10 of the most spectacular views on the East Anglian rail network

There are many spectacular views to enjoy in East Anglia and there’s no better way to see them than by train where you can watch the scenery go by and escape the hassle of traffic congestion and car park queues.

Here are some of our favourites (in no particular order!):

1. Enjoy views of pretty beach huts on the Sunshine Coast Line which starts at Colchester and takes you right to the stunning coastal resorts of Walton-on-the-Naze, Frinton-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea.

Beach huts at Frinton on Sea. Photo by Greater Anglia.

2. On the Crouch Valley line between Wickford and Southminster in Essex there are beautiful nature reserves and coastlines to discover. The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership has produced a booklet of walks to help you explore. Download here.

Blue House Farm nature reserve. Photo by Greater Anglia.

3. Here is a spectacular view of Cromer Pier which is so easy to get to by train on the beautiful Bittern Line railway which runs between Norwich and Sheringham.

Cromer Pier. Photo by Greater Anglia.

4. West Runton beach is another beautiful destination on the Bittern Line. Enjoy the views from Incleborough Hill or go fossil hunting and rock pooling on the shore.

West Runton beach. Photo by Greater Anglia.

5. Could this be one of the most unusual views on the Mayflower Line between Manningtree and Harwich? This is the unique House For Essex at Wrabness, designed by artist, Grayson Perry.

House for Essex, Wrabness. Photo by Greater Anglia.

6. This stunning view looks over Reedham station to the grazing marshes beyond. Take the Wherry Lines between Norwich and Great Yarmouth / Lowestoft for access to stunning broads, coastlines and bird-watching in those huge skies.

Reedham station. Photo by Greater Anglia.

7. You are spoilt for choice if you jump off the train at Manningtree, with its pretty boats and access to Constable Country where you can stand in the real-life version of John Constable’s famous Haywain painting.

Manningtree. Photo by Greater Anglia.

8. Dovercourt has just been voted one of the best beaches in Britain, taking the number 5 spot! It’s a stone’s throw from the station and you can enjoy the view complete with Victorian lighthouse.

Dovercourt beach and lighthouse. Photo by Greater Anglia.

9. This is the incredible view from the top of Ely Cathedral on the Hereward Line which runs between Ely and Peterborough. Ely has excellent rail links so it’s easy to get there by train and is a fascinating town to explore.

Ely Cathedral. Photo by Greater Anglia.

10. This is a lovely view from Melton, on the East Suffolk Lines between Ipswich and Lowestoft. Explore the beautiful countryside and spectacular views along the line with this handy booklet of walks from stations produced by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership.

Melton. Photo by Greater Anglia.

Plan your trip at Greater Anglia where you can find a range of great value fares and use the cheapest fare finder tool.

Face covering compliance is high on trains and stations and Greater Anglia is asking people to follow the Government’s recommendation and keep on wearing them when it’s busy.

As more people return to rail, Greater Anglia is seeing some trains and stations getting busier. Customers are encouraged to use the full length of trains and platforms and check the operator’s ‘Less Busy Trains tool’ at greateranglia.co.uk to opt for a quieter train.

Trains are well ventilated either by air conditioning which replaces air inside the train every six to nine minutes or by open windows. Doors also open at every station.

Greater Anglia is also continuing with enhanced cleaning and sanitisation of trains and stations.

Full details of the revised timetable and measures Greater Anglia is taking to keep people safe are available from greateranglia.co.uk