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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.
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Read about our team member Megan's countryside walk exploring Chappel & Wakes Colne
7 Jul 2021- 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 202031 Dec 2020
- 1 Jan 202131 Dec 2021
- 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.
- 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Number of results: 10
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSColchester
Join Thomas and friends at the East Anglian Railway Museum for a perfect family day out
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
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
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
01206 242524Colchester
Peep peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The East Anglian Railway Museum.
Take a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and say "Hello" to Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty.
Plus lots more to enjoy, including:
• Meet…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, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
We are pleased to be again running our Diesel Days this year.
Another firm favourite with families they're a great way to visit the Museum and have unlimited rides in our vintage wagons pulled by one of our fleet of Diesel locomotives, or one of…
Address
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DSTelephone
01206 242524Colchester
We are pleased to be again running "Steam Days" this year
A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines
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.
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