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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 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 202231 Dec 2022
- 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: 16
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
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
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01787 224473Colchester
Join Thomas and friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum for a perfect family day out
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.
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
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
Holmwood House School, Chitts Hill,, Lexden, Colchester, Essex, CO3 9STTelephone
07989498479Lexden, Colchester
The Annual Book Sale provides a unique opportunity to browse and purchase from a choice of many thousands of books, jigsaws, games CDs and DVDs
Address
CO11 1ADThis short walk on the Stour Estuary between Essex and Suffolk is inspired by the 17th century East Anglian witch trials.
Address
Chappel And Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Chappel, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206 242524Chappel, Colchester
Unlimited Diesel Train Rides
We are running our Diesel Days again for 2022
CLICK HERE TO BOOK AND SAVE 5%
Another firm favourite with families they're a great way to visit the Museum and have unlimited rides in our vintage wagons or carriages…Address
The Orpen Hall, Lexden Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3BGTelephone
01206 242110West Bergholt, Colchester
The Orpen Players presents "They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in Time for the Townswomen's Guild's Coffee Morning", a comedy by David McGillivray and Walter Zetlin Jnr.
Address
Chappel And Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
Celebrate the end of season at the East Anglian Railway Museum with the Home Fleet Steam Gala.
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
All Saints Church,, Church Road, Fordham, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3NLTelephone
01206 820813Fordham, Colchester
Come, months, come away is a programme of beautiful and varied short choral works delighting in nature and the passing year. The music moves through early pieces describing different animals to the golden age of English choral writing by Elgar,…
Address
Chappel And Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
The popular Small Trains Day at the EARM is back for 2022
Address
Chappel And Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
Our popular Small Trains Day is back for 2022 – 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
Chappel And Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Colchester, Essex, CO62DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
Drive a Diesel
Monday 2nd May
Sunday 19th June
Sunday 9th October
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…
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