Bristol’s finest: classic Bristol coaches in Bristol Greyhound livery. All three will be at ‘Associated Motorways 75’ in Cheltenham on Sunday.

Getting to the GWR by public transport during the Cotswold Festival of Steam couldn't be easier this year.  Because Sunday 24th May, you can take a classic bus ride from Cheltenham right to the GWR's Cheltenham Racecourse station and enjoy the Festival by starting from there.  Or, if you are at the Festival, why not take a trip into town for a rare opportunity to see classic road traction on display!

That's because 'Associated Motorways 75', a special celebration marking 75 years of the formation of coach pool Associated Motorways, which went on to become National Express, is happening in Cheltenham.  The event takes place on the site of the old Black & White coach station on St. Margaret's Road (almost opposite the new Brewery shopping and eating complex) from where there will be a frequent service using classic coaches owned by Stagecoach West, to and from the GWR's station at Cheltenham Racecourse. 

Bristol's finest: classic Bristol coaches in Bristol Greyhound livery.  All three will be at 'Associated Motorways 75' in Cheltenham on Sunday.

Many Cheltonians will remember the old Black & White art décor coach station and its café that once stood on St. Margarets Road.  This was once the home of the Black & White Motorways coach company which in 1934, merged with local operators, Bristol Greyhound, Midland Red, Red and White and United Counties to form the Associated Motorways "pool".  Many vehicles from these companies will be assembled at the event, bringing a big whiff of nostalgia.

From Cheltenham Spa Network Rail station there is a very frequent Stagecoach service D, that runs past the St. Margarets Road site.  It also goes on to the Cheltenham Racecourse park and ride, where the classic bus service will also call, enabling visitors to complete the short distance to the GWR station itself (which is otherwise about a 10 minute walk from the park and ride).

You can find out more about the Associated Motorways 75 here .