Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership

Chappel & Wakes Colne

In the broad valley of the River Colne, Chappel is renowned for the railway viaduct of 32 arches built in 1849.  houses cluster around the small 14th century church, originally a chapel, and looks towards Wakes Colne.  The village was allowed a chapel of its own in 1355, because bad weather prevented attendance at church.

The railway museum is based at the station and has the finest and most comprehensive collection of period railway architecture and engineering in East Anglia.  There is plenty for the rail enthusiast to do including visiting the three preserved signal boxes, admiring the old railway carriages and looking inside the Restoration shed.  Popular events are held in the shed throughout the year including Beer Festivals.  Journeys on the preserved steam trains are also available on the demonstraton line and special events such as Santa Trains are held on them.