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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 Beautiful Borough continuing through Chappel, then close to Fordham and West Bergholt before ultimately ending in Colchester Town 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.
Number of results: 15
The 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.
Coggeshall
Wildlife Trail at Marks Hall Estate
Coggeshall
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 Marks Hall.
Colchester
Celebrate Thomas' 75th Birthday year at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Colchester
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…
Coggeshall
Socially distance theatre at Marks Hall Estate
West Bergholt
Owned by the Woodland Trust, Hillhouse Wood contains a variety of different woodland as well as two ponds and streams running through it.
Colchester
Let off some steam at the East Anglian Railway Museum
Chappel
Art Exhibition at Chappel Galleries
Chappel
Art Exhibition at Chappel Galleries
Colchester
Heritage museum detailing the history of Earls Colne since Neolithic times. Temporary exhibitions are regularly mounted relating to a particular aspect of the village & its inhabitants. Complementary slide shows run during open hours.
Elmstead Market
Family Garden Activity Morning at Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Coggeshall
Halloween activity at Marks Hall Estate
Coggeshall
Professional Photography Workshop at Marks Hall Estate
Coggeshall
Autumn Festival at Marks Hall Estate
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