Trip to London 19-05-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
OME2670	Archway Station (Stop W)	Camden (Stop D)	134	Metroline
LT26	Camden (Stop D)	London, Trafalgar Square	24	Abellio
LT750	Tottenham (Stop C)	Archway Station (Stop U)	390	Metroline
VW1392	Archway, (Stop A)	Golders Green (Stop GK)	210	Metroline
BV19 XSE	Golders Green (Stop GE)	Birmingham Coach Station	551	Selwyns
BV19 XSE	Birmingham Coach Station	Hanley BS	551	Selwyns

Today Matthew was in London and he was going out on the bus later on. Later on he was returning to the residential unit. Matthew got up around 06:50 and we got dressed and ready to go down for breakfast. We had full English breakfast and orange juice. After breakfast we returned to the hotel bag. After getting ready we set off onto foot down Navigator Square and we headed onto the A4000. Before we crossed over to catch the bus. We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus towards town. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching as it got closer we saw it was required Metroline OME2670 on a #134 to Warren Street. We got on a purchased London transport zones bus only tickets for £5.20 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off the A400 and we headed South to Tufnell Park. We ran forwards onto Fortress Road and we comtinued into Kentish Town. We ran past a former Barclays bank. We continued Southwards into Camden where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Metroline OME2670 as we continued towards Warren Street.

Metroline OME2670 in Camden

Once off the bus we had a look around to see what else we could catch. We saw Go Ahead London SEE97 on a #214 to Moorgate.

Go Ahead London SEE97 in Camden

We decided to head into the centre of London so we waited for a #24 service. A short time later we saw Abellio LT26 on a #24 to Pimlico. We got on the bus and we flashed the London zones bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down Camden Street and we turned right onto Camden Road. We turned left onto Bayham Street and we continued Southwards. We turned left onto Crowndale Road and right onto Hampstead Road. We ran close to Euston railway station and we crossed over the A501. We continued Southwards down the A400 and crossed over Oxford Street before continuing Southwards along the A40. We ran close to Leicester Square and we continued to Trafalgar Square where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew a picture of Abellio LT26 before it continued to Pimlico.

Abellio LT26 in London

Across the road we saw Arriva London HV227 on a #29 to Euston.

Arriva London HV227 in London

We set off on foot towards the London Transport Museum. We set off along The Strand and we turned left onto Burleigh Street. We went into the museum and Matthew used the toilet. We walked around the museum looking at the old buses, trains and trams. The exhibits included an old Wright Gemini Volvo VWL5, When we had finished in the museum we went next door to the Jubilee Market. We continued up James Street and we visited the White Lion pub where Matthew had a glass of Coke. After we had finished our drinks we set off out onto James Street and we crossed over Long Acre and we cut through Neal Street onto Earlham Street. We crossed the Seven Dial roundabout and we continued along Earlham Street onto Shaftsbury Avenue. We turned right onto Charing Cross Road and we walked up to Oxford Street and we crossed the road and went up Tottenham court road. We waited for a bus towards Archway. Whilst we waited we saw Abellio LT606 on a #24 to Hampstead Heath.

Abellio LT606 in Tottenham

A few minutes later we saw another bus approaching. It was Metroline LT750 on a #390 to Archway.

Metroline LT750 in Tottenham

We got on the bus and we flashed the London zones bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down the A400 and we headed Northwards. We turned right onto the A501 and we ran past Euston, St Pancras and Kings Cross railway stations. We turned left onto York Way and we turned left onto Camden Park Road. We continued onto Torriano Avenue before turning right onto the A5200. We turned left onto Brecnock Road and we headed through Tufnell Park. We veered right onto Junction Road and e ran the last 1/3 of a mile up to Archway, where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we headed back to the hotel to pick up the suitcase. We set off along Highgate Hill to the bus stop to wait for a bus towards Golders Green. A short time later we saw Metroline VW1392 on a #210 service to Brent Cross. We got on the bus and we flashed the London zones bus only tickets to the driver for the final time today before we sat downtairs. We set off along Highgate Hill on onto Highgate High Street. We crossed the roundabouts and we turned left onto Hampstead Lane. We ran past the North end of Hampstead Heath and we ran forwards onto Spaniards Road. We turned sharp right onto the A502 and we ran into Golders Green where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took a picture of Metroline VW1392 as he continued towards Brent Cross.

Metroline VW1392 in Golders Green

We decided to go for a drink whilst we waited for time before the coach was due. We walked over to Costa Coff and Matthew had a bottle of Coke and a slice of cake. Afterwards we went to KFC for some food. Matthew had some chicken Popcorn and fries washd down with a tanfo orange. Afterwards Matthew used the toilet before heading back to the bus station. We saw Metroline DE1607 on a #226 to Ealing Broadway.

Metroline DE1607 in Golders Green

We walked over to the coach stops and we waited for our coach. A short time later we saw Selwyns BV19 XSE on a #551 to Liverpool.

Selwyns BV19 XSE in Golders Green

We got on the coach after putting the cases in the luggage compartemtn and we sat down. We set off along the A502 and we turned left onto the Westbound A406. We joined the M1 at the start and we headed Northwards. We crossed over the M25 and we headed to junction 14. We came off the M1 onto the A509 and stopped at the Milton Keynes coach park. After a brief stop at Milton Keynes we got bcak onto the A509 and re-joined the Northbound M1. We continued Northwards up to the start of the M6. We joined the Northbound M6 and we ran through the West Midlands. We cm ame off the M6 onto the A4400 and we ran into Coventry. We stopped at the Poll Meadows bus station briefly before heading out of town along the A44 and re-joining the M6 We came off the M6 at junction 6 and we ran down the A38 into the centre of Birmingham. We pulled into the coach station at Digbeth. We had a 10 minute stop and Matthew got off the coach and used the toilet. At departure time we set off our of the coach station and we ran along the B4100 onto the A47. We joined the Northbound A4540 before joining the Northbound A38. We re-joined the motorway and we continued up through Staffordshire. We ran North to junction 15 where we cam off onto the A500. and we turned left onto the A34. We ran through Trent Vale and we turned right onto London Road and we ran through Oak Hill past the former Oak Hill pub. We continued through the the West End before running into Stoke Town centre and Campbell Place. We turned left onto Church Street. We ran towards Hartshill and we turned right onto Shelton Old Road. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road. We ran under the railway line and up through Shelton. We ran up Broad Street and we turned right onto the anti-clockwise ring road. We turned left onto Bethesda Street and right onto John Street. We climbed the hill and up into the bus station. We got up and got off the bus and Matthew visited the toilet. We crossed over Lichfield Street. We called for a Lucky Seven taxi. We got in the taxi and we set off down Lichfield Street and over the ring road. We ran down to joiners Square and we went over the roundabout onto Victoria Road past Adsa and the B&M. We turned right onto Manor Street and we saw blue minibus P879 PMB. We turned right onto City Road and we ran down the hill to Smithpool Road. We turned left and left again onto Temple Street and back to the residential unit. Matthew went up to his room and chilled out on his computer. Later on Matthew had a bath and then had toast for supper. He then chilled out in his room until bedtime around 23:00... Mark.

Trip to London 18-05-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
LT746	Archway Station (Stop W)	Marble Arch Station	390	Metroline
LT608	London, Trafalgar Square	Tottenham, Denmark Street	24	Abellio
BCE47008	London (Stop U)	Holland Park (Stop HD)	94	London United
BCE47099	Holland Park (Stop HJ)	Lambeth North (Stop K)	148	London United
BDE2632	Holborn Theobald's Road	Archway, Elthorne Road	17	Metroline

Today we started the day in London. Matthew woke up around 06:50 and we got dressed and ready to go down for breakfast. We had full English breakfast and orange juice. After breakfast we returned to the hotel bag. After getting ready we set off onto foot down Navigator Square and we headed onto the A4000. Before we crossed over to catch the bus we saw Metroline OME2663 on a #134 to Colney Hatch. We crossed over the road and we waited for a bus towards town. A few minutes later we saw a bus approaching as it got closer we saw it was required Metroline LT746 on a #390 to Victoria. We got on a purchased London transport zones bus only tickets for £5.20 each before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off down the A400 towards Tufnell Park. At the junction we veered right onto Brecknock Road. We continued Southwards Along York Way and we ran past Kings Cross railway station. We turned left onto the A5203 and we followed the one way-system down to the A501. WE turned right and we headed Westwards past Euston railway station and the British Library. We ran up the slip road and we turned left onto the A400. We ran Southwards until we reached the A40. We turned right onto Oxford Street which is one of the main shopping areas in London. We continued Westwards for about a mile and we got up and got off the bus opposite Marble Arch tube station. Once off the bus we had a look around. We saw Arriva London LT720 on a #137 to Streatham Hill.

Arriva London LT720 in Marble Arch

Also seen was Arriva London HV307 on a #2 to West Northwood.

Arriva London HV307 in Marble Arch

Another vehicle seen was London Transit OME46015 on a #23 to Hammersmith.

London Transit OME46015 in Marble Arch

A few minutes later we saw Stagecoach Oxford 50430 on an Oxford Tube service to Oxford.

Stagecoach Oxford 50430 in Marble Arch

We crossed over the A4202 and we headed into Hyde Park. We headed Southwards through the park to the South Eastern corner and we crossed over the A4 and visited the Wellington Arch. We went up the arch and Matthew took a few pictures from the top towards Grosvenor Crescent and Constitution Hill. Afterwards we walked along Constitution Hill and we saw a military parade. We headed through to THe Mall and we continued onto to Trafalgar Square. We had another look around in the daylight and we took a few more pictures before heading to the bus stop. Whilst we waited we saw Arriva London HV112 on a #29 to Wood Green. A few minutes later we saw Abellio LT608 on a #24 to Camden Town.

Abellio LT608 in London

We got on the bus and we placed the London transport zones bus only tickets under the scanner before we sat down towards the back of the bus. We set off up around Trafalgar Square and we headed Northwards up the A400. We travelled a couple of stops up the road and we got off opposite to Denmark Street. Once off the bus we walked back down the A4000 and we stop at a Sainsbury's Local store where Matthew brought a bottle of Coke. We cam out of the shop and we turned right onto Cranbourn Street. We went to Leicester Square and we stopped to have a bottle of Coke. When we had finished we went around the corner to M&M World. In the shop Matthew brought some M&M's pyjamas. We crossed over Swiss Crescent and we visited The Lego Store. In the shop Matthew brought a London bus. Afterwards we went next door to McDonalds. Matthew used the toilet and afterwards he had a plain big mac and fries washed down with a cup of Coke. When we had finished we set off along Coventry Street to PIccadilly Circus and we turned left onto Regent Street St James. We turned left onto Charles LL Street and we waited at the bus stop. A short time later we saw London United BCE47008 on a #94 to Acton Green.

London United BCE47008 in London

We got on the bus and we flashed the London transport zones bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstais and sat down. We set off along Charles II Street and we turned right onto Regent Street St James. We crossed over Piccadilly Circus onto Regent Street and we continued Northwards. At Oxford Circus we turned left onto Oxford Street. We headed Westwards along the main shopping street and we ran past Marble Arch and Hyde Park. We continued Westwards along the North edge of Hyde Park. We ran through Notting Hill and into Holland Park. As we approached Royal Crescent we got up and got off the bus. Matthew took another picture of London United BCE47008 as it continued towards Acton Green.

London United BCE47008 in Holland Park

Once off the bus we saw Metroline VMH2547 on a #31 to White City.

Metroline VMH2547 in Holland Park

We crossed over Holland Park Avenue and we waited for a bus towards Lambeth. A few minutes later we saw London United BCE47099 on a #148 to Camberwell Green.

London United BCE47099 in Holland Park

We got on the bus and we flashed the London transport zones bus only tickets to the driver before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along Holland Park Avenue and we ran past Hyde Park. We past the Marble Arch and we turned right onto Park Lane along the Eastern edge of Hyde Park. We passed the Wellington Arch and we continued Southwards along Grosvenor Place adjacent to Buckingham Palace Gardens. We ran forwards onto Lower Grosbenor Place and forwards onto Bressenden Place. We Veered left onto Victoria Street. We ran forwards onto Broad Sanctuary and we ran around around parliament Square. We ran past the House of Commons and Big Ben. We got onto the Eastbound A302 and we crossed over the Thames on Westminster Bridge. We ran underneath the railway lines to the South of Waterloo railway station and we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus we went back under the railway libe and around the corner. Matthew had an ice cream and we walked along York Road and turned left onto Chicheley Street. We crossed over Belvedere Road and Matthew sat on a concrete post in front of the London Eye big wheel. We walked along Belvedere Road and we turned left onto Waterloo Bridge. We went around Aldwych and we headed north past the old tram tunnel and along Kingsway. We turned right onto High Holbourn and we stopped at the pub for tea. Matthew had a beefburger and chips washed down woth a glass of Coke. For dessert Matthew had chocolate fudge cake and ice cream. When we had finished we walked along High Holborn and we turned left onto the A5200. We walked up the road and we stopped at a stop adjcent to Theobalds Road. We waited for a bus North towards Archway. A short time later we saw Metroline BDE2632 on a #17 to Archway. We got on the bus and we flashed the London transport zones bus only tickets to the driver for the final time today before we went upstairs and sat down. We set off along the A5200 and we ran Northwards. We crossed over the A501 and we ran past Kings Cross railway station. We turned right onto Wharfdale Road and we veered left onto Caledonian Road. We headed Northwards for a few miles and we turned left onto Hill Marton Road. We turned right onto Parkhurst Road and left ont the A4000 and we ran up to Archway bus station where we got up and got off the bus. Once off the bus Matthew took another pictures of Metroline BDE2632.

Metroline BDE2632 in Archway

We cut through onto Highgate Hill and we saw Metroline DE1138 running out of service.

Metroline DE1138 in Archway

We walked down MacDonald Road and we saw Arriva London DW537 on layover.

Arriva London DW537 in Archway

We walked back to the hotel and we went upstairs to the room. Matthew chilled out in the room and had a can of Coke. He did some work on the blog and did an E-mail. Later on Matthew had a shower and got ready for bed. Matthew settle down to sleep around 00:00... Mark.

Trip to Birmingham / London 17-05-2022

Bus	From	To	Service	Operator
BV67 JXO	Hanley BS	Birmingham Coach Station	551	Selwyns
BV67 JXO	Birmingham Coach Station	Coventry BS	551	Selwyns
BV67 JXO	Coventry BS	Milton Keynes Coachway	551	Selwyns
BV67 JXO	Milton Keynes Coachway	Golders Green (Stop GE)	551	Selwyns

Today Matthew was in the residential unit and he was later on we were travelling up to London. Matthew got up around 06:00. He chilled out in his room in the morning and waited for us to taxi. As the coach was leaving from Hanley. We went downstairs and we set off onto Temple Street. In the distance we saw Temple Street church minibus RX18 GZW. We carried on along Temple Street and we turned left onto Christchurch Street. We went to coach in a Lucky Seven taxi. We set off Christchurch Street. We crossed over City Road and we ran along Manor Street. We ran down the hill through Fenton and at Joiners Square. We turned left onto Lichfield Street and we got out of the taxi and we walked up Lichfield Street. We continued onto Tontine Street and we crossed over Parliament Row. We stopped at McDonalds and we had breakfast. Matthew had a breakfast roll with Hash brown and orange juice. When we had finished we walked along Parliament Row. We walked along Tontine street and onto Lichfield Street and back to the bus station. We visited the toilet and afterwards. We had arranged with coach to London up near to the bus station. As we walked through the bus station we saw First Potteries 63179 on a #7A to Biddulph. A short time later the bus appeared and it was Selwyns BV67 JXO on a #551 to London.

Selwyns BV67 JXO in Hanley bus station

We got on the bus and we flashed the Smart Day ticket to the driver before sitting down towards the back of the bus. The bus waited for time before setting off out of the bus station. We went down John Street and onto Bethesda Street and left onto Broad Street. We ran down the hill and over the ring road onto Snow Hill. We ran forwards onto Stoke Road and down the hill through Shelton into Stoke. We crossed over the A500. At Sideway and we ran Southwards towards the motorway. We joined the M6 and we ran Southwards through Staffordshire into the West Midlands. We came off the M6 at junction 6 and we joined the Aston Expressway. We ran into Birmingham and forwards onto the A4400. We turned left onto Wrentham Street and we turned onto Rea Street and into Digbeth coach Station. We got off the coach and Matthew visisted the toilet. We got back on the coach and after a short wait we continued towards London. We joined the A4100 and we ran past Birmingham Moor Street railway station. We continued onto the A47 and we ran up to M6 and continued Eastwards. We left the M6 at junction 3 and we headed Southwards into Coventry along the A444. We turned right onto Foleshill Road and we ran down into the city. We got on the A4053 ring road and we came off onto Hales Street. We turned into the bus station and we had a short stop here. After a while we continued onto the next location. We set off onto Hales Street and we re-joined the ring road. We turned left onto the A4600 and we headed Eastwards out of town to the M6. We continued Eastwards until we joined the Southbound M1. We ran South for around 30 miles and we came off at junction 14. We joined the Southbound A509 and we turned left onto the entrance to Milton Keynes Coachway. After a brief stop we resumed the journey to London. We got back onto the A509 and we re-joined the Southbound M1. We ran Southwards over the M25 and through Watford to the very edge of London. We came off the M1 at junction 1 and we joined the A406. We ran under the Brent Cross flyover and we turned right onto the A502. We ran down to the small bus station outside of Golders Green tube station and we got up and got off the coach. We got our bags from underneath the coach and we had a look around the bus station. We saw Metroline TEH1109 on a #139 to Waterloo.

Metroline TEH1109 in Golders Green

Also seen was London Sovereign BCE47120 on layover.

London Sovereign BCE47120 in Golders Green

Afterwards we saw Metroline DE1629.

Metroline DE1629 in Golders Green

Another vehicle seen was Metroline VW1276 on a #245 to Cricklewood.

Metroline VW1276 in Golders Green

Matthew went to the toilet. Afterwards we came back out and saw Metroline TE979 on a #240 to Edgware.

Metroline TE979 in Golders Green

We went down into the Underground and we got on a train to Camden Town. We got off the train and we caught another train Northwards to Archway. We came back up to the street and we walked to the hotel and checked in. We put our bags away and we spent some time in the hotel room before getting ready to go out and see a show in the West End of London. Later on we went out of the hotal and we walked down the A1 to sainsbury's. We brought a can of coke and a chocolate bar. After we had finished in the shop we went outside and we saw Metroline TE1086 on a #263 to Barnet Hospital.

Metroline TE1086 in Archway

Also seen was Metroline VW1301 running out of service.

Metroline VW1301 in Archway

We had a walk around the Archway area and we stopped to pick up some food from KFC. We headed back to the hotel. Matthew chilled out in his room and ate his Chicken burger, fries and cup of tango. Matthew got changed into something more suitable and we set off to the theatre to watch a show. We walked to Archway tube station and we caught a tube train to Charing Cross. We came up to the surface and we walked along The Strand to The Lyceum Theatre. We went to a bar and Matthew had a glass of Coke. Matthew went to see the stage production of The Lion King. We made our way up to the seats on the balcony and the show started. Matthew really enjoyed watching this. After the show had finished we left the theatre and we walked back along The Strand to Trafalgar Square. After spending some time walking around Trafalgar Square we headed back to Charing Cross tube station. We went uderground and we caught a tube train Northwards along the Northern Line to Archway. We came back up to strett level and we walked to the Hotel. We went upstairs and back to the room. Mathew chilled out in the room and put his pictures on his Blog. He had a shower and got ready for bedtime. Matthew settled down to sleep around 00:30... Mark.