Follow the path of the River Stour estuary from Manningtree to Harwich as you journey along the Mayflower Line.

Begin your journey along the Mayflower Line at Manningtree, England’s smallest town. As you travel along the line you can explore the picture-perfect riverside town of Mistley, watch the wildlife that makes RSPB Stour Estuary its home, see a busy ferry and cruise port in action and discover the bustling seaside town of Dovercourt. All this before the train comes to a stop at historic Harwich Town, home of the inspiring Lifeboat Museum.

Harwich is a key part in the Mayflower 400 story. It is believed to be where the boat was built and where the ship's captain called home. Click here to discover the full story and how you can explore the celebrations by rail...

Explore the Mayflower Line on foot with these beautiful railway walks:

Manningtree to Flatford

Wrabness Circular Walk

Highlights

Wildlife watching at RSPB Stour Estuary

Discover the Mayflower Project next door to Harwich Town Station

Step back in time and explore the impressive circular fort of the Redoubt built in 1808

Find out more

Local line website

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Large car park and Bike&Go facilities available at Mannningtree Station

Take a Greater Anglia train from London Liverpool Street to Manningtree. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately one hour.

Route

Manningtree - Harwich

Cost

£7.80 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

22min

Distance

11 miles | 19 km

Time from London

1:00 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take a Greater Anglia train from London Liverpool Street to Manningtree. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately one hour.

Attractions along the Mayflower Line include:

Flatford Mill

Explore the visitors centre, RSPB wildlife garden, riverside tea room or you hire a rowing boat and follow the river to Dedham.

Journey time – 45 minute walk from Manningtree station or hire one of the Bike&Go bikes at the station.

Mistley Place Animal Rescue

Over 2,000 rescued animals including goats, sheep, ducks, guinea pigs, chickens, cats, horses, pigs and rabbits. Enjoy tasty refreshments in the park tea rooms before you leave.

Journey time – 8 minute walk from Mistley station

Wrabness Nature Reserve

A 60 acre reserve offering fantastic views on the Southern bank of the Stour Estuary.

Journey time – 25 minute walk from Wrabness station

RSPB Stour Estuary

Ideal way for wildlife and nature lovers to spend an afternoon.

Journey time – 22 minute walk from Wrabness station

The Redoubt

An impressive circular fort 180ft in diameter built in 1808. It is the only such example open to the public and along with the military museum it is well worth a visit.

Journey time – 4 minute walk from Harwich Town station

Lifeboat Museum

Enjoy this interesting insight into the history of the lifeboat service in Harwich.

Journey time – 5 minute walk from Harwich Town station

Mayflower Project

Visit this exciting project to rebuild the Mayflower ship. Browse the visitor centre for an opportunity to see history in the making.

Journey time – 3 minute walk from Harwich Town station