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The Colne Valley stretches from Great Yeldham in Colchester's neighbouring Braintree district, following the path of the River Colne through nearby villages including Castle Hedingham, Halstead and Earls Colne.
At Wakes Colne, it passes into Colchester's City Limits continuing through Chappel, then close to Fordham and West Bergholt before ultimately ending in Colchester City Centre.
Highlights of the area include the East Anglian Railway Museum, the spectacular Chappel Viaduct, and miles of scenic countryside which lends itself perfectly to the long distace footpaths running through the area - including the Essex Way.
The local villages hide numerous countryside pubs, picturesque churches, as well as typical English countryside and fragments of ancient woodland.
The Essex Way is a great walk to explore the area, and can be broken into bitesize chunks to tackle on a single trip. There are also a selection of shorter station to station walks along the Sudbury line
Taking pride of place in the valley is the 346 metre long Chappel Viaduct. It's 32 arches
make it the second largest brick built structure in England. Trains still run regularly across it into Chappel and Wakes Colne Station - home of the East Anglian Railway Museum. The Museum is great to visit at any time of year but keep an eye out for their special events, including vintage fairs, days out with Thomas and Friends, and the ever popular Chappel Beer Festivals.
Nearby, Chappel Galleries is a popular commercial gallery focussing on fine art by artists with a local connection.
There's plenty of nature to explore close to the villages and significant woodland in the valley includes Iron Latch Wood, Hillhouse Wood and Fordham Hall Estate
Jump in the car (or take a bus) and head down the winding A1124, historically the old coaching route to Cambridge and complete with the strong selection of pubs and watering holes that you would expect from such a route.
Passing through villages such as Fordham Heath and Eight Ash Green, which enjoy a lively music festival in the summer months, you'll discover half-timbered pargetted houses typical of East Anglia lining the road, and picturesque village churches tucked away off the main track.
Travel a little furth from the road and you'll find West Bergholt, home of the historic St Mary's Church (managed by the Churches Conservation Trust), and the scenic Hillhouse Wood which bursts with seas of bluebells for a few weeks in the early spring.
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Read about our team member Megan's countryside walk exploring Chappel & Wakes Colne
- Rising up from the horizon on the A1124 you will see the imposing Chappel Viaduct. The Victorian viaduct, with its 32 arches and total length of 346 metres, is thought to be the second largest brick built structure in England.
- 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
- For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways.
Number of results: 19
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. Don't forget Santa too!
There will be lots to…Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Come along this Father's Day for Steam Train Rides, where one of our full sized steam engines will be operating, hauling the vintage Freight Train. Also in operation will be the Miniature Railway. You can also have a go if you wish (or get Dad to…
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
The Dates for 2023 are Winter Thurs to Saturday 2 to 4 March 2023 Summer Tuesday to Saturday 5 to 9 September 2023 More updates here we get get things confirmed.
Address
Wormingfield Airfield, Fordham Road, Wormingfield, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3AQTelephone
01206 242596Colchester
The Essex and Suffolk Gliding Club was established in the late 1950s. It has had several sites during its life and moved to Wormingford in 1990 on the site of a former Second World War fighter base. Since moving to Wormingford, the club has grown…
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Steam Trains at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Unlimited Diesel Rides at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Address
Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TGTelephone
01376 563796Coggeshall
A tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world set in more than 200 acres of historic landscape provides interest and enjoyment throughout the year at Markshall Estate.
Address
CO6 1JYThe Essex Way is an 81 mile walk from Epping to Harwich, which will lead you through ancient woodlands, open farmland,tree-lined river valleys and leafy green lanes, visiting historic towns and villages along the way.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enjoy, including: •…
Colchester
For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways.
Address
Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DFColchester
Rising up from the horizon on the A1124 you will see the imposing Chappel Viaduct. The Victorian viaduct, with its 32 arches and total length of 346 metres, is thought to be the second largest brick built structure in England.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join Thomas & Friends for family fun at the East Anglian Railway Museum. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement. There will be lots to enjoy, including: •…
Address
Jordans Farm, Lower Green, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO62AZTelephone
+447590823247Wakes Colne, Colchester
Join me on an evening walk around our rewilding field 'the Outback'. We will talk rewilding, owls, ghost ponds and even goats! After the walk join me for a drink of a locally and sustainably produced cider on the deck next to the pond. I look…
Address
CO11 1ADThis short walk on the Stour Estuary between Essex and Suffolk is inspired by the 17th century East Anglian witch trials.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Our popular Small Trains Day is back for 2023 – but it's not just small trains – one of our full sized steam locomotives will also be in action with the Freight Train giving unlimited rides all day. Our Miniature Railway will also be in operation…
Address
Jordans Farm, Lower Green, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO62AZTelephone
+447590823247Wakes Colne, Colchester
A nature walk around Jordans Farm in Wakes Colne. It will be very relaxed, we will say hello to our farm animals and then head off into the field to see what we can find. When we return to the house we can sit on picnic rugs and look at our finds…
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206242524Colchester
Sunday 18th June – Unlimited Steam Train Rides
Sunday 18th June Father's Day including our Annual Steampunk Shenanigans, unlimited Steam Train Rides, where one of our full sized steam engines will be operating, hauling the vintage Freight Train…Address
West Bergholt, EssexWest Bergholt
Owned by the Woodland Trust, Hillhouse Wood contains a variety of different woodland as well as two ponds and streams running through it.
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Wakes Colne, Colchester
Have you ever wanted to take control of a diesel locomotive? Here is your chance! These sessions are very popular so booking is essential. Times vary depending on the timetable we are operating we have only 10 slots per day at approximately – 10.30,…
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