CELEBRATIONS are planned this summer as Morebus and the New Forest National Park Authority mark the 20th anniversary of the New Forest Tour. 

The open-top bus Tour navigated its very first circuit - the green route - through Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Lymington and Beaulieu in 2004.  

Now it has two additional routes - blue and red - to choose from and is one of the south coast’s most popular seasonal bus services. 

Morebus managing director Andrew Wickham said more than 500,000 passengers have enjoyed the views of the route, with 40,000 last year alone. 

When it returns on June 29, Mr Wickham is expecting the route to be even more popular this year. 

He said: “Once again, our open-top buses will run along these three popular routes, and our team can’t wait to welcome visitors on-board to celebrate.  

“They will be handing out 20 special goody bags to those travelling on the green route - which was our original journey here. 

“We are also planning a number of competitions and giveaways via our website and social media.” 

The New Forest Tour is key to the National Park Authority’s aim to encourage more people to leave their cars at home, combat climate change and work towards net zero.  

To make travelling car-free easier for visitors, it stops at cycle hire centres - and each bus can carry up to four bikes. 

Mr Wickham added: “We want as many visitors to the New Forest as possible to travel with us this year because enjoying the National Park in this way helps to reduce congestion.  

“Just one of our tour buses has the potential to take up to 75 cars off our roads - and that can make a huge difference to the quality of air we breathe here.” 

From the top deck, passengers will enjoy tree-top views of the National Park - with roaming animals, wide open heaths and ancient forest.  

Special audio commentaries tell the stories of the people and places of the New Forest - with characters, sounds and music bringing the view to life. 

The Tour gives people the opportunity to spot the beautiful animals of the New Forest - including deer, rare birds, pigs, donkeys and the area’s famous ponies.  

David Bence, chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “The New Forest National Park is a world capital for wildlife and one of the most highly protected areas for nature in the UK.  

“We’d like to thank visitors for leaving their cars at home and helping to protect this unique environment by travelling around and having fun with the future of the Forest in mind.  

“The three scenic routes saved an estimated 220,212 private car miles last year and provided a boost to local businesses contributing around £660,000 to the New Forest economy while stopping at local villages and attractions. 

“With people’s support we look forward to the continuing success of the Tour and hope for bumper passenger numbers in our 20th year of operation.” 

The New Forest Tour runs from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, September 15. Tickets can be bought in person on-board the bus, or via the Morebus app, which shows exactly where buses are in real time. Tickets can also be bought from Ferny Crofts, Hoburne Bashley, New Forest Heritage Centre, Sandy Balls Holiday Village, and Shorefield Country Park.