CPT's Coach Friendly Scheme

Gaining CPT's Coach Friendly' accreditation is a valuable way for any local area - and its businesses such as major tourist destinations - to increase their earning potential, reduce congestion and improve air quality and the environment whilst continuing to develop tourism.

Coaches provide a great value alternative to trains, cars and air, they help prevent social exclusion and opening up exciting opportunities for leisure and tourism across the income spectrum.

Coaches can deliver high-spend visitors in a way which minimises congestion and reduces exhaust emissions (one coach carrying 50 people can prevent at least 20 individual car trips, and carbon emissions from one modern coach come in six times lower per passenger than private car travel).

Becoming accredited as 'Coach Friendly' demonstrates a commitment to increase the number of coach visits that will increase footfall and therefore the income into local shops, cafes and other local businesses.

Why join?

Increase the number of coach operators and visitors to your location
Identify you local area with sustainable tourism
Free publicity through CPT's multimedia channels

Who can join ?

Any city, town or village that can demonstrate a significant tourism offer
Attractions that wish to generate more visitors and see coaches as a means of achieving this sustainably

See which areas and attractions have already joined the scheme: scroll down to view our interactive map.

For more information about joining the scheme please contact CPT's Coaching Manager Phil Smith

Current Coach Friendly locations

A wide range of towns and tourist destinations across the UK have obtained CPT's Coach Friendly accreditation.

Use our interactive map to explore our diverse range of award winners:

Case Study - The Sill

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre - located in the heart of the Northumberland National Park on the line of Hadrian's Wall - earned ‘coach-friendly’ status from the Confederation for Passenger Transport in 2024.

The Sill offers an ideal location to connect with nature and the National Park’s unique and special landscapes means the centre specialises in dark sky experiences.

Strategically well situated for coach tours heading either south to north & east to west, The Sill has three dedicated spaces for coaches, is free to enter and features exhibitions, a rooftop walk, café and shop. The maximum coach parking charge is £5 per day, but this is waived for coach parties that book their visit in advance of their trip. All coach drivers are offered a meal and drink voucher, redeemable in the Once Brewed Café at centre. If asked in advance, Sill staff can provide an on-board welcome if coach passengers have specific needs.

For more information visit the website and to book a group visit please complete the form

Shrewbury

Founded by the Saxons and developed by the Tudors, Shrewsbury is a medieval town with narrow streets that boasts a notable skyline and the largest mechanical railway signal box in the world. In 2024 it's acquired another accolade by winning Coach Friendly accreditation from CPT.

There are two free coach parks at opposite sides of the town centre, and no less than 8 dedicated coach pick up & drop off points, each strategically placed near one of the town's many attractions.

Several retailers offer discounted / complimentary refreshments for coach drivers and there is a vehicle wash facility available to coach drivers for £10 at the Arriva's bus depot close to the town centre.

More information can be found at Original Shrewsbury - The official guide and for further advice on coach access contact your destination or the Parking and Transport Office on 01743 356628.

Case study: Oswestry

Oswestry has been able to renew its accreditation as a Coach Friendly destination for 2024.

This historic market town in rural Shropshire - within easy reach of the major areas of population in the West Midlands and the north west as well as other significant areas of tourism activity such as North Wales, Chester & Liverpool - first won this accreditation in 2023 (read the full story).

Oswestry also won “Best large town in Britain” at the Britain in Bloom Finals 2023, and is well known for its independent shops, cafes, markets, award-winning park, heritage railway, as well as for being the birthplace of the first world war poet and soldier, Wilfred Owen.

The town offers free coach parking (at the Old Railway Station) and has dedicated pick up & drop off points. Various establishments welcome coach drivers and provide refreshments. Coach operators/drivers can contact Events & Markets Manager David Clough for guidance on directions, drop-off and parking, and being met on arrival.

Case study: Bury Market

A treasured traditional market that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year has been recognised for its leading role in tourism.

Bury market in Greater Manchester – famous for its black puddings and nearby heritage railway - has once again been endorsed as “Coach friendly.”

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) - the leading trade body for the coach industry - has presented the market’s management team with its highest accreditation, thanks to a 40% increase in the number of coach visits since 2016.

Full story

Want to know more?

CPT would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming affiliated with CPT's Coach Friendly Scheme. Get in contact by emailing CPT's Coaching Manager Phil Smith (pictured right).