Published on: Thursday, 14 February 2019
Last updated: Thursday, 14 February 2019
Greater Anglia is promoting some of the most picturesque places to visit by train in East Anglia.
Using spectacular images of some of the region’s beauty spots, including Cambridge, Cromer, Norwich and Constable Country, the company is encouraging people to take days out by train across East Anglia.
Cromer
Is there anywhere more quintessentially “English seaside” than Cromer? Perched on the North Norfolk coast, the beach is just a short walk from Cromer station. If a cliff walk, paddling, or beachcombing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other things to do. Walk to the end of the pier and maybe take in a show at the Pavilion Theatre. Find out about the fascinating history of local hero Henry Blogg, lifeboatman, who saved 873 lives, at the RNLI Henry Blogg museum. And, of course, no visit to the seaside is complete without fish and chips.
Train journey: Greater Anglia runs an hourly service between Norwich and Cromer. Look out of the window and see who can spot the sea first!
Cambridge
One of the many jewels in East Anglia’s crown, Cambridge is packed with inspiring architecture, vibrant cafes, pubs and restaurants, and enough shops to satisfy the most ardent shopper. Attractions include Cambridge Botanic Garden, Kettle’s Yard art gallery and Kings College Chapel. Take in all the sights from a punt or hire a bike and see the city like a local. The city centre is a simple walk from Cambridge station.
Train journey: Greater Anglia runs services to Cambridge from London Liverpool Street and Hertfordshire, Ipswich to Cambridge and Norwich to Cambridge. The Ipswich and Norwich to Cambridge services run through the fens and you can spot the magnificent cathedral of Ely out of the window before you reach Cambridge.
Norwich
They’re not wrong when they describe Norwich as a “fine city”. With its magnificent gothic cathedral, and warren of medieval streets packed with interesting boutiques and restaurants, there’s plenty to do in Norfolk’s capital. Visit the castle to discover more about the city’s medieval past. Norwich market is one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the country and was named Best Large Outdoor Market in the Great British Market Awards 2019.
Train journey: Norwich station is a terminus for trains from London, Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich; Lowestoft, Sheringham, Cambridge and Great Yarmouth. As you approach Norwich station, see if you can spot some of Greater Anglia’s brand new trains in the depot – if they’re not out for a test run.
Constable Country
East Anglia’s green countryside and wide skies have been immortalised in the paintings of John Constable. Many of the scenes he painted around his childhood home on the Essex/Suffolk border are pretty much unchanged to this day. Take a train to Manningtree and then stroll along a scenic walk on the banks of the River Stour to Flatford Mill to see Willie Lott’s cottage and the scene of the Hay Wain – one of Constable’s most famous paintings. After refreshments at the National Trust tearoom, take a train to Ipswich, to see the permanent Constable exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, less than half an hour on foot from Ipswich station.
Train journey: Manningtree is on the London to Norwich mainline and the Harwich branch line. If you’re travelling from Norfolk or Suffolk, look out of the window to see the magnificent Stour estuary just before you get to the station. Trains between Ipswich and Manningtree are two an hour.
Spot the hare
As well as using images of East Anglian beauty spots, Greater Anglia is incorporating a stylised picture of a hare – an animal native to East Anglia and a symbol of grace, speed and freedom – as its new brand character. Look out for the opportunity to win free train tickets in a spot the hare competition, coming soon.
Fares
Check www.greateranglia.co.uk/price-promise to make sure you get the best fare available. Great fares and offers include Groupsave and Advance fares. Get a railcard for further discounts of 30%.