Wickham’s West Wight wonders warm up for Friday’s Final

He’s nicknamed the Pep Guardiola of UK transport for all the awards he and his team have won – now, Andrew Wickham, Go South Coast supremo, faces a new opportunity to add to his trophy cabinet. This Friday, his Needles Breezer open top bus route, which is part of Go South Coast’s Southern Vectis business on the Isle of Wight, takes on Stagecoach’s 599 Bowness to Grasmere, in the Final of the UK Open Top Bus Cup 2024, sponsored by Blink.

Wickham’s scalped nearly all there is to win in his distinguished career and although he missed out in last year’s Final as his New Forest Tours routes were pipped in the Final by Toon Tour, we’re confident it will be a cracker of a tie, having made one of our trips on the Needles Breezer earlier this week, where the customer service was top notch and the scenery stunning.

We caught up with Andrew as he took training this week in advance of the big match. Check out our quickfire Q and A below….

How do you feel about making it to the Final?

“I am of course delighted; we have some of the most stunning views to offer in the UK and I would encourage everyone to come and have a ride!”

The Needles Breezer gets great plaudits from customers – what’s the secret of success for it?

“An open top bus trip offers pure old-fashioned fun which people enjoy. Our drivers are friendly, helpful and very experienced with offering tourist advice”.

How has patronage been on the route this year?

“Patronage is up on last year, despite a slightly shaky start to the season with the wet weather”.

What’s your favourite part of the route?

“It’s got to be the view from the top as you climb up to the Needles Battery”.

Is it true that the Isle of Wight has its own climate zone and that it is always sunny there?

“I’m no weather expert but it is said that the Isle of Wight has a microclimate and I would encourage everyone to come and experience it for themselves. The Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination for a UK holiday”.

Finally what do you know about your opposition, the 599 Grasmere to Bowness and are you confident about winning?

“The Lake District is a beautiful area, though those lakes didn’t come from nowhere and it does rain a lot. The Isle of Wight is even more beautiful and enjoys better weather – but let the best route win”.

To check out the form and cast your eye over Wickham’s wonders, plan your journey on The Needles Breezer by going to Needles Breezer – Great Scenic Journeys