Published on: Tuesday, 27 November 2018
Last updated: Monday, 19 December 2022
Published 27/11/2018
Greater Anglia know that this time of year can be stressful, so they have shared a range of helpful ways to make people’s money stretch that bit further. To make family days out easier and cost-efficient, when travelling by train, people can take advantage of GroupSave, offering groups of three to nine adults travelling together 1/3 OFF all fares. Alternatively, groups can opt for a Family & Friends Railcard if travelling with up to four adults and four children, with adults receiving up to 1/3 OFF and a saving of 60% off kids’ rates.
To get travellers into the festive spirit, Greater Anglia has selected some of the top Christmas activities taking place across the region. With some engineering works planned just before Christmas, it is always advisable to check before travelling to ensure your festive plans run smoothly.
In the exciting lead-up to Christmas, Greater Anglia is encouraging travellers to make the most of the season and has compiled a collection of great value trips across the network. From classic Christmas stage shows, to ice skating under the stars, there’s festive fun for everyone.
Royal Ballet in Chelmsford – 10th December
Experience a screening of the magical Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, at the Cramphorn Theatre. With group bookings available to watch the festive show, it’s perfect for the entire family and a great, low cost way to introduce children to ballet. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker’s journey to the Land of Sweets, dancing snowflakes and all.
Closest station: Chelmsford
Tickets: Adults - £14.50
Over 60 - £13
Under 16 - £13
Christmas Street Fair in Woodbridge – 2nd December
Shortlisted for this year’s Great British High Street Awards, and fast-becoming a popular destination for day-trips, the picturesque riverside town holds an annual Christmas Street Fair. Selling a wide range of seasonal gifts and delicious local food, the market is one for the festive calendar.
Closest station: Woodbridge
Tickets: Free entry
Cromer Pier Christmas Show – Running from now until 30th December
Celebrate the holiday season in a spectacular venue with the Cromer Pier Christmas Show. Marvel at the wonderfully vibrant variety show, with acts ranging from comedy, to opera, to illusion, presenting traditional entertainment with a contemporary twist. Previous acts at the Cromer Pier Christmas show include Emily Yarrow’s enchanting vocals and funny-man Olly Day. Greater Anglia passengers can get 2FOR1 tickets for shows from Tuesday 27th November to Saturday 9th December, for more details visit https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/offers-events.
Closest station: Cromer
Tickets: Adults - from £15
Children under 16 - £10
Adventure Wonderland in Southend - Running from now until 24th December
Take a trip to Adventure Island in Southend for a month of festive fun. Families can follow the Christmas Trail to see Father Christmas in his Grotto before visiting the Toy Factory where visitors can choose a special gift. As well as this, the exciting rides and soft play at the venue are still open to visitors so the day is packed with Christmas fun.
Closest station: Southend-on-Sea
Tickets: Each child receives 1 free adult accompaniment for the Wonderland Experience
Wonderland entry (online) - £35
Wonderland entry (on the day) - £40
Additional adult - £10
See full price list here - http://adventureisland.co.uk/adventure-wonderland/
Christmas in Cambridge – Running from now until 6th January
Experience the magic of Christmas in Cambridge with this year’s North Pole Festival! Enjoy a great variety of fair rides, warming winter drinks at the themed Alpine Lodge, as well as skating under the stars in the spectacular outdoor ice rink – everything to get into the festive spirit!
Closest station: Cambridge
Tickets: Adult ice-skating tickets - £12.50
Student - £11.00
Children under 15 - £11.00
Family Skate Ticket (for 4) is available from £39
Winter Wonderland – Running from now until 6th January
Celebrate all things Christmas at Winter Wonderland - one of the nation’s biggest festive events. With attractions such as an immersive cinema, ice sculpting workshops and the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, only Scrooge would pass up the chance to wonder at the Christmas excitement taking place. Open from 10am to 10pm, it makes for the perfect festive day trip.
Closest station: London Liverpool Street, then take the central line to Marble Arch
Tickets: Free entry
Some attractions must be pre-booked