Bargain family rail trips to the coast were sell out success

Published on: Wednesday, 12 September 2018
Last updated: Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Hundreds of families in Essex enjoyed bargain sell-out trips to the coast this summer thanks to special ‘Bucket & Spade’ trains put on by Greater Anglia and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

Over 400 people enjoyed the three special trains that ran between Colchester and Walton on the Naze in August.

The bargain £5 return tickets for Adults and £3 for Children included a free bucket and spade for every child and fun and games during the journey.

As an extra treat on 30 August, day trippers were met on arrival in Walton on the Naze by stilt walkers who lead the way to the market square, where families were entertained with a flea circus, juggler and a magician.

Terri Ryland, Community Rail Partnership Officer for Essex County Council said, “The Bucket & Spade trains were a huge success this year and meant that so many local families could enjoy a memorable day out on our wonderful coast without breaking the bank.

“We were delighted to partner with Essex County Council’s ‘Resorting to the Coast’ campaign which promotes tourism on the Tendring coast line, which enabled us to include the live entertainment and stilt walkers as part of the Bucket and Spade train events for even more fun and excitement.”

Paul Haynes, Community Partnerships Manager, Greater Anglia, said: “A day out by rail offers so much fun for families and it’s so easy and cheap.

“We’re very grateful to the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership for their hard work in making the Bucket & Spade trains such a successful community event, which is also helped to boost sustainable tourism to the Essex coast.”

The event was organised by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, which works to keep local rail lines thriving. Members of the partnership include Greater Anglia and Essex County Council.