For many, the words ‘coach tour’, ‘delights’ and ‘M25’ are not possible in the same experience, but that’s not what not Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach company think. Their quirky new coach tour comprising of a victory lap of the M25 has created a tsunami of interest in the media (CNN and Reuters have been on the phone), after sounding like every commuter’s worst nightmare. Intrigued by the idea behind it, we interviewed hugely passionate Simon Ashcroft, the brainchild behind this now world-famous coach tour…
What was the inspiration behind the tour?
After wanting to attract their client base that had an interest in modern coach travel, Simon took a basic concept and embellished the tour to look at the evolution of the motorway and how the motorway has developed in modern Britain. In 2011, the M25 celebrated its 25 year anniversary. Simon said: “The tour started out as a tongue in cheek concept, but we were keen to dispel the reputation that the M25 is thought of as a nightmare in some people’s minds and re-educate them. It’s all too easy for people to be negative about the frustrations of something they make use of, in some cases on a daily basis, but still choose to take advantage of. Hopefully after the tour it might make their M25 journeys more positive and interesting. “Simon felt that without the links that the M25 has to offer “London would have had to grow up rather than out”, adding “who wants a skyline full of tall skyscrapers? I personally don’t”.
What can people expect to see on the tour?
Needless to say service stations play a large part in the life of the M25, including the new service station at Chobham in Surrey which is featured on the tour. When we asked Simon why he thought people might like to see this, he replied “People will travel far and wide to look at a new sky-scraper on the London Sky Line (think Gherkin or Shard) or perhaps take a trip to Paris just to look at the Eiffel Tower. People are fascinated by “new” things – they feel part of the excitement if they are one of the first to experience something.” It’s worth pointing out that the tour starts mid-morning, to avoid the morning rush hour.
How popular has the tour been and who is booked on the tour?
“The tour has been incredibly popular. We have 115 tickets available spread over 4 dates, which is more than we originally planned or expected. We’ve got a wide cross-section of interested parties including OAPs and a good number of ladies groups already booked. The huge press coverage that the tour has received has helped bolster the bookings which are already near to full on some dates.”
Do you think the tour will grow further in popularity?
“No, and we don’t want it to –at the moment this is the first and last year. Never say never but at the moment we are not scheduling anymore for the time being”. However, given the popularity they may diversify at a later date.
Which chunk of the M25 is your particular favourite and why?
“The Dartford section and the view from the bridge is my particular favourite, as the vistas and views provide lots to talk about with the crossing. We are keeping our cards close to our chests in terms of some of the topics we want to talk about on this particular section of the tour as we want to surprise our passengers”.
How do you prep your drivers up for the tour talk? Is there specific training undertaken?
The two stars of the show are Nigel and Graham. Graham is predominately the driver with Nigel being the co-driver with the gift of the gab who will provide the passengers with an “interesting and informative commentary”. Simon added that “the drivers do our existing battlefield tours and they research themselves so we leave it to them as they enjoy it”.
Are there any more ‘brainwave’ quirky tours on the cards that might be able to share with us?
“No in a nutshell, but we may have started a pattern that perhaps we can continue. This is a business tour that will generate some money.”
Fancy a guided tour of the M25? There are still places available on this legendary tour for 24th April (handful of seats left), 9th May (availability), 11th October (only 10 seats remaining). Call the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company on 01273 886200 to book!
What do you think? Would you go on the tour?