The Mayflower line runs from Manningtree, which is the usual terminus for the branch trains, connecting with services to London and Ipswich. The branch follows the path of the estuary of the River Stour to Harwich. The train stops at Mistley, a small riverside town noted for its large number of swans which gather on the river bank in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the south bank.
The train calls at Wrabness where you can walk past the community shop and join footpaths which runs past the house which Grayson Perrys designed and is one of the houses, for living architecture.
Trains go onwards to the next stop of Harwich International, which is a focused interchange for ferries and large cruise ships making their way around the world. There are even occasional non-stop trains to Harwich International from London Liverpool Street. The branch line then takes travellers to next stop of Dovercourt, a small busy town with a regular Friday Market, and a short walk to the sea front.
The final stop is Harwich Town where you can wander down to the pier and watch the boats and catch the ferry www.harwichharbourferry.com which takes you across to Felixstowe or Shotley. For more information about Historic Harwich and Dovercourt you can visit click here to visit their website.
For more local information and guide, the tourist information office is on Halfpenny pier, which is a short walk from the station.
Download the line guide here
Explore experience and enjoy days on the Mayflower Line
Working with Acorn Village
Terri has been working with Morag a resident at Acorn Village watch this fantastic video below.
Morag has been involved with ESSCRP for about five years, she has undertaken rail safety training, travels by train across her local area and absolutely loves trains. Morag has been involved with the art projects at Manningtree station, helps with our events trains including: sea shanty, bucket and spade and music trains. At Manningtree station Morag plants and waters the tubs and helps other adopters at their stations. Promoting ESSCRP train events by delivering leaflets and changing posters are other essential tasks that Morag loves. By watching the video you will out more about the volunteering Morag is involved in. Morag is an inspiration and if you visit stations along the Mayflower line you may well see Morag or hear her asking ”is it time for coffee yet”?