Home

Our Heritage

Corporate

Weddings / Occasions

Gallery

Optional Extras

Contact Us

What Others Say

Home

Classic London Routemasters and Taxis for every occasion

Superbly Restored

Professionally Crewed

Customised Service, Expertly Managed

WELCOME 2012! 10% off all bookings made and paid for in full before the end of February

You are invited to come and see for yourself, please arrange a visit to our Thurrock Operations Centre & Depot

Our Heritage

History of the Monarchs

In 2003 Tony and Damion, friends and colleagues working for a bus company, decided that they wanted to run a bus of their own in their spare time. At that time they had very little money and even less experience but 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'. After three months the boys managed to buy an old coach and a 16 seat minibus with their limited budget but although it was a start this little fleet failed to capture their imagination and was quickly sold on at a sensible profit and the pair resigned themselves to wait for something to inspire them. The announcement that London was to do away with its traditional Red Routemaster Fleet was the inspiration that they needed and the dream of preserving a part of London's Heritage was born. RML2714 was one of many Routemasters acquired by Ensignbus and by pooling their money; the partners were able to buy it from them.On 6th December 2004 Damion and Tony found themselves the proud owners of a well worn 72 seat Double Decker with no second gear and in desperate need of some TLC. Strapped for cash, the two, together with their wives, Tracey and Christine, wired in with buckets & scrubbing brushes, hammers & screwdrivers and spent the next few months returning as much of the bus back to its former glory as was possible but still no 2nd gear. Having watched the effort being put into the restoration, Ensignbus admired their efforts so much that they decided to provide a replacement gearbox and had their own fitters install it a few months later. (The Company would like to formally record its gratitude to Ensignbus for its help and support through trying times.) With the last of their money RML2714 was taken through her MOT and journeyed to the spray shop where she had her original paintwork and livery restored. Beautiful in her new coat, RML2714 had become a huge capital investment and a constant drain on Tony and Damion's income. It was time to get the bus, now christened The Monarch of Marble Arch, to earn its keep. Although its head office is in Cambridgeshire, London Heritage Travel was formally incorporated in May 2005 to provide 'The Routemaster Experience' from its operational base in Essex "The Monarch comes from a period when people were courteous and had time for each other. Friends would arrange to meet on the bus and a gentleman would give up his seat for a lady" says Tony. "Service really meant something in those days, and we have recreated that personal touch and attention to detail that was the hallmark of the 1960's". Damion added, "We are a small company competing with others to provide the best experience ever by fulfilling the dreams of yesteryear for our clients. We are so confident in the quality of our product that the company has already got its eyes open for another buses to restore". Well, that was then, and Damion was right. The Monarch of Mayfair (Judith), another 72 seater, joined The Monarch of Marble Arch (Danielle) in 2006 but things didn't stop there. The following year the Monarch of Marylebone (Franceska), a 64 seater, joined the two girls and the company moved to a new, bigger operational base. Our fourth Monarch, the Monarch of the Mall (Trudy) another big girl with 72 seats, joined her sisters in June 2008 and in the November we acquired Winston (The Monarch of Maida Vale). The only boy in the girls school and a very rare example of a 57 seat Routemaster coach he went into service in the Autumn of 2009. Details of the Monarchs' history can be found by reading History of the Monarchs and we have some pictures in our Photo Gallery Since its formation in 2005, London Heritage Travel have gone from strength to strength and are now delivering transportation in style to well over 120 Weddings a year and hundreds of private hires for individuals and corporate clients, priding ourselves on giving the best service and providing the highest quality of fully restored Routemasters available today.In addition we have added classic taxis and an immense array of optional extras to the services that we provide which you can see in our optional extras section on this web site.
In 1961, more than ten years after the original Routemasters (RM) were designed, the 7¾ ton 72seat RML made its entry onto London roads. A full 30' long it was 2' 6" longer than its older sisters and by 1965 the RML had become the standard version London Double Decker Red Bus. The Monarch of Marble Arch (Danielle) made her appearance in September 1967 when she was delivered by AEC Leyland to London Transport Aldenham proudly carrying the number RML2714.RML2588, The Monarch of Mayfair (Judith), our second bus, was delivered to London Transport in October 1966, so is actually a year older than Danielle. Third to join our fleet, Franceska, RM1989 (The Monarch of Marylebone) is the eldest and the smallest (original Routemaster with 64 seats) of our girls, having arrived at Aldenham in the August of 1964. The Monarch of The Mall (Trudy), RML2411 is our latest big sister. Originally green (A Green Line - Country Bus) she joined the L.T. Fleet in January 1966. The eldest and latest to join our fleet is RMC 1462, the Monarch of Maida Vale affectionately known as Winston, the only boy in the girl's school and a rare example of a double decker 57 seat Routemaster Coach which originally went into service back in 1962 On her first assignment Danielle, RML2714 (The Monarch of Marble Arch) found herself garaged at LT Hanwell (HL) where she started her duties carrying the people of London on route 207 but was then transferred to Southall (HW). Following 3 years service, in September 1970, she was sent back to Aldenham for an overhaul.She returned to Southall for only a few months following her overhaul before East London, in the name of Leyton (T), claimed her for the 48's where she served faithfully until 1991.Although when they were built the Routemasters had an expected working life of only 17 years, Danielle was taken off the road and rewarded for her 24 years of service to the London travelling public, along with 500 friends, with a replacement Cummins engine and 3 years later in 1994 a refurbished interior. London's Buses, now privatised, saw Danielle's return to active service at London Central / Camberwell (Q) following her refurbishment. She was to carry her last stage fare paying passengers on November 5th 2004 on route 12. Judith (RML2588) started work in Putney (AF) spending the next seven years carrying the number 14. Overhauled in 1973, she returned to service at Upton Park (U) to carry passengers on route 15. She received her new Cummins engine in 1991 and the following year she became one of only two RMLs to be given an illuminated offside advertising panel now making her unique as the only one remaining in service. She returned in 1994 to serve on Route 73 until she was retired in September 2004. Little Franceska (RM1989) has seen a bit of the country. Her first job was with London Transport when she went straight into service on route 134 and later in 1964 routes 9 & 13. She was taken out of service in April 1988 and sold to Blackpool Transport for operation mainly on seafront service 55 (but also routes 12, 14, 22 & 22A) and carried the number 530 for Blackpool Transport until 1994. She then got a little rest until 1997 when she moved to Reading Mainline and worked their route number 33 for a few months. Three years later in 2000, a member of the Christian Bus Enthusiasts Group adopted her and restored her Blackpool livery. Later that year Steve Bunda and Mike Mann (Routemaster Owners Club) acquired her at which time this little lady had her original AEC engine replaced. She joined us in June 2007 and now has her original clothes restored (London Transport Red Livery).Trudy (RML2411) started her life as a Green Line Country Bus training vehicle in 1966 in Windsor and then immediately went on to work routes 363, 305, 326, 362 and 455 out of High Wycombe. Two years later in 1968 she transferred to Northfleet to operate route 480. By 1980 she had been overhauled and returned to Windsor and carried number 452 for a short while before joining London Transport's Central London Fleet. Now sporting the scarlet tunic of L.T. she went into serving the people of London. She was rewarded with a brand new Cummins Engine in 1990 and three years later was completely refurbished. She remains, today, one of the few examples of an RML that still has the original pairing of body and chassis. In 1994 she transferred to the newly privatised London Central and serviced route 12 until she was finally put out to pasture via Ensign Bus in November 2003. Ensign sold her on to a travel company in August 2004 who carried out some restoration. Overhauled and re-liveried into London Transport Red, she is now to join her London Heritage Travel sisters back on the roads of London and the Home Counties.Winston (RMC1462) was delivered to London Country, at Guildford in August 1962 and assigned to "Green Line" routes running into Central London mainly operating on route 715A. June 1967 saw him travel to Aldenham Central Works for overhaul. Migrating to Hertford, until July 1967, he then moved again, this time to Grays but still continuing to visit the capital regularly as a Green Line Coach. In November 1967 he moved to Stevenage to assist his overworked shed mates who were experiencing considerable extra use due to increased patronage. Following this short secondment he returned to Grays the following month where he remained until, in December 1970 he was acquired by the National Bus Company, owners of London Country Bus Services, to help service the Country Area operations. Life has a funny way of turning back on itself so it was that in December 1977 he found himself once again with LT and started a new career a month later in scarlet tunic as a Driver Training Vehicle at Hackney Garage, fulfilling this role until withdrawal from active service in 1988. Passing through the hands of several bus dealers he settled in 1991, with the Nostalgiabus Operation in Surrey. Withdrawn from service in 2000 following a major decapitation a year earlier he was purchased in October 2008 by London Heritage Travel, where his restoration continued until he joined his younger sisters in our operational fleet in August 2009 once more dressed in the red of his London Transport Trainer days.2005 saw the end of the Routemasters as the standard London Red Bus and now most of the fleet have disappeared.Not for The Monarchs though, the fate of some 1500 scrapped Routemasters over the years. Rescued when they were discharged from service they have been acquired by London Heritage Travel Ltd who have invested and continue to invest in their restoration so that once again people can truly experience the transport of delight.
Flyers Moc 3b 1 - Buses and taxis only 600.jpg

Flyers Moc 3b 1 - Buses and taxis only 600.jpg

Corporate

Corporate Events with Style

Transfers, Bespoke Tours, Galas, Awards Evenings, Product Launches, Corporate Branding, Entertainment Options and much more. Client Centred, we cater from 1 to 1,000's of people. Refreshments are permitted on request and a huge range of optional extras also available

From initial enquiry through invoicing and branding to the professional delivery of a bespoke client tailored service

We take care of every detail

Weddings / Occasions

Weddings

Weddings with Style

With over 120 weddings a year, your special day is our special day

Choose from a huge range of optional extras to add even more to a lifetime of memories

Classic FX3 and FX4 Taxis complement our Routemasters and are also available individually

Proms

Cool Proms

The more passengers we carry, the cheaper it becomes and when youre all dressed up there is nothing better than arriving together in prize winning fashion.

Not only will all eyes turn when you arrive but you can see and be seen around town in the most iconic form of transport in Londons history.

Mark this rite of passage with the pageantry and panache that only a London Routemaster can deliver.

Festivals

Illuminating Festivals

Every festival has its theme and we like to enter into the spirit of every occasion.

Christmas with Santa touring the London Lights or an oyster and Champagne New Year Special are annual treats, but with a huge range of options available we can tailor your Routemaster to fit right into the theme of any festival.

Civil or faith based, Valentines to Halloween there is nothing that lights one up quite like a "proper bus".

Family Occasions

Getting Together

Were here to help you celebrate the happy times - Birthdays, Anniversaries, Bar & bat mitzvahs, Christenings or just happy family days out.

Also for the more sombre times of bereavement you will find us refined, sensitive and accommodating to your needs.

Sporting Events

Sporting Certainties

A day at the races, football, rugby, tennis, no matter what the sport or the contest you can leave the transport arrangements to us.

Win or lose well get you there and back in true supporter fashion

Parades

Parading the flag

As Ruskin once said "There is nothing like a parade..."

Whether we have just one or two Red Routemaster processing in the Lord Mayors Show or we lead dozens nose to tail in the nations largest bus rally when all eyes turn and spectators gasp it is the impact of your message that will remain in their memory.

Promotion or charitable event, there is nothing like a parade that includes London Heritage Travel Routemasters.

Civic & Royal

We know our place

It is because we understand the protocols that London Heritage Travel is comfortable with having its Routemasters integrate their transfer role into major civic events and royal duties.

The low archway at Horseguards prevented our participation in a recent royal wedding in London. However we are happy that to accompany the magnificent presentation of our Routemasters and precision of our operational and administrative service our crews provide the sophisticated hosting essential to our most eminent of passengers who we are honoured to serve.

Weddings
Proms
Festivals
Family Occasions
Sporting Events
Parades
Civic & Royal

Gallery

Corporate
Weddings
Other
Wallpapers
Video

Corporate

Sq2016_London_Farewell_LR.jpg

Weddings

Other

LHT Logo with Blue Back 400.jpg

Flyers Moc 3b 1 - Buses and taxis only 800.jpg

DSC00040.jpg

DSC00044.jpg

DSC00047.jpg

DSC00046.jpg

Wed 5.jpg

Image041.jpg

001.jpg

ConfexBus001.jpg

Picture no008.jpg

Sq2016_London_Thatcher_Poole_LR.jpg

Franceska001.jpg

Antiques RShow001.jpg

Antiques RShow002.jpg

Antiques RShow009.jpg

Antiques RShow007.jpg

LHT_Routemaster_Ideas_2a.jpg

P1290858.JPG

DSCF1683.jpg

LHT Logo with Blue Back 400.jpg

Flyers Moc 3b 1 - Buses and taxis only 800.jpg

DSC00040.jpg

DSC00044.jpg

DSC00047.jpg

DSC00046.jpg

Wed 5.jpg

Image041.jpg

001.jpg

ConfexBus001.jpg

Picture no008.jpg

Sq2016_London_Thatcher_Poole_LR.jpg

Franceska001.jpg

Antiques RShow001.jpg

Antiques RShow002.jpg

Antiques RShow009.jpg

Antiques RShow007.jpg

LHT_Routemaster_Ideas_2a.jpg

P1290858.JPG

DSCF1683.jpg

Wallpapers

Video

London Heritage Travel

London Heritage Travel Video

Video Controls

Located on the right under the picture

Full screen mode

Full HD

Mode

(available

after pressing

play)

Volume

Control

Optional Extras

Corporate Extras

Other Extras

Wedding Extras
Full DecorationsIn white or ivory ribbons and bows at the front are our gift to you on your wedding day. Alternative and/or additional colours at a small supplement. Extra DecorationsIncluding bows and garlands on the decks or platformSpecial, Helium BalloonsWe suggest two or three attached to the handrails and/or a spray of ten or twelve against the bulkheads to produce an optimum displayRegistered Blue Badge Tour GuidesMulti-lingual (40+ languages available)Professional Live EntertainmentAdd something different to your journey with options that include magicians, musicians, human statues, comedians, mime and novelty acts and much moreCustomised Destination BlindsWith name of Bride and Groom. Either text or graphics which can then be removed and kept after the eventReplicas of the original Tickets3.5cm wide x 7cm long, and with your wedding details, date and journey information in a choice of pastel coloured card (pink, blue, green, grey, cream, beige or white) "Oysters and Champagne"Freshly shuckered and served on board Your own Food and DrinkOn board by prior arrangementBus StopFull stop and/or request dolly stopsYour ChoiceLet us have your ideas. If it's legal, moral and practical we will certainly consider it See for yourselfLook in our Gallery
Full PA/Music Systems Our music or your selections on CD or via your iPod or MP3 player freely available on every busChristmas EventsDecorations and seasonal music, tour the London lights, have your very own Santa and select from a large range of live entertainmentFuneral & MemorialsBlack ribbons and bows at the front of the bus or descrete tails are all part of the service if required. Full memorial dress on both decks and platform and customised destination blinds are availableWe also cater for Halloween, New Year Celebrations, Birthdays & Anniversaries, Proms, Christenings & Baptisms, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Race Days and other Sporting Events, Festivals, Parades, Civic & Royal Occasions for example
Full Branding OptionsYour choice from a large range of options and combinations. Full professional advice available.Long Side Panels:.........20ft x 2ft (x 2)Driver Side Portrait:.......3ft 9in x 5ft 10inFront Via Blind:..............2ft 3in x 1ft 1inRear Via Blind:..............2ft 9in x 1ft 2inSide Via Blind:...............2ft 9in x 1ft 2inFront Number Blind:......1ft 1in x 1ft 2inFront Ultimate Blind:.....3ft 10in x 7inRear Ultimate Blind:......3ft 10in x 7in A range of internal promotional space is also availableDecorationsAppropriate to your eventSpecial, Helium BalloonsWe suggest two or three attached to the handrails and/or a spray of ten or twelve against the bulkheads to produce an optimum displayRegistered Blue Badge Tour GuidesMulti-lingual (40+ languages available)Professional Live EntertainmentAdd something different to your journey with options that include magicians, musicians, human statues, comedians, mime and novelty acts and much moreCustomised Destination BlindsWith your company/event name or logo. Either text or graphics which can then be removed and kept after the eventReplicas of the original Tickets3.5cm wide x 7cm long, and with your company/event details, date and journey information in a choice of pastel coloured card (pink, blue, green, grey, cream, beige or white)Bespoke InvitationsYour personalised invitation to travel on postcard sized card in the same choice of colours as available in our original tickets "Oysters and Champagne"Freshly shuckered and served on board. Choice of a quality carva to vintage Champagne with only the finest fresh Oysters used Your own Food and DrinkOn board by prior arrangementBus StopFull stop and/or request dolly stopsYour ChoiceLet us have your ideas. If it's legal, moral and practical we will certainly consider it See for yourselfLook in our Gallery

Contact Us

Contact Us

Operations Centre & Depot

Unit B2 Sartoria Business Park

730 London Road

West Thurrock

Essex

RM20 3NL

Great Britain

Head Office

2 Crown Lane

Littleport

Ely

Cambridge

CB6 1PP

Great Britain

+44 (0)1353 863273

admin_london-heritage-travel.com

Operating in London and the Home Counties

Twitter

Follow us

on Twitter

What Others Say

WOS Corporate

WOS Weddings

WOS Occasions