Colchester train station to celebrate 175th anniversary with steam train extravaganza

Jodie Bradley

17 June 2024 at 4:21 am·1-min read

A locomotive at East Anglian Railway Museum — -Credit: (Image: East Anglian Railway Museum)

It's been an incredible 175 years since the Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead Railway opened its railway line, and Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, where the East Anglian Railway Museum is based. In commemoration, the station is holding a day of train-themed fun for locals and those travelling from afar.

The celebrations are not limited to this station, however, as to highlight this milestone occasion of the Gainsborough Line, (named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough who was born in 1849 in Sudbury), the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) are teaming up with Greater Anglia, local organisations and volunteer station adopters along the line to host some events which are fun for all the family.

On June 30, the East Anglian Railway Museum will have a steam and Diesel locomotive in operation giving unlimited rides on its demonstration line available from 11am to 4pm. The museum will also be open, to add some educational value to the day.

A vintage steam organ will also be making an appearance, in addition to a mini railway, model railways and shire horses. The museum will also be host to the Chappel Village Fete, with an ice-cream van on site.

For some more substantial sustenance, visitors can visit Platform Two Cafe, which is open from 10am to 4pm. Doors open at 10am and close at 5pm. For adults, tickets cost £13.50, kids ages 4-15 can enter for £9.50 and under-4s go free.

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