Pimlico-Hampstead Heath
Beginning among the Regency houses of Pimlico, the 24 route uses a Thomas
Heatherwick-designed Routemaster, which itself is a sight to behold. The
route cuts through St James’s Park, with views of Buckingham
Palace (the only way to see it by bus as the vehicles are not allowed to
run on the Mall). It then runs towards Parliament Square with great views of
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament before heading for Trafalgar
Square and Nelson’s Column, with the backdrop of the National
Gallery. Later on the route, see Camden Town’s lock market from
above and climb towards Hampstead, passing the grade II-listed Roundhouse
(the site of The Doors only UK performance in 1968). End at the Royal Free
Hospital, perched on the south end of Hampstead Heath – the perfect
place to begin a walk.
LIverpool Street-Fulham
This service offers views of the greatest sights of the city for a bargain
fare. Hop on at Liverpool Street Station and head down through the City and
towards the Bank of England. See St Paul’s Cathedral,
Fleet Street, famous as the former home of many of Britain’s newspapers, and Somerset
House, home of London Fashion Week. Other highlights include The
Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand (blink and you’ll miss the Savoy),
Charing Cross Station, Whitehall, Victoria, Sloane Square and the
King’s Road.
Tower Hill-Aldwych
The RV1 is a great way to see the Thames and its surroundings. Beginning at
Tower Hill, pass the Tower of London before crossing Tower Bridge
(lucky
travellers might see the bridge open up to let a boat through – a surreal
experience). Pass City Hall, the Royal Festival Hall and
Waterloo Station before crossing the river for a second time on Waterloo
Bridge, with great views of the South Bank and the London skyline.
End the route at Aldwych, home to the Aldwych Theatre, the Waldorf Hilton
and Bush House, the former building of the BBC World service.
Victoria-Islington
Make sure you get a top deck seat for this journey that begins at Victoria
Station. Travel up Park Lane and see the Dorchester Hotel with views of Hyde
Park on the left hand side. Afterwards, enjoy the hustle and bustle of Oxford
Street without being bumped around in the crowds (arguably best way to
see the shopping strip). After turning off Tottenham Court Road, see the British
Library and grade I-listed St Pancras Station. Jump off after
passing Angel Station at leafy Islington Green for a coffee or
something to eat.
Blackfriars-Stratford
The 388 is a whistlestop tour through East London. Beginning at Blackfriars,
head up through the City and towards Shoreditch, passing the top of Brick
Lane, home to vintage shops and numerous Indian restaurants. After
riding through Bethnal Green, the route cuts through leafy Victoria Park
and heads towards Hackney Wick, known for warehouses full of arty types.
Moving towards the park, see a distant view of the Zaha Hadid Aquatics
Centre and the Accelor-Mittal Orbit as you approach the end point of
the journey at Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park.
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