstowe. We saw it was First Eastern Counties 35925 on a #75 to Grange Farm.

First Eastern Counties 35925 in Ipswich bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket at £13 before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Eastern Counties 35925 before we sat down.

Inside First Eastern Counties 35925

We set off onto Dogs Head Street and we turned left onto Upper Brook Street. We turned right onto Great Colman Street. We ran forwards onto the A1156 and we followed thr road around to the right. We turned left onto the B1075 and we headed Eastwards out of town. We ran forwards onto the A1071 past the hospital and we turned right onto the Southbound A1189. We ran forwards onto the A1156 and we turned left onto Murrills Road. We continued South Eastwards and we rejoined the A1156. We crossed obver the A14 and we veered right onto Felxstowe Road. We ran alongside the A14 and the railway line and we ran forwards onto High Road and into Trimley St Martin. We crossed the A1`4 and we ran into Trimley. We got to the edge of town and we turned right onto the A1021. We ran along Hamilton Road and we stopped outside the fromer NatWest Bank. We continued to the next stop where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 35925 as it continued towards the Grange Farm estate.

First Eastern Counties 35925 in Felixstowe

We crossed over the road and we headed to a toilet block on the corner of a car park. After Matthew had used the toilet we walked Northwards along the A1021. We stopped at a bus stop, but Matthew wanted to do something in town. We carried on walking along the A1021. We saw First Eastern Counties 69547 on a #75 to Ipswich.

First Eastern Counties 69547 in Felixstowe

We went into the railway station forecourt which had been refurbushed and filled with With business. Wethersponn were planning on building a pub but have decided to pull out. There wasn't much here of interest for Matthew so we went into the Co-op. We brought a bottle of Coke and a galaxy caramel bar. We went outside to the square and we sat of a seat. Matthew drank the Coke and ate the Galaxy Caramel bar. We decided to go in a diffferent direction. There was a #73 to Woodbridge due shortly so we crossed over the road to the adjacent stop. Whilst we waited we saw First Eastern Counties 69550 on a #75 to Grange Farm.

First Eastern Counties 69550 in Felixstowe

A few minutes later we saw the bus approaching. As it got closer we saw it was First Eastern Counties 44518 on a #73 to Woodbridge.

First Eastern Counties 44518 in Felixstowe

We got on the bus and we booked to Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off down the A1021 and we we went the A154 before doing a U turn between Morrisons and Homebase and going up the A154. We ran alongside the A14 and the railway line and we ran forwards onto High Road and into Trimley St Martin. We turned left onto Bucklesham Road and we ran forwards onto Kirton Road. We continued Brightwell Road and we rejoined the A1156. We crossed obver the A12 and we turned right onto Gloster Road. We went into Tesco. After a brief stop in Martlesham Heath we continued along Anson Road. We ran forwards onto Felixstowe Road and we ran forwards onto Top Street. We turned right onto the B1438 and into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got a picture of First Eastern Counties 44518 before it returned towards Ipswich on a #70 service.

First Eastern Counties 44518 in Woodbridge

Once off the bus we walked to the toilet block across the car park. We decided to go for a bit of a walk around. We walked down Hamblin Road and we turned right onto Quayside. We turned left onto an unlarked road and we went around the Quayside. Wew spotted some shops so we went into the courtyard to see if there was anyone selling ice cream. There was a restuarant that was selling gelato, so we went in and We had a tub of vanilla gelato each. We sat in the courstyard to eat it and when we had finished we walked back arond the quayside and over the railway line onto Quayside. As we were approaching the road to bus stops we saw the bus go uop the Road. We ran up Hamblin Road and we got to the stop just in time to get on the bus. We saw it was First Eastern Counties 32653 on a #64 to Ipswich.

First Eastern Counties 32653 in Woodbridge

We got on the bus and we placed the Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and sat down. The bus set off down Hamblin Road and we turned right onto Quayside. We ran forwards onto Station Road and Cumberland Street and at the roundabou forwards onto the B1438. We turned right onto Warren Hill Road and we turned left onto Old Barrack Road. We rejoined the B1438 and we ran forwards onto the Westbound A12. We bypassed Martlesham and we turned right onto the A1214. We ran through Kesgrave and past new coffee shop on the site of the petrol station. We ran past the hospital before we veered right onto Woodbridge Road. We spotted a pub so we decided to get up and get off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew got another picture of First Eastern Counties 32653 before it continued towards Ipswich.

First Eastern Counties 32653 in Rushmere

We crossed over the road and we went into the pub. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards we haded to the bar. Matthew had a glass of Coke and we sat down for a short while to have our drinks. When we had finished we headed outside and walked to the bus stop. Whilst we waited for the bus we saw Ipswich Buses 41 on a #6 to the Tower Ramparts bus station.

Ipswich Buses 41 in Rushmere

A short time later we saw a bus approaching. It was First Eastern Counties 69426 on a #66 to Martlesham Heath.

First Eastern Counties 69426 in Rushmere

We got on the bus and we placed the Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along Woodbridge Road and we joined the A1214 and we passed the hospital. I was looking at the bus map and I released there was a low numbered Volvo coming the other way. We got to the park and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 69426 as it continued towards Martlesham.

First Eastern Counties 69426 in Rushmere St Andrews

We crosed the road and we saw the bus approaching. As it got to the stop we saw it was First Eastern Counties 69010 on a #66 to Ipswich Railway station.

First Eastern Counties 69010 in Rushmere St Andrews

We got on the bus and we placed the Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off along the A1214 and we passed the hospital before turning right onto Woodbridge Road. We ran to the edge of town and we folowed the one way system to the left onto Argyle Street. We turned right onto St Helen's Street and we ran forwards onto St Margarets Street. We continued onto Crown Street and we turned left onto Civic Drive. We turned right onto Princes Street and we crossed the A137. We ran past the Royal Mail office and police Station and we crossed over the River Orwell. We turned left onto the B1075 and we pulled up outside of the railway station. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 69010 before it returned on a #66 to Matlesham.

First Eastern Counties 69010 in Ipswich Railway Station

Once off the bus Matthew indicated that he needed the toilet. We went into the station and I asked where the toilets were. The staff member said they were on the platform so I asked if we could go through to use the toilet and he let us through. After we had finished we came back through the barrier and thanked the staff member. Matthew indicated that he wanted to go to Costa so we went in and Matthew had a piece of millionaires shortbread. We went outside to wai for the next bus and Matthew ate his shortbread. A few minutes later we saw a bus cross over the Orwell and headed in our direction. As it got closer we saw it was First Eastern Counties 69428 on a #66 to Martlesham.

First Eastern Counties 69428 in Ipswich Railway Station

We got on the bus and we placed the Suffolk Costal High5 Day ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off from the railway station and onto the B1075. We turned right onto Princes Street and we crossed over the River Orwell. We crossed over the ring road and we tirned right onto Friars Street. We ran forwards onto Falcon Street and forwards onto Dogs Head Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we crossed over the road and Matthew got another picture of First Eastern Counties 69428 before it carried on towards Martlesham.

First Eastern Counties 69428 in Ipswich

We headed towards the car through the bus station. We saw First Eastern Counties 35913 on a #88 to Stowmarket.

First Eastern Counties 35913 in Ipswich bus station

We carried on through the bus station and we turned right onto Turret Lane and left onto Lower Brook Street and down to the car.We got in the car and we set off Northwards up Lower Brook Street and onto Upper Brook Street. We ran forwards Northgate Street and we crossed over Crown Street and onto Fonnereau Street. We turned right onto Henley Road and left onto Anglesea Road. We turned right onto Norwich Road and we travelled Northwards we spotted a chip shop. We weren't able to park so we went sround the block. We turned left onto Ricmond Street and left onto Bamford Lane. We turned left onto All Saints Road and we re-joined Norwich Road. We were able to park up and I went to the chip shop. Matthew had chips and a battered sausage. They didn't do gravy! I also nipped to the Tesco Express and got a loaf for tomorrow. After I had finished eating we set off Northwards up Norwich Road. We joined the Northbound A14 and we came off at junction 51 and joined the Northbound A140. We ran through Yaxley and Brome and we turned right onto the A143. We ran Northwards through Earsham and Ellingham and we headed South East towards Beccles. We turned left to follow the A143 and we crossed over the River Waveney at St Olaves. We turned left onto Beccles Road and left onto Station Road South. At the bend in the road we turned left and enetered the caravan park. We park ip at our caravan and we went in. We chilled out and watched TV as we did the Blog and wrote e-mails. Matthew had a can of Cgerry Coke and ate a sausage roll. We went to bed around 00:00... Mark

Trip to Norwich / Great Yarmouth 29-10-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
33806	Norwich BS	Great Yarmouth BS	X1	First Eastern Counties
32653	Great Yarmouth BS	Great Yarmouth, Main Cross Road	2	First Eastern Counties
32653	Great Yarmouth, Opp Barrack Road	Great Yarmouth BS	2	First Eastern Counties
37022	Great Yarmouth BS	Caister, Marram Drive	8	First Eastern Counties
32654	Caister, Marram Drive	Newtown, o/s The Avenue	8	First Eastern Counties
37026	Newtown, o/s The Avenue	Great Yarmouth BS	8	First Eastern Counties
37564	Great Yarmouth BS	Norwich BS	X1	First Eastern Counties

Today was the first full day off our break in East Anglia. Matthew had already expressed a wish to go to Norwich, so we decided we were going to drive over to Norwich later in the day. Matthew got up around 09:30 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We got ourselves ready and we got in the car and set off out of the caravan park around 11:00. We set off onto Oasis Way and we turned right onto the Southbound A149. We did not continue along the by-pass and we ran through Snettisham and Dersingham passing Lynx Bus 22(#34) and 23(#34). The sat nav took a very cross country route. We turned left onto Manor Road and right onto the B1440. We ran passed the royal residence at Sandringham and we continued down to the A148. We headed East for a short while before turning right onto Lower Lynn Road. We turned right onto Nethergate Street and we headed Southwards through Little Messingham and Great Messingham. We turned left onto the B1145 and we crossed over the A1065. We ran through Litcham Beeston and High Green and we joined the Eastbound A47. We by-passed Dereham and we ran around the South Side of Norwich. Mum had found a cafe that we could stop at on the way into town. We came of the the A47 onto the Northbound A146 and we approached the city from the South East. We turned onto the ring road and we along the A1054 before turning left onto the A147. We turned left onto Hall Road and we passed the cafe before turning right onto Southwell Road and parking up. We walked around the corner back onto Hall Road and we went into the cafe. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we sat in a table outside. Matthew had a breakfast washed down with a can of Coke. When we had finished we got back into the car which I had move adjacent to the cafe. We set off along Hall Road and we turned right onto Southwell Road. We turned right onto Grove Road and we turned right onto Brazen Gate before we turned left ibti Sainsbury's and parked up. We said goodbye to mum and we walked onto Queens Road. We crossed over the road and we turned right into the Southern end of the bus station. There were a few buses parked up on layover. We saw KonectBus 619 parked up in the layover area.

KonectBus 619 in Norwich bus station

Matthew wanted to go in the direction of Yarmouth. We saw a bus on stand and it was First Eastern Counties 33806 on a X11 to Great Yarmouth.

First Eastern Counties 33806 in Norwich bus station

We got on the bus and we booked a FirstDay Group Explorer ticket at £14 before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Surrey Street and we ran down to Queens Road. We headed out of town along the A147 and we turned right onto Martineau Lane. We turned left onto the A146 and we headed South Eastwards. As we ran out of town we saw Belle Coaches LD10 HOL going into the city. On the edge of the city we joined the Eastbound A47. We ran fast for around 10 miles and we veered left onto Norwich Road. We called into Acle and we ran through town, rejoining the Eastbound A47. We ran the last 8 or so miles to the edge of Great Yarmouth and we ran into town. We ran forwards onto Fuller's Hill and forward again onto Priory Plain. We ran into the bus station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Eastern Counties 32654 on a #8 to James Paget Hospital.

First Eastern Counties 32654 in Great Yarmouth bus station

Also seen was First Eastern Counties 47501 on layover.

First Eastern Counties 47501 in Great Yarmouth bus station

We headed over the road and we went to the pub. Matthew went to the toilet and afterwards we found a table and I went to the bar and got glasses of Coke. We sat and drank the coke and we saw Ambassador Travel (NX) BV22 VSG on a #491 to London. When we had finished out drinks we went outside and we spotted an ALX400 bodied bus at the other end of the bus station. We got closer we and we saw it was First Eastern Counties 32653 on a #2 Barracks Estate circular service. We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs. The top deck was empty so Matthew took a picture inside First Eastern Counties 32653 before we sat down. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Regent Road. We turned right onto Alexandera Road. We ran forwards onto King Street. We turned right onto St Peter's Road and we turned right onto Blackfirars Road. We ran forwards onto Camden Road and continued onto Admiralty Road. We passed 2 gas holders and some artwork behind perspex which is potentially a Banksy. We turned left onto Main Cross Road and left onto South Beach Parade where we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 32653 as it returned to the centre of Great Yarmouth.

First Eastern Counties 32653 in Great Yarmouth

Once off the the bus we spotted grey minibus DA13 YRR parked up near to the Pleasure Beach.

DA13 YRR in Great Yarmouth

We turned left onto Harbord Crescent and left onto Peggotty Road. We turned right onto Admiralty Road and we went to photograph the gas holders. We continued up to the bus stop opposite to the Banksy and we waited for the bus to appear. It was a 20 minute frequency service and it was the same bus doing the run all day. A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was as expected First Eastern Counties 32653 on the #2 Barracks Estate circular.

First Eastern Counties 32653 in Great Yarmouth

We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off down Admiralty Road and we ran past the gas holders again. We turned left onto Main Cross Road and left onto South Beach Parade. We turned left onto Harbord Crescent and left onto Peggotty Road. We turned right onto Admiralty Road and we headed Northwards. We ran forwards onto Camden Road and forwards again onto Blackfriars Road. We turned right onto St Peter's Road and left onto Nelson Road Central. We turned left onto St Nicholas Road and we turnd left and entered the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we looked for something else we could catch. We saw First Eastern Counties 37022 on a #8 to Caister.

First Eastern Counties 37022 in Great Yarmouth bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off out of the bus station onto Regent Road. We turned right onto King Street and we followed the road to the left onto Regent Street. We turned right onto Howard Street South and we headed Northwards. We turned right into The Conge and we enterted the market place. We crossed over Fuller's Hill and we saw First Eastern Counties 36281 on a X1 to Norwich. We continued Northwards up Northgate Street and we turned right onto Beaconsfield Road. We turned left onto North Denes Road and we ran forwards onto Sandringham Road. We turned left onto Barnard Avenue and we turned right onto Beatty Road. We turned left onto Lellicoe Road and we ran past Gret Yarmouth racecourse. We turned right onto the Northbound A149 and we ran past the greyhound track and blue coach D15 SFC which was parked up at the side of the road. We ran forwards onto Yarmouth Road and we ran into Caister. We ran onto the High Street and we veered right onto Ormesby Road. We passed the Haven holiday Park and we turned right onto Second Avebue. We turned right onto Carter Close. We turned left onto Halt Road and left onto Marram Drive where the bus terminated. We got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 37022 as is prepared to headed back towards Great Yarmouth on the #2 service.

First Eastern Counties 37022 in Caister

Once off the bus we walked along Marram Drive and we turned right onto Second Avenue. We walked down onto the beach and we walked to the esa. After a quick look at the sea we waslked back to the end of Sevond Avenue and matthew used the toilet. We had a few minutes before the next bus was due to go back so we sat on the bench on the sea front and Matthew had a can of Irn Bru. We also shared a bounty between the 3 of us. We walked back to Second Avenue and we turned left onto Marram Drive. We saw the bus was already at the stop. As expected it was First Eastern Counties 32654 on a #8 to James Paget Hospital.

First Eastern Counties 32654 in Caister

We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner. The lower salonn was empty so Matthew took a picture inside of First Eastern Counties 32654 before we went upstairs and we sat down.

Inside First Eastern Counties 32654

The bus waited for time and afterwards set off along Marram Drive. We turned left onto Second Avenue and we ran to the end before heading Southwards down Ormesby Road. We ran forwards onto High Street and forwards onto Yarmouth Road. We joined the Southbound A149 and we ran past the greyhound stadium. We turned left onto Jellicoe Road and right onto Beatty Road. We decide to go to the pub so we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of First Eastern Counties 32654 as it carried on towards James Paget Hospital.

First Eastern Counties 32654 in Newtown

We headed into the pub and Matthew used the toilet. We got a glass of Coke and we sat down to watch some lads playing pool whilst we had our drinks. We we had finished we went outside and we waited for the next Southbound bus. Whilst we waited we saw First Eastern Counties 36188 on a #8 to Caister.

First Eastern Counties 36188 in Newtown

A short time later we saw the bus approaching. It was as expected First Eastern Counties 37026 on a #8 to James Paget Hospital.

First Eastern Counties 37026 in Newtown

We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off down Beatty Road. We turned left onto Barnard Avebue and right onto Sandringham Avenue. We continued Southwards before turning right onto Beaconsfield Road. We turned left onto Northgate Street and we headed Southwards into the town. We veered left onto Fullers Hill and we continued onto Priory Plain. We continued onto Temle Road and we entered the bus station from the North end where we got up and got off the bus. We need to head back to Norwich to meet up with mum. Once off the bus we saw First Eastern Counties 37174 on a #8 to Caister.

First Eastern Counties 37174 in Great Yarmouth bus station

In front of the other bus was First Eastern Counties 37564 on a X11 to Norwich.

First Eastern Counties 37564 in Great Yarmouth bus station

We got on the bus and we placed the FirstDay Group Explorer ticket under the scanner for the final time today before we went upstairs and we sat down. We set off out of the bus station and we turned right onto King Street and we followed the road to the left onto Regent Street. We turned right onto Howard Street South and we headed Northwards. We turned right into The Conge and we enterted the market place. We turned left Fuller's Hill and we headed out of town along the A47. After about 5 miles we turned right onto New Road and we ran into Acle. We turned left onto The Street and we passed Voyager P24 PJO on a rail replacement service. We turned right onto Norwich Street. We crossed over the the A47 heading towards the railwat station and we turned right to join the Westbound A47. We ran fast along the A47 for another 7 or so miles and we came off the A47 onto the Northbound A146. We crossed over the river Yare and the railway line and we turned right onto the A1054. We turned left onto the A147 and we ran the last mile or so into the city centre. We ran past Sainsburys and we turned right into the bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we saw First Eastern Counties 37274 on a X1 to Lowestoft.

First Eastern Counties 37274 in Norwich bus station

We called mum to find out where she had parked. She was in the multi-storey car park of the adjacent shopping centre. We headed out of the bus station onto the A147 and we walked North Eastwards along the road to the shopping centre. We walked through the shopping centre. Matthew went to the toilet and and we saw a new Costa Coffee shop. Afterwards we looked for the entrance to the car park. Eventually, found our way into the car park. We paid for the parking and we set off out of the carpark onto the Northbound A147. We turned right onto St Crispins Road and left onto Oak Street. We ran forwards onto St Martins Road and we crossed over the A1607 before we turned left onto the A1402. We saw First Eastern Counties 37407 on a #37 to Norwich. We crossed the A140 and we ran forwards onto Reepham Road. We headed through the darkness across Norfolk and we came to the A1270. We travlled along the A1270 for a short distance before joined the Northbound A1067. We continued Northwards through Lenwade, Bawdeswell, Bintree and Guist before travelling to the East of Fakenham and joining the Westbound A148. We turned right onto the B1454 and we headed Northwards. After a few miles we came to a stop and we had to turn around due to an accident on a crossroads with the police and fire brigade in attendance. We went back down the B1454 and we turned right onto an unmarked road before joining the Westbound B1155 We ran through Great Bircham and a few miles later we came out in Snettisham. We turned right onto the Northbound B1440 and we continued Northwards up to the A149. We turned left onto Oasis Way and we crossed over the roundabout onto South Beach Road. We stopped at the chip shop and we picked up food. We turned in the road and we turned right into the caravan park. After we parked up we went into the chalet and we ate our food. Matthew ate his sausage chips and gravy washed down with a can of Cerry Coke. We chilled out and Matthew soaked his feet in hot water as he had a sore foot. We edited to Blog and we wrote and e-mail. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark