Layer Marney’s Big Bus Tour
20 September 2026 |10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Big Bus Tour is back with a final chance this year to soak up the Sunshine Coast!
Join Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt for a very special day out on Layer Marney Tower’s wonderful Routemaster bus.
As summer fades to autumn, visit places they’ve talked about on BBC Essex for years!
Hear their stories and commentary as we travel through the stunning views of North Essex and Tendring’s Sunshine Coast, with music, fun and surprises along the way.
PLUS a fabulous Afternoon Tea hosted by Steve and Ian awaits when we return to historic Layer Marney Tower, served in the Long Gallery.
What does the day offer?
- A fun ride on a vintage bus
- Great late summer views of countryside and coast
- Steve and Ian’s commentary with their knowledge and love of Essex
- Learn things you didn’t know about the county
- A delicious afternoon tea at the Tower
- Free parking at Layer Marney
- Optional pick up and drop off in Colchester City Centre
- A very different day out!
The route includes;
- Ardleigh, Manningtree and stunning views of the River Stour from Wrabness
- Historic Harwich where we’ll stop for a comfort break and a chance to visit the LV18 lightship – home of Pirate BBC Essex, and a chance to explore the town’s past
- Dovercourt and the former holiday camp that played host to the Kindertransport children as well as the hit Hi-De-Hi TV show
- Great and Little Oakley with wonderful views of the Walton backwaters
- The coastal drive from Holland Haven to Clacton on Sea, where we’ll stop for a comfort break and some sea air before returning to Layer Marney Tower for the Afternoon Tea
The bus departs Layer Marney Tower at 10am with an optional pick up in Colchester at 10.20am. Please let us know if you would like to be picked up at the Castle Gates.
We return around 3pm for Afternoon Tea. If you joined the bus in Colchester, we’ll take you back there around 4pm.
