This summer, Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and Greater Anglia will be running three special ‘Bucket and Spade’ train trips.

The trains will run on three Tuesdays (2nd, 16th, and 30th August) taking day tripping families from Colchester to Walton-on-the-Naze for a day at the seaside.

For these trips, return tickets are £5 per adult and £3 per child, with under 1’s going free. On these trips, every child will also receive a free bucket and spade.

Tickets for the trains can be bought online over on their website at https://railplus.greateranglia.co.uk/specials/community-rail-partnerships/bucket-and-spade-trains-3-dates.html

Previously these tickets have sold out very quickly so customers wishing to be on the trains are advised to book early. The Trains will be seaside-themed with lots of fun and activities on board.

Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership organised the event, with members including Greater Anglia and Essex County Council.

Jayne Sumner, Rail Engagement Manager for Essex County Council said, “Families will be able to spend the day enjoying all that Walton-on-the-Naze has to offer and return at their leisure by any train. We look forward to welcoming people on board.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said: “A day out by rail offers so much fun for families. It’s so easy, great fun for little ones and is a great way to avoid the traffic and hassle of finding parking.”