Open Topped Bus Tour
From Historical Hastings
In 1951, Maidstone and District announced that they were to commence tours of the town's landmarks in 40 minutes. There was a fleet of three buses for this purpose and stops were at Breeds Place, Grand Parade, the Buchanan Hospital. Drivers were to act as guides for these tours and they took in St Leonards Gensing Gardens, St Johns Church, Upper Maze Hill, Alexandra Park, the West Hill and the Old Town.[1]
There were originally three open top AEC Regals - HKL819, HKL826 and HKL836. 819 was believed to have been withdrawn in the 1970s, but the other two lasted in Hastings until 1989 when they passed to Guide Friday. All three buses survive in preservation[2].
