Imberbus makes post-Covid comeback
The popular sight-seeing Salisbury Plain tour had an enforced break last year
After an absence in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers of the Imberbus are delighted that they'll be running the service again today (Sat 21 August 2021).
The tour uses vintage ex-London Transport Routemaster buses, (25 buses in total, including some newer ones) on a bus service that runs from Warminster Station to the 'ghost village' of Imber on Salisbury Plain.
It's one of the rare opportunities to see the village on the British Army training area, which has been uninhabited since its civilian community was forcibly evicted in 1943 in order for the land to be used for preparation by American troops ahead of the invasion of Europe during World War II.
But after the war ended villagers were not allowed back to their homes. The whole area remains under Ministry of Defence (MOD) control except on a few very limited days each year.
The Imberbus sight-seeing trip runs between 10am and 6pm, and also takes in other isolated locations on the military training ground.
This year it's being promoted as 'Imber Car Free Day' The only way you can get to Imber village will be by bus.
Anyone wanting to visit Imber using their own transport will have to wait until next week, the bank holiday, when Imber Church and the road passing through Imber village will be open to everyone.
It's hoped this'll avoid the awful traffic congestion that occurred in 2019. This means visitors will face a few restrictions to make things flow smoothly.
IMBERBUS 2021: What to expect
- At least 25 buses in operation, some of which will be wheelchair accessible
- Departures approximately every 15 minutes from Warminster Station to Imber from 9.45am onwards
- Buses serving Tilshead, Chitterne, West Lavington, Market Lavington and Brazen Bottom twice an hour throughout the day
- Buses twice an hour to New Zealand Farm Camp until early afternoon
- One morning and two afternoon journeys running direct between Warminster and Chitterne (not via Imber)
- Most journeys operated by at least 2 vehicles
Imber Church will be open for viewing and refreshments from 10am to 6pmm, and refreshments also available Caspers Cafe on platform 1 of Warminster Station and at the village halls in Chitterne and Tilshead. In addition, cream teas will be served in the Old School House next to Market Lavington Church between Midday and 5pm.
An all day adult ticket costs £10.
Ordinary bus fares are also available for adults wishing to travel from Warminster to visit Imber's 16th century St Giles’ Church You can buy a £5 return ticket. Up to 3 children can accompany an adult an all-day fare of just £1 each.
Imberbus runs as an ordinary local bus service. There is no facility to pre-book or pay in advance. Just turn up and pay the conductor on the bus in cash.
COVID-19: Arrangements & facemasks
- Imberbus attracts crowds of people and social distancing is not always possible on the buses
- The wearing of face coverings on the Imberbus buses is compulsory (unless you have an exemption for genuine medical reasons)
- Bring your own hand sanitiser. There are no hand washing facilities available at Imber
The buses from Warminster tend to be less busy in the afternoon, if the thought of crowded buses concerns you.
DO NOT attend if you're showing any of the symptoms of Coronavirus or have been told to isolate. Imberbus organisers plan to run the buses next year, so do not feel you have to come this year if you feel unwell or have been “pinged”.