Havering Friends of the Earth

Days out by train

by Peter Caton; first published 30-May-2025

Naze Tower, Southend Pier - Peter Caton; Burnham Marina - John Robinson

With summer coming many of us will be enjoying some days out, perhaps by the sea – but rather than automatically taking the car, why not consider travelling by train? Most of us have sat in the inevitable traffic jams when the sun shines and people head to the coast. We've endured the search for a parking place and paid the rapidly increasing charges. (It now costs £15 to park for 8 hours on Southend sea front.) The train provides a more pleasant and environmentally friendly alternative.

Clacton can be reached in less than 90 minutes from Romford or other stations on the Elizabeth Line, with an easy change at Shenfield. Change at Thorpe-le-Soken for Frinton or Walton-on-the-Naze and perhaps walk to the historic Naze Tower (along the beach if the tide is down). The tower’s eight floors contain an excellent gallery of local arts and crafts, there's a superb panoramic view from the top and a café with delicious cakes at the bottom.

Southend is easily reached by Greater Anglia trains from Romford or C2C from Upminster, Ockendon and Rainham, these trains also stopping at Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell and Westcliff. Why not get off at one station and enjoy a walk by the sea into Southend, or as far as Shoeburyness, with its military history? Take a walk or train ride along the pier, enjoy fish & chips and an ice cream. Pick a time when the tide is up for the best seaside experience, which we are fortunate to have so close to Havering.

Best known for its yachting, Burnham-on-Crouch is an unspoilt riverside town, with interesting buildings, pubs and cafés. The quayside is a great place to sit and watch the world and its boats go by, or for the more energetic a path runs beside the river towards the open sea or inland towards Fambridge. It is served by a rural branch line from Wickford.

A few more ideas for trips by train – Ipswich is an interesting town, or change there for Felixstowe or Woodbridge. Take the quiet branch line from Marks Tey to Sudbury and visit Gainsborough's House or walk by the river. Closer to home, Chelmsford has pleasant riverside walks, lots of places to eat and drink and a most attractive cathedral.

So many places to visit without the stress and environmental impact of going by car. Happy travels!!