Coaster’s drivers coast to top spot!

Clifftop views with fab, friendly drivers to Filey and Bridlington

In nearly 200 customer service reviews that the Great Scenic Journeys team has undertaken of the routes within its collection during the past 12 months, there have been many that have achieved ‘Premium Customer Service’ accreditation rating across the various aspects of the customer experience, including this ace route, we’re going to showcase right here…

The all-round customer service is great, though, in terms of the friendliness and attitude of its drivers, the Coaster from Go Ahead’s East Yorkshire business topped the charts, against stiff competition as there are so many fab folk at the helm of the wheel of buses across those fantastic scenic journeys in the UK.

Treated as prized guests

“The driver literally swept me off my feet, giving me the warmest of welcomes, regaling me of the scenery and hosting me towards my seat”, remarked one Reviewer, whilst another said “the driver told me the journey time, places to visit, scenery en route and what a bargain the £2 fare was before wishing me a great trip!”.

“A big grin, eye contact and a hearty ‘hello’ when I joined”, followed by “Thanks for travelling, have a great day!” when I disembarked! We also spoke to a range of customers who concurred that they were the friendliest around – “they treat you like guests in their home when you set foot on-board” proclaimed one lady!

Whisked away for a breath of fresh air

The Coaster service is to, an extent, a hidden gem, that deserves headlines and plaudits. Granted it serves the ‘kiss me quick’ frivolity of Scarborough with its bright lights and big wheel (see picture above), but it makes a swift and breezy retreat, off the beaten track into deepest Yorkshire coastal countryside that’s a haven for those seeking beauty but also tranquillity and fresh air. The journey through expansive fields and high up on the cliffs, through Cayton Bay (pictured below), overlooking the North Sea is really becalming and the bus goes through some classic villages, with some left and right turns to add to the fun.

The wind, whips off the sea some days and there’s a palpable beat against the windows upstairs which also creates a unique, mystique and ambience, so too when the mist is rolling in and visibility lessens. The bus weaves itself into Primrose Valley caravan park (see photo below!), looking over the sea, and picks up excited holidaymakers in both directions! There’s a real sense of anticipation and excitement when the bus makes its way into this fab place to stay.

Fabulous Filey

Filey is a great place for a mid-journey stop off. The beach is an obvious ‘must visit’, with its golden sands and breathtaking views, whilst the nearby Filey Brigg provides a rocky peninsula for exploration and birdwatching.

Filey town centre has quaint streets with plenty of independent shops and the Filey Museum showcases exhibits on maritime history and local heritage. It’s closed for a major refurbishment and when it re-opens, there should be even more to see and learn about this invigorating town.

Nature fans can explore the Filey Dams Nature Reserve, a paradise for birdlife surrounded by lovely walking trails. Glen Gardens, meanwhile, offers family fun – it’s a pleasant park with a classic boating lake and miniature railway.

There’s also Crescent Gardens, which is a peaceful retreat with pretty flowerbed and sculptures. A trip can then be wrapped up with fish and chips on the promenade before getting on the bus to Bridlington!

A saintly sojourn

One of the delights of the journey is the slight recline inland, a little twist and turn and into the village of Hunmanby, passing the delightful All Saints Church (see picture above), which dates back to the 12^th Century. This Grade 1 listed building boasts a distinctive medieval tower and a beautifully adorned interior with lovely stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

Teeing off to the Pantry and Brewery

The Hunmanby Pantry is also a fantastic place to visit for local culinary treats. It’s revered for its freshly baked goods and locally sourced produce and amazing deli counter with cheeses, chutneys, pies and pastries. The Wold Top Brewery is also amazing and it provides tours for beer enthusiasts. Meanwhile, golf afficionados can enjoy the challenging but very scenic Hunmanby Hall Golf Club, which is a 9-hole, ‘pay and play’ course, overlooking Filey Bay and Bempton Cliffs.

Brilliant Bridlington has something for everyone!

Bridlington is the end of the journey and a stroll along the South Beach is well worthwhile, so too a peruse of the Harbour (pictured above) and the fresh food restaurants.

A classic coastal walk atop Bempton Cliffs, through its seabird colonies is highly recommended as well as a walk round Sewerby Hall and Gardens (see picture above), which offer a melange of history and beautiful landscapes. It’s not all heritage and beauty, there’s a touch of the Scarborough amusements and archetypal seaside fun too and appeals to all tastes!

Coasting to top spot!

Whilst this journey is a vital feeder into Scarborough (where folk can also enjoy from the Spring onwards, a fantastic open top bus ride, called Beachcomber, down the seafront), it’s a trip that has real merit in its own way – lovely scenery, vibrant villages and traditional seaside towns as well as classic cliff top views. Oh and those drivers, well they are absolutely top notch – pure class! Okay, so no harm in one last picture of them – we just can’t resist it and to plan a trip to meet this great team, then check out Coaster Bridlington – Scarborough – Great Scenic Journeys