458, Staines-Shepperton-Kingston

This journey of one delight after another, starts in the Staines Bus Station, right in the heart of the shopping centre. The 458 bus makes its way alongside the Thames briefly towards the picturesque village of Laleham with its lovely church on the corner and stately looking houses bedecked in foliage and flowers. It's a rural ride, punctuated though by the dramatic entrance to the famous Shepperton Studios, where many a famous film has been made and continues to do so today!

The village of Shepperton emerges, with its range of small eateries and independent shops. Down Green Lane, the bus makes its way and before long the grandiose dynamic looking white expanse of Walton bridge, with stunning views down the river and of boats moored at Walton Marina as well as the tranquil sweep of the Thames curving at Cowey Sale.

Through the town of Walton on Thames, then onto pretty Hersham, then over the tranquil River Mole, passing large, tudor-style houses and into chic, upmarket Esher. Sandown Park Racecourse is on the left and then the 458 continues down the tree-lined Portsmouth Road, moving ever-so-closer to the banks of the Thames and with the grounds of the majestic Hampton Court visible on the opposite side of the River.

This is a journey that is really building to a grand finale, as the bright lights of Kingston get closer, as the 458 continues to straddle the Thames. There's almost a holiday feel, with some of the ornate, charming houses overlooking the River and as independent shops, give way to boutique big brand outlets and with the fascinating market close by. Finally, the 458 finds it way into Kingston Bus Station, a stones-throw from another shopping paradise and eateries aplenty. This has been an eye-catching journey from start to finish and with the Thames never too far from the view out of the bus window! A real gem of a trip!

A fab day out on the 458 bus begins with breakfast in Staines, where you can start your morning at one of the many cafés near the High Street and then peruse the market in the heart of the town centre. Then it's on the bus to Shepperton and maybe a walk down the High Street to the War Memorial and a bit of peace and quiet on a bench in Manor Park or a short walk through the trees to take in the River and the view of Desborough Island opposite.

Then it's back up the High Street to catch the bus to Walton on Thames, possibly stopping just the other side of Walton Bridge and walking back to check out the many ducks and swans grazing beside the River and the rowers animatedly making their way back and forth, or carrying on into the town centre and exploring the Heart Shopping Centre.

On the 458 again and there's time to get off in Hersham for a relaxed stroll - this is a delightful place with its duck pond, green space and friendly local shops that make it feel like a small community with a big personality.

The final stretch to Kingston brings you into one of southwest London’s liveliest centres, perfect for rounding off the day. Kingston’s historic marketplace offers colourful stalls, fresh food and street performances, while the surrounding lanes are full of independent boutiques. The riverside is one of its greatest highlights, with long walks, pubs and cafés right by the water, making it a great place to unwind before heading home. If you’re in the mood for culture, the Rose Theatre often has afternoon shows, and the nearby museum reveals Kingston’s rich history. Ending the day with dinner beside the Thames or exploring the bustling shopping streets completes a wonderfully varied journey along the 458 route. For those that love nightlife, then there's Bonnie Rogues and Circuit nightclub - two venues in one, a few minutes from the Bus Station in Clarence Street!