Already regarded as one of Britain’s most beautiful bus rides the Coaster 12 route (along with 12A, 12X or 13X) between Brighton and Eastbourne has been given extra gloss by the introduction of twenty-four fantastic new Euro 6 buses by bus operators Brighton & Hove.
With a radical change of livery from the usual red, black and cream to a striking combination of vibrant green and bright blue the buses not only boast reduced emissions and pollutants but also have free on-board wi-fi and table seats on the top deck with USB phone charging points.
There are improvements to the already frequent Coaster 12 timetable with an extra journey into Brighton in the morning rush hour more evening journeys and the 12A’s route now extends to the Eastbourne’s Winter garden theatre.
Route 12 (along with 12A, 12X or 13X) is described in the book Bus-Pass Britain – 50 of the nation’s favourite bus journeys as offering stunning coastal and downland views in a serene progression from the Regency splendour of Brighton to the sedate resort of Eastbourne.
Grab a seat on the top deck, perhaps even take a picnic to eat at the table, and watch the magnificent East Sussex coastal unfold before your eyes.
The bus passes through Rottingdean (watch out for the restored black smock windmill built in 1802) then drops down sharply into Saltdean with the community owned and thriving 1930s lido.
On into Peacehaven where giant Parapuziosa ammonites can be seen on the beach at low tide and a bit further on you might see the Dieppe ferries arriving and leaving from Newhaven.
Once the bus has passed through Seaford passengers are greeted with a panoramic view of the Cuckmere Valley and Friston Forest.
The bus then passes through the tiny village of Exceat stopping close to the picturesque and popular Golden Galleon pub.
The next stop is the Seven Sisters Country Park with a visitor centre close to the bus stop that has local information and maps to help the thousadns of walkers, cyclists, canoeists and birdwatchers who visit this beautiful scenic area find their way around.
The 12 bus routes then pass through miles of unspoilt downland with sheep and cows grazing just feet from the road.
The views are breath-taking, especially from the top deck with a highlight being the BelleTout lighthouse, now a hotel, perched on top of the cliff.
Then onto Eastbourne with the vintage delights of Old Town, a bustling shopping centre and the magnificent Towner art gallery and museum.
Enjoy the 12, 12a, 12X and 13X and all the other buses in the South Downs National Park with the Discovery ticket – a one-day, multi-operator bus ticket that you can buy from the driver.
Just £8.50 per adult, £7 per child (aged 5 – 15) or £16 for a family (for 5 people with a minimum of 1 adult and a maximum of 2 adults buys unlimited travel for one day with the following bus operators in the South Downs National Park – Brighton & Hove (including services in Kent), Compass Travel, Cuckmere Community Bus, Emsworth & District, Metrobus and Stagecoach.
For more details visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/discoveryticket
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