Image: Fowey Pretty Bus Stop / Facebook.
A bus stop in Fowey, England, has been getting creative makeovers from locals for the past 20 years.
Known as the Pretty Bus Stop on Lankelly Lane in Cornwall, its first transformation was done by Jane Tinsley to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Since then, the stop has been decorated in a variety of themes, including a tea room, a yacht race, a library, and even an Elvis tribute. Each year, volunteers take turns giving the bus stop a new look, especially in winter.
Sarah Worne, an artist who has been involved since 2021, recently created a plant-themed design called Thyme to Stop. It features real and painted pots of seedlings and plants, giving the stop the feel of a greenhouse. “It was cold heading into February, and everyone needed a bit of warmth,” Sarah said. “This design makes it feel cosy while people wait for the bus.”
Sarah enjoys the project because it brings joy to others. “I always like keeping busy and doing things that make people smile, just for fun,” she added.
A Community Effort
The bus stop even has a dedicated Facebook page with over 2,700 followers, showcasing its many designs over the years.
“We love getting the community involved,” Sarah said
She has also thought about decorating other bus stops but hasn’t yet looked into who owns them. “The Fowey bus stop is owned by the town council, so we knew we could decorate it. But I’ve got my eye on a few others that could use some brightening up,” she said.
