Jump on the train to explore cultural gems
A free guide to exploring the museums, heritage and hidden gems of East Suffolk by rail has been launched to promote tourism to the area.
‘Trains, Treasure & Tales’, features 17 must-see attractions along the East Suffolk Lines, which run between Ipswich and Lowestoft / Felixstowe, including the East Anglian Transport Museum, Woodbridge Tide Mill, Sutton Hoo, Landguard Fort and many other fascinating attractions.
Produced by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and funded by train operator Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, the booklet is available from Ipswich rail station, local tourist information offices and selected libraries.
East Suffolk Lines CRP Officer, Thalia Woodgate, said, “There are so many cultural activities within easy reach of stations on the East Suffolk Lines that we wanted to bring them all together in one handy guide to showcase what a great day out you can have when you travel by rail.
“With stunning scenery outside every window and wonderful places to discover at every stop, the East Suffolk Line isn’t just a way to travel – it’s an unforgettable journey through Suffolk.”
Greater Anglia Partnerships Manager, Scott Dolling, said, “We were delighted to support this initiative through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund. It’s a great way to inspire people get out and explore by rail, encouraging sustainable travel and celebrating the places along the railway.”
Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), which is designed to support local, community-focused rail improvements across its network, has so far seen 62 projects supported since its launch in 2024 (34 in 2024-25 and 28 in 2025-26), with another 33 being delivered, including this project, in 2026-27.
From small scale station enhancements to integrated transport projects, schemes to introduce new or disadvantaged groups to rail travel, education projects, biodiversity projects, arts or heritage schemes or new ways of promoting services amongst local communities, a wide range of ideas are eligible for funding. The key requirement is that ideas benefit both the community and the railway.
The CCIF initiative sees £350,000 a year allocated to locally inspired and locally proposed projects across the Greater Anglia network.
This scheme is aimed at supporting initiatives which deliver community benefits and enhance rail’s positive role in society.