CAMRA promotes bus and train travel to visit pubs

Tuesday, 18 February 2025 06:00

A campaign to promote using buses and trains to visit pubs in small towns and rural areas in South Wiltshire and further afield has been launched by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Along with CAMRA, there is strong support for the campaign by Salisbury Reds, the bus company which runs many of the services.

The idea is to help pub landlords and public transport companies during difficult economic times, whilst at the same time combating social isolation, particularly in rural areas, and avoiding the obvious perils of drinking alcohol and driving. Pensioners can travel for free on buses and the maximum single fare and daily cap make bus travel cheap for everybody else.

Outings have already taken place to towns and villages at all points of the compass from Salisbury and a continuing programme of two trips most months is planned. People who are not members of CAMRA are welcome to come along.

“These are difficult times for both bus operators and pubs yet both play a vital part in combating social isolation, especially in some of our rural communities for whom the bus is a lifeline,” said Andrew Ward, one of the organisers from Salisbury & South Wiltshire CAMRA. “This is a great opportunity to show them our support while enjoying a day out.”

Co-organiser Pete Matthews added: “We are surrounded by wonderful community pubs and of course the bus is a sensible and sustainable way to visit a drinking establishment.”

Lucy Humphrey, Digital Marketing Executive for Salisbury Reds, said, “We are pleased to support and promote these CAMRA trips. They showcase the extensive rural network that we operate, which helps to ensure that 67% of Wiltshire residents have at least an hourly bus service stopping nearby.”

For more information about CAMRA’s campaigning and events go to www.camra.org.uk while bus journey enquiries can be directed to www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk