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

Trip to Derby / Nottingham 04-08-2018

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
84	Derby BS	Nottingham Victoria BS	Red Arrow	Trent Barton
770	Nottingham Victoria BS	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 5)	2	Trent Barton
809	Ilkeston	Stapleford, Memorial Garden	my15	Trent Barton
326	Stapleford, Memorial Garden	Lenton, QMC Main Entrance (Stop QM02)	i4	Trent Barton
705	Lenton. QMC Main Entrance (Stop QM02)	Nottingham, Wollaton Street (Stop Y5)	i4	Trent Barton
778	Nottingham, Cathedral (Stop Y3)	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 5)	2	Trent Barton
718	Ilkeston, Market Place (Stop 1)	Derby BS	Ilkeston Flyer	Trent Barton

Today we decided to re-visit Derby. As mum had been working quite a bit lately we wanted a shortish trip. Research consisted of looking on the Trent Barton site for fares and the area map. We also checked the weather which was for warm dry weather with hazy sunshine. Matthew got up around 10:15 and had toast and orange juice for breakfast. We set off onto the A5035 and we headed through Dresden up to Longton. We got on the the Eastbound A50 and passed D&G 112 on a #1A to Wood Lane. we ran throughMeir tunnel up towards Blythe Bridge. We followed the A50 to the right and we passed M&D Travel K50 MND & white minibus BX08 YDB We ran near to Uttoxeter before going up the hill near to Doveridge. We continued Eastwards through Foston and we joined the Northbound A38. We ran to the edge of Derby and we ran into town along the A516 following Viking Travel W875 UGY. We turned right onto the A601 and left onto Babington Lane. We followed the road around onto Osmaston Road and we parked up. We went to the salvation army cafe and Matthew used the tioilet. The shop didn't sell any food that Matthew would eat so we brought a slice of cake for later and left. A couple of doors down was Nicky's cafe and Matthew had a brunch washed down with a glass of Coke. After we had eaten we siad goodbye to mum and we walked around the corner onto London Road. We turned left on the A601 and we went left again onto Morledge. As we approached the bus station we saw Notts & Derby 456 on a #73 to Weston-on-Trent.

Notts & Derby 456 in Derby bus station

Also we saw Arriva Midlands 4216 on a #1 to Alvaston.

Arriva Midlands 4216 in Derby bus station

Also seen was Trent Barton 84 on a Red Arrow service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 84 in Derby bus station

We decided to do this bus, so we we went in to bus station and we got on the bus. We booked a group zig-zag ticket at £14 and we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station we saw National Holidays NH17 GFH, We continued onto the Northbound A601 We came off at the next junction and we joined the Eastbound A52. We ran fast along the A52 passing and we crossed over the M1 and passed Toton depot. We continued Eastwards to the edge of Nottingham past the QMC. We crossed the ring road and ran forwards onto the A6200. We continued onto Wollaton Street and we crossed over the tramline before turned left onto South Sherwood Street. We turn right onto Shakespeare Street and left onto Mansfield Road. We turned right onto the B684 and we entered Nottingham Victoria Bus Station. We got up and Mattew took a picture inside Trent Barton 84. before we got off the bus.

Inside Trent Barton 84

Once off the bus Matthew went to the toilet. We then had a look around the bus station and took a few few bus pictures. There was a paved area adjacent to the reat of the bus station from which you could photograph the buses. We saw Trent Barton 770 on a Two service to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 770 in Derby bus station

Once we had finished taking pictures we walked back into the bus station to find something else to catch. We decided to do Trent Barton 770 on the Two service as far as Ilkeston. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards the back of the bus. The bus set off out of the bus station onto Mansfield Road. We turned right onto Shkespeare Street and we turned left onto North Church Street. We turned right onto Burton Street and left onto South Sherwood Street. We turned right onto the A6008 and we crossed over the roundabout onto Derby Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A609 and we headed Westwards out of town. We headed through Wollaton and out of town towards Trowell. We crossed over the M1 and we followed the road to the right as we headed Northwards. We continued up the A609 to the South end of ilkeston and we crossed the roundabout onto South Street. We followed the road to the left onto Market Place and we got up and got off the bus. Once of the bus we considered doing Trent Barton 802 on a my15 service to Old Sawley.

Trent Barton 802 in Ilkeston

Matthew decided against this and we had a quick walk around the market place. We past an office in which soemone was clearly trying to get hold of 'Ken' based on the large number of letters post through the letterbox addressed to him. Matthew visited the toilet and then we headed back to the Market Place bus stops. We saw Trent Barton 809 on a my15 to Old Sawley and we decided to do it.

Trent Barton 809 in Ilkeston

The bus was about to have a driver change so we went to take a few more pictures whilst we waited. We saw Trent Barton 775 on a Two service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 775 in Ilkeston

We also saw Yourbus 3028 on a Y3 fast service to Derby.

Yourbus 3028 in Ilkeston

We waited for the driver to swap over and we got on and flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver. The bus was empty so Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 809 before we sat down.

Inside Trent Barton 809

The bus set off along Market Place and we followed the road around to the right onto South Street. We got onto the Southbound A609 and we ran towards Trowell. By the Festival Inn we ran forwards onto the A6007. I was original intending to go as far as Long Eaton. But we realised the bus ran through Stapleford and we would have more choices of bus to catch. We turned right onto the B6003 and we ran Southwards into Stapleford. We turned right onto the B5010 and it appeared to be the town centr so we got up and got off the bus. As it was a warm day went to an off license to do some shopping matthew brought a couple of different cans and a couple of chocolate bars. We headed to the stop opposite and we saw that there was a Nottingham bound i4 service from that stop every 10 minutes. Matthew had a drink of Fanta and and a Milky Way whilst waited for the next bus. A few minutes later we saw an i4 bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 326 on a i4 to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 326 in Stapleford

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus set off along the B5010 and we ran forwards for around 2/3 of mile before we joined the Eastbound A52. As we ran Eastwards we saw an unidentified Lingard's coach. We ran to the edge of Nottingham and we crossed the ring-road and we got up and got off the bus. Whilst we were there we saw quite a few Nottingham City Transport buses. We saw Nottingham City Transport 449 on a #36 to Nottingham.

Nottingham City Transport 449 in Lenton

The plan was to cross over and catch a Red Arrow back to Derby. Matthew seemed reluctant to do this. A few minutes later we saw Nottingham City Transport 950 on a #34 to Nottingham.

Nottingham City Transport 950 in Lenton

A few minutes later a Nottinghm bound Trent Barton bus appeared and Matthew decided he wanted to do this. It was required Trent Barton 705 on an Indigo service to Nottingham.

Trent Barton 705 in Lenton

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. We ran along the A6200 for around a mile and we continued onto Wollaton Street where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we walked around the corner onto Derby Road. Matthew wanted to go to the toilet so we found a micro brewery pub and went in there. Matthew went to the toilet and we brought a glass of Coke, which matthew drank outside on the pavement seating area. When we had finished we crossed over the road to the westbound bus stops. We decided to do a Two back to Ilkeston and an Ilkeston Flyer forwards from there to Derby. Whilst we waited for a Two we saw Nottingham City Transport 619 on a #77 to Shelley.

Nottingham City Transport 619 in Nottingham

A few minutes we saw a bus approaching. As it got closer we saw that it was required Trent Barton 778 on a Two to Cotmanhay.

Trent Barton 778 in Nottingham

We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver before we sat down towards back of the bus. The bus set off along Derby Road. We crossed the roundabout onto the A609 and we headed Westwards out of town. We headed through Wollaton and out of town towards Trowell. We crossed over the M1 and we followed the road to the right as we headed Northwards. We continued up the A609 to the South end of ilkeston and we crossed the roundabout onto South Street. We followed the road to the left onto Market Place and we got up and got off the bus. The plan was to get straight on the Ilkeston Flyer to Derby so we crossed over and we saw required Trent Barton 722 on the Ilkeston Flyer service.

Trent Barton 722 in Ilkeston

Matthew decided he didn't to rush back to Derby so he let that bus go. We decoded to visit the shop across the road and we brought a couple of cans and some jelly sweets. We walked back across the road to the Matthew drank a can of Cherry Coke and ate the jelly sweets. Whilst we waited for the next bus we saw Trent Barton 739 on a my15 to Old Sawley.

Trent Barton 739 in Ilkeston

A few minutes later the bus turned up and it was required Trent Barton 718 on an Ilkeston Flyer to Derby.

Trent Barton 718 in Ilkeston

Matthew hesitated and we nearly didn't get on the bus. We got on the bus and we flashed the Zig-zag group ticket to the driver for the final time today before we sat down towards back of the bus. We set off along Whamcliffe Road and we turned right onto South Street. We turned left onto the A609 and we crossed over the roundabout onto Stanton Road. We ran down to Little Hallam and we followed the A6096 around to the West and through Kirk Hallam. We ran down into Spondon and we went under the A52 along Willowcrort Road. We joined the Westbound A6005 and we ran the short distance to the A52. We ran fast into Derby and we saw Skills of Nottingham National Express liveried coach BX16 CHD on a #440 to London. We turned left onto the clockwise ring road and we entered the bus station. Once in the bus station we let the bus empty and Matthew took a picture inside Trent Barton 718.

Inside Trent Barton 718

Once off the bus we met up with mum and we and we saw Kinchbus 913 on a Skylink service to Leicester. We went outside onto Morledge and we saw MC Travel BU52 NCT heading Eastwards.

MC Travel BU52 NCT in Derby bus station

Also seen was Chalfont BK14 LFA on a Gatwick service.

Chalfont BK14 LFA in Derby bus station

We got in the car and Matthew had a sausage roll and a can of Irn Bru. We set off onto Morledge and we saw Harpur's CN55 MUE. We got onto the anti-clockwise ring road and we ran around to the A52. At the next roundabout we turned left onto the A38 and we ran a cfew miles Soouth to the point where the A516 joins with the A38. We exited onto the A516 and we ran around Mickleover and Etwall and joined the Westbound A50. As we travelled towards Stoke we saw an unidentified Viking Travel coach, Safeway Coaches SF02 WAY, an unidentified Coach Leasing coach, Happy Al's CC05 ALS, Orbit Coaches IIL 8585 & Alfa 101. We came off the A50 at Longton and we went to Z carz to see what was parked up there this evening. The spare ground was empty so we turned into Willow Row. In the compound we saw Z Carz Volkswaggen minibus OV05 WSW which is currently VOR.

Z Carz OV05 WSW in Longton

We went West along the A50 to Heron Cross and we turned left onto Blurton Road. We continued up to Church Road and we turned right into Beaconsfield Drive. We ran down Finstock Avenue and we stopped briefly for mum to pick up some baps. We continued down Finstock Avenue and we got back home at 19:30. When we got back for a late tea Matthew had bangers and mash with carrots followed by a jam filled shortbread biscuit. We did an e-mail and we wrote some of the Blog. Matthew went to bed around 00:00.... Mark.