In 2012 London's number 38 bus will have been trundling along essentially the same route for exactly 100 years.
The 38 is London's most frequent bus, with one a minute operating at peak times.
Of course, this means the old adage that "you wait ages for a bus then three come along at once" is different for the number 38, where you can wait ages then TWENTY-three come along at once.
Covering a distance of seven miles
from Clapton to Victoria, a journey from end to end takes about 70 minutes.
For a price of just £4 (using
an Oyster card), you can travel on the buses all day, an absolute bargain when you think of how much overground and underground trains cost.
Even better, the 38's route is packed with things to see and do, effortlessly providing a day's worth of entertainment along the way.
Listed here are a few ideas to get you started, beginning at Clapton and travelling south-west towards Victoria.
Hackney Downs is a pleasant green space for a relaxing walk, and includes a number of sports facilities.
MAP
Kings Hall Leisure Centre (39 Lower Clapton Road) includes a swimming pool together with lots of other facilities to get you in shape.
MAP
Ridley Road Market is a vibrant, daily market that's been going for more than a hundred years.
MAP
The Peanut Vendor (133 Newington Green Road) is a treasure trove of vintage furniture and other household items from yesteryear, lovingly run by Barny and Becky. It's a wonderful place to browse, and the betting is you'll make a purchase or two before you walk out the door. Closed Mondays.
MAP
Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art (39a Canonbury Square). An impressive collection of Futurist works, together with figurative art and sculptures, is housed inside an exquisite Grade-II-listed Georgian building.
MAP
Upper Street in Islington is a fun place to shop, hang out and people watch!
MAP
Sadler's Wells Theatre (Rosebery Avenue) - take in a show at this popular London venue.
MAP
Fryer's Delight Fish & Chips - quite possibly the best fish and chips along route 38!
MAP
The British Museum – just in case you didn't realise, the awesome British Museum is just a few minutes' walk from route 38.
MAP
Soho - Jump off the bus anywhere along Shaftesbury Avenue and head into Soho, full of trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, and a plethora of shopping options.
MAP
Waterstone's Picccadilly (203-206 Piccadilly) - Get lost in Europe's largest bookshop! Be sure to
check ahead to see if your favourite author is doing a book signing or giving a talk.
MAP
The Lanesborough Hotel (Hyde Park Corner) - it's not cheap, but if you can stretch to having
afternoon tea at the Lanesborough, you won't ever forget it. The UK Tea Council gave it an Award of Excellence last year, so they must be doing something right.
MAP
Westminster Cathedral MAP lies just a short walk from Victoria station. Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace is a little further down the road too.
If you fancy a pint at the end of your journey, there's a great little place away from the hubbub of Victoria called the Cask & Glass (39 Palace Street).
MAP
