Media centre

Wednesday 11 Aug 2021

Imberbus to return after two-year hiatus

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Western

Network Rail’s Chairman, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, is hosting this year’s annual bus service to the Wiltshire village of Imber, which returns on Saturday 21 August for the first time since 2019.

An expected fleet of about 25 old and new London Transport Routemaster double-decker buses will return to action, providing a regular service for one day only from Warminster station to the abandoned village of Imber and other parts of Salisbury Plain between 10am and 6pm.

Imberbus is the brainchild of Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail, and bus industry colleagues, and first started in 2009. It has since run an annual service to the hidden village of Imber which has been uninhabited since 1943 and sits deep in the heart of Salisbury Plain, the UK’s biggest military training area. It’s organised by the Bath Bus Company, with vehicles and staff from 15 different operators right across England.

With a significant rise in people choosing to have a staycation in the UK this year, this one-off annual event provides a unique opportunity for local residents, families and tourists staying in or visiting Wiltshire to visit this remote village aboard the distinguishable red double-decker buses.

The ever-popular event last ran in 2019 and was attended by an estimated 3,000 people, and donated nearly £30,000 to the Friends of St.Giles’s Church, Imber, the Royal British Legion Poppy Day Appeal and to other charities related to those who help Imberbus. This year’s event will again support these same charities.

Buses will pick up passengers at Warminster station and run direct to Imber, before continuing on across Salisbury Plain on military roads rarely open to the public, to Chitterne, Tilshead and the Lavingtons.

The buses will run just like an ordinary bus service. No advance booking is required, nor is there a need to reserve a seat. Tickets will be able to be purchased on the day from staff outside Warminster station or with cash only from the bus conductors.

An adult all-day ticket will cost £10, while those wishing just to travel from Warminster station to St Giles’ Church at Imber can purchase a £5 return ticket. Each paying adult can be accompanied by up to three children paying £1 each for an all-day ticket.

Unlike previous years, access to Imber on this day will only be possible via the Imberbuses themselves. Members of the public wishing to visit Imber using other forms of transport will need to wait until the following weekend when the military roads will be open to vehicles and other personal transport.

In light of the continuing Covid pandemic, passengers will be required to wear face coverings while on the buses, and in St Giles’s church, Imber, unless they are medically exempt.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail, said: “We’re delighted to be back on the road to Imber, and we’re looking forward to giving people a unique and pleasurable day out. Everyone involved gives their time and vehicles for nothing, so we run probably the most profitable rural bus service in Britain, and one where all the fares go to charity!”

David Andrews, Chief executive of VisitWiltshire, said: “This is a welcome initiative for Wiltshire and I am delighted to see the return of Imberbus following a two year break.

“The event has continued to grow in popularity since its inception in 2009, and I am sure it will again be well attended by local residents and tourists visiting and staying in Wiltshire.”

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “I am delighted that the Imberbus is returning this year. This is a once a year, unique opportunity to visit a village that has been unoccupied and frozen in time since 1943. The village of Imber played a fascinating part in Wiltshire’s contribution to World War II and is well worth a visit.”

“The event has continued to grow in popularity since its inception in 2009, and I am sure it will again be well attended by local residents and tourists visiting and staying in Wiltshire.”

For more information, please visit www.imberbus.org