The beautiful £3 open top bus ride through 4 pretty UK seaside towns in September

Summer might be officially over, but with plenty of sunshine often still around in September, there is still time to enjoy Britain's seaside. And what better way to view our stunning coastline from the top deck of an open-top bus!

Recently extended this summer, this amazing bus route offers a complete tour of Thanet's stunning coastline, taking in some of Britain's best-loved seaside towns.

Running from Ramsgate's Viking Ship, through Broadstairs, Margate, and now all the way to the stunning Blue Flag beach (Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Award 2025) at Minnis Bay this bus ride is the perfect costal weekend trip!

The Viking Ship in Ramsgate marks the starting point for the famous route 69 Thanet Open Top Bus ride, so all aboard for a seaside ride to remember.

The 'Viking Ship' Hugin is on permanent display on the Pegwell Bay cliff top at Ramsgate and is a replica of the Viking Longship that sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949. This was to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of the A.D. 449 landing of Anglo-Saxon chieftains Hengist and Horsa at Ebbsfleet, and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent.

It then passes through the coastal stretch of Ramsgate with stunning views of the ancient town's magnificent walled harbour. Next stop after going through Ramsgate is the Victorian seaside gem that is Broadstairs, a little further up the coast. The charming coastal town is known for its picturesque beaches, historic literary connection to Charles Dickens and a variety of attractions including museums and vibrant events. Visitors can enjoy sandy bays, clifftop walks, and a high street with shops and restaurants.

The third town on route 69 is Margate, famous for its modern art gallery, Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, its wide sandy beach and bays, and its pretty old town with its colourful independent shops.

Finally, after passing through Palm Bay, a pleasant sandy beach not too far away from Margate's town centre, between Walpole and Botany Bay, the number 69 finishes at Minnis Bay, a new stop only introduced this summer.

With its blue flag beach and colourful blue and yellow beach huts dotted along its promenade, this is a perfect stop for a seaside stroll.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach, who run the route, said: "The route highlights Thanet's mix of dramatic cliffs, seaside life, and historical landmarks offering excellent views from the top deck."

One local resident who uses the route called Isabel said: "I have lived in Broadstairs for over 50 years and still get excited to see the Open Top Bus. Reminding me of growing up on the coast. You see so much and feel like you are on holiday. The sea air, wind in your hair and making memories".

Francesca from Ramsgate added: "My 5 year old daughter loves buses, and an open top experience she can use any time would be amazing for her."

However the bus doesn't run every day. You can catch it every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday, from Saturday 19th July until Sunday 21st September 2025. So make the most of the sunshine with the great fares!

A single adult journey starts at £3 with a Thanet Open Top DayRider which you can hop and off is £6 for an adult or £4.50 for under 19s.

For more details of fares and concession passes and week day routes visit the stagecoach website. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult to sit on the top deck. https://www.stagecoachbus.comwww.stagecoachbus.com