This Newcastle and Gateshead bus route named one of the most scenic in UK

A new study by over 50s experts, SunLife has found the most scenic bus routes across the UK. The findings of the study were analysed and determined by looking at Instagram hashtags of different bus routes.

Excitingly for us, Newcastle was very high up on the list, reaching fourth place. The Toon Tour, operated by Go North East travels around Newcastle and Gateshead and was the bus route chosen. The Toon Tour is an open top bus, which runs from May until September.

The service runs every 30 minutes between the hours of 10am and 5pm. The bus travels around Newcastle and Gateshead showcasing the best sights the city has to offer. The sights available to view on the bus include the Discovery Museum, St James’ Park, Great North Museum, Ouseburn, Quayside, Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Baltic, Sage Gateshead, Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, Newcastle Castle and Newcastle Cathedral.

Tickets for The Toon Tour cost £12.50 for adults, £10 for concession and £6 for children under 16. You can purchase a group ticket for £30 for any four people. You can use this ticket to travel on any Go North East bus during that day.

The top spot was taken by the Coastliner 840, which travels around Leeds, York and Whitby. Second place was the Coaster 12 and 12A in Brighton, and just above Newcastle in third place was the Clyde Flyer in Glasgow.

Mark Screeton, CEO of SunLife, commented: “Buses are a great way to get about and see the beautiful sites of the British coastline and countryside, especially in later life. There have been numerous studies which show that taking the bus leads to improved mental health, less isolation and improved safety. These bus routes allow you to experience breathtaking scenery at close quarters, at a relaxing pace and often for free with an older person’s concessionary card.”

To view the full study of The Most Scenic Bus Routes in the UK by Sunlife, please visit here.