Classic Coach Gathering, Cheltenham

Cheltenham was the hub of Associated Motorways (AM) activity from its formation in 1934 as passengers swapped between colourful and luxurious coaches to continue their long distance journeys across the British Isles. The bell rang out daily for the mass departure of the serried ranks of coaches…. until 1984 when the practise ceased. This unique event marks the 90th and 40th anniversaries respectively as well as 60 years since the first Bristol 'RE' coaches entered service for Royal Blue. 

Coaches will arrive in Cheltenham on Sunday 7 July, to create a rolling display reminiscent of the former coaching interchange. There will be trips to the former coach station, its modern incarnation and the railway station and access to football ground facilites.  This  will be the culmination of a weekend celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the formation of Associated Motorways, highlighting the significance of and for Cheltenham over the years. The event will end when the bell rings out once again for a spectacular mass departure. So, will you be there with a chance to ring the bell?? 

Sunday's event will be complemented on Saturday 6 July, by coaches travelling from bases across the country to assmble at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon as a special feature of the BusFest being organised by the Transport Museum, Wythall.  This will draw wide attention to the Associated Motorways 90th anniversary and the significant coaching heritage including Bristol RE and Royal Blue marques.

Souvenir Programmes

Our souvenir programme contains all the information you need to enjoy the event. There are details of the luxury coaches and their stylish design features redolent of bygone eras.  Articles draw on recollections of key players in the formation and running of Associated Motorways operations through Cheltenham.  There are also details of the trips certain coaches will offer (free of charge) to key transport locations around Cheltenham.

Programmes can be purchased in advance online (£8.00 inc p&p).  They will also be available on the day.

Travelling to the event

By car:  Parking is available at the Cheltenham Park & Ride Racecourse (GL50 4SH) with a regular free vintage bus shuttle service to the event site. 

By train:  Cheltenham Spa Railway Station will be served by a regular free vintage bus shuttle service to the event site.

By bus:  Royal Well bus station will be served by a regular free vintage bus shuttle service to the event site.

Vintage shuttle bus services to the Whaddon Road event site

Firste services depart from the Railway Station 09.35; the Bus Station 09.45; and the Racecourse Park & Ride 09.50.  Buses then depart every 20 minutes during the morning and every 30 minutes in the afternoon provding a return service. For full details, please see your souvenir programme – available in advance as above or on the day from the Trust gazebo at Whaddon Road.

Further details of the vehicles entered locations and services can be found here with updates following as the event approaches.