Train travelling along the Sunshine Coast line. East UK.

Travelling through quaint villages, bustling towns and picturesque fishing ports you’ll soon see why they call it the Sunshine Coast Line.

The Sunshine Coast line starts in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town with over 2,000 years of fascinating history to be explored. Further along the line is Wivenhoe, follow the small winding streets of the old village and you’ll soon come across the picturesque fishing quayside. Explore some of the finest countryside walks in Essex as you leave the train at Alresford or continue to Great Bentley where the quaint village boasts the largest village green in the country. Choose to take the line to Walton on the Naze for a walk on the sandy beach or Clacton on Sea for a stroll along the Victorian pier.

Explore the Sunshine Coast Line on foot with these beautiful railway walks:

Wivenhoe Station to Hythe Station Colchester

Highwoods Country Park Walk

Highlights

Explore one of England’s most important heritage sites at Colchester Castle

Traditional seaside amusements at Clacton Pier

Walk along the sandy beaches at Walton-on-the-Naze

Find out more

Local line website

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Take a Greater Anglia train from London Liverpool Street to Colchester. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Route

Colchester - Clacton/Frinton

Cost

£10.00 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

31min

Distance

18 miles | 30 km

Time from London

0:50 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take a Greater Anglia train from London Liverpool Street to Colchester. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

Attractions along the Sunshine Coast Line include:

Hollytree Museum

Explore home life in Colchester over the past 300 years.

Journey time – 6 minute walk from Colchester Town station

Natural History Museum

Your opportunity to get closer to nature and find out about the wildlife habitat biodiversity and climate change around Colchester.

Journey time – 6 minute walk from Colchester Town station

Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle is one of England’s most important heritage sites with lots of fascinating layers of history, a visit is a must.

Journey time – 7 minute walk from Colchester Town station

Clacton Pier

Lots to do for all the family including amusement arcades, SeaQuarium or indoor bowling.