Published on: Thursday, 7 July 2022
Last updated: Friday, 15 July 2022
Above: One of Greater Anglia's new trains at Walton-on-the-Naze. Credit: Greater Anglia
Bargain ‘Bucket and Spade’ train trips to the coast are set to delight day trippers in Essex this summer.
The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and Greater Anglia will run three special trains on Tuesday 2, Tuesday 16 and Tuesday 30 August which will take families from Colchester to a day of seaside fun at Walton-on-the-Naze.
Return tickets are just £5 per adult and £3 per child (under-1s go free) – and every child receives a free bucket and spade.
Tickets are only available online on the RailPlus website.
Beach-goers are advised to book early as in the past the tickets have sold out well in advance.
The special Greater Anglia trains will be decked-out with a seaside theme and there will be lots of fun and activities on board.
The event has been 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.
Jayne Sumner, Rail Engagement Manager for Essex County Council said, “Families will be able to spend the day enjoying all that Walton-on-the-Naze has to offer and return at their leisure by any train. We look forward to welcoming people on board.”
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said: “A day out by rail offers so much fun for families. It’s so easy, great fun for little ones and is a great way to avoid the traffic and hassle of finding parking.”