Essex’s beloved Bucket and Spade trains are back for summer 2021!

Published on: Tuesday, 8 June 2021
Last updated: Tuesday, 8 June 2021

Organisers of a popular train trip to the seaside have expressed their joy at being able to bring back the event after Covid restrictions saw it cancelled last year.

The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership will run three special trains on Tuesday 27 July, Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 24 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 through this link.

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 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, “We are overjoyed to be able to bring back these really popular trains and help to get families out an about again now that restrictions have been lifted.

“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.”

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.”

Before travelling, customers are advised to check the Greater Anglia website for latest Covid safety advice.