Seaside routes serving a quintessentially British beach experience

Sun-drenched shores, crashing waves, and the nostalgic charm of seaside piers — these are the elements that define a quintessentially British beach experience. Amidst the salty breeze and sandy footsteps, one sweet treat has become an inseparable companion to seaside adventures: the iconic 99 ice cream. The towering swirl of soft-serve vanilla ice cream adorned with a Cadbury Flake has forged a unique connection with the beach embedded in the tapestry of seaside culture.

So it makes perfect sense that bus operators running coastal services are tapping into this special place in the hearts of beachgoers, creating memories that endure far beyond the sand and surf. As we enter the start of the summer season, “99” services are appearing on the coastal shores of the UK; all the way from Cardiff Bay to Great Yarmouth.

Cardiff’s 99, by Cardiff Bus

Starting on 10th June, Cardiff Bus is running its newly refurbished ‘Skycar’ open-top, 99 summer service daily between Cardiff city centre and Penarth Pier until September.

Hop on the fabulous open-top bus from the city centre for a trip to the waterfront by Penarth Pier, or get off at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. In Penarth, you can stroll up the hill to discover the tranquillity of the flower gardens of Alexandra Park and Windsor Gardens. Tickets for the Skycar can be bought in advance on the Cardiff Bus app, which was recently given a Mr Whippy-inspired 99% rating in a recent accessibility study from Bus Users UK.

Bournemouth’s 99, by Go-Ahead

From 1st April through to the end of October, Go-Ahead’s Morebus is running a new circular 99 service from Pokesdown Station down the steep inclines to Boscombe Pier, one of two piers along Bournemouth’s seven miles of famous Blue Flag beaches.

The route 99 bus runs between 9.30am and 6.30pm, seven days a week, providing a link between Boscombe Bus Station, Pokesdown Rail Station and Boscombe Pier. The dedicated beach service, including its soon-to-be-launched distinctive livery, can be tracked via the morebus website and mobile app ensuring a smooth transfer for visitors arriving by train at Pokesdown.

Sussex 99 by Stagecoach

The Stagecoach 99 is a favourite in Sussex. Branded the ‘Wave’, the service takes passengers from Silverhill down to Hastings Pier and along the coastal route to Eastbourne Pier.

Both piers have played significant roles in the towns’ histories and have become symbols of their coastal identity. Offering visitors a chance to experience the charm of traditional seaside entertainment, along with stunning views of the coastline, the iconic piers have become popular attractions for tourists and locals alike.

East Norfolk 99 by First Bus

First Bus run a 99 service on the East Norfolk coastline, branded as Clipper Cabriolet, from Lowestoft to Southwold. The service connects to its open-top 1C route serving Britannia and Wellington Piers along the sunrise coast in Great Yarmouth via its 1 and 1A services.

If the 99 ice cream has transformed into an integral part of the British coastal experience, intertwining with the sun and sand that define a day at the beach, then how we explore our coastlines can be as much a part of those fond summer memories.

What better way for the bus to find a special place in the hearts of beachgoers, than to tap into the idyllic charm of the glorious 99!