The East Anglian Railway Museum is located at Chappel & Wakes Colne Station on the Marks Tey to Sudbury branch Line. It has always been a matter of mystery how this branch and the station managed to survive the attentions and best efforts of Dr Beeching, but somehow it did.
This has left a unique situation of a very rural location for a Beer Festival, yet with a National Rail station actually within the festival Site. The location of this very convenient station means that the majority of people use the train to get to and from Beer Festivals here. Trains run to/from Sudbury (calling at Bures) to Marks Tey about hourly, with good connections at Marks Tey to London, Chelmsford, Shenfield, Witham, Colchester, Ipswich, Clacton and Norwich. It take just over the hour to reach Chappel from London Liverpool Street.
There is a hourly bus service from Stansted Airport, calling at Dunmow and Braintree, which then connects at Marks Tey for the train to Chappel. Normally for the duration of Beer festivals at the museum extra trains run up to and beyond festival closing time. Once we get confirmation of these train times, they are posted on the relevant beer festival web sites (see bottom of this page for links).
It is only a 5 min walk from Chappel Village centre where the hourly Colchester to Halsted bus service stops until late at night.
We do have some car parking at the site, but obviously having to drive home tends to spoil a good nights drinking, your driving licence and future insurance premiums.
These train services are operated by National Express East Anglia
National Online Timetables
Remember to check the relevant festival page (linked below) to find out latest update to train times - especially any additional late night trains.
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Driving
If you have a SatNav enter postcode CO6 2DS. This will take you up Station Road, but do not take the instruction to turn left into the housing estate, follow the sign to the British Rail Station at Chappel & Wakes Colne Station.
If using old fashioned maps, then you want to head West out of Colcheter on the A1124 towards Halstead. You cannot miss Chappel Village, it is dominated by a huge Railway viaduct. 75 Yards West of the viaduct turn right up Station road. Follow the signs to the British rail station. If coming from the Halstead direction turn off the A1124 75 yards before you get to the viaduct.
Parking is free, but please follow the instructions of our car parking stewards.
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
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Bus Travel - Route 88
First Group operate the service 88 from Colchester to Halstead, with certain journeys continuing to Great Yeldham (with the late evening services operated by First Group on behalf of Essex County Council). The bus stop is by the Post Office / shop, in the centre of Chappel Village. This is about 75 yards West of the viaduct. From this stop it is about a 5 minute walk up Station Road to the Railway Station and the Beer Festival.
Below are links to First Group Timetables. These have not changed much in recent years and we shall try and check to make sure they are current, but please do be advised to check before travel.
Monday to Friday Times
Saturdays Times
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