Members of the Community Rail Tourism Network have made a visit to Ely along the Hereward Line, coming together in person to connect, share ideas and explore how partnership working can support more sustainable tourism.
The visit, delivered in coordination with the Hereward Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP), is one of many in a series aimed at supporting sustainable tourism by rail and sharing best practice on how Community Rail Network members develop and promote their tourism offer though diverse and inspiring initiatives.
On Tuesday 14 July, members of the Tourism Network gathered in Peterborough, where the group boarded the train along the scenic Hereward Line. The route provides a convenient and sustainable way to reach Ely, with regular rail services and journey times of around 40 minutes from Peterborough and approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from London Liverpool Street. As the group journeyed through the picturesque Cambridgeshire Fens, CRP officer Joanne Rose and transport development manager Wendy Otter provided a guided tour of the passing stations, and the different projects that have taken place along the line to enhance local rail travel and community engagement.
Once in Ely, the group headed into the city centre to explore some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Oliver Cromwell’s House, Ely Museum and Ely Cathedral. A particular highlight was a visit to the Stained Glass Museum, the only museum of its kind in the UK. The day concluded with a talk from the Visit Ely team, who shared how they work closely with the CRP and local attractions to promote the city as a sustainable destination and encourage visitors to travel by rail, highlighting the ease and frequency of services that make Ely an accessible day trip or short break destination from both Peterborough and London.
Community Rail Network’s campaigns & communications manager, Alice Mannion, said: “Visits like this are a fantastic opportunity for members of our Tourism Network to come together, share ideas and see first-hand how community rail partnerships are working with local attractions and destinations to encourage sustainable travel.
“The Hereward Line CRP offers a great example of how rail can connect visitors with unique places and experiences, while supporting local economies and communities.”
Hereward Line CRP officer Joanne Rose, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome colleagues from across the Community Rail Tourism Network to the Hereward Line and showcase the partnerships and projects that help make this route such an attractive gateway to the Fens.
“Working closely with organisations such as Visit Ely and local attractions enables us to inspire more people to discover the area by train and enjoy everything the region has to offer in a sustainable way.”
Are you a Community Rail Network member interested in joining the Tourism Network? The group meet online every couple of months, with one or two in-person meet ups every year, and are always open to new members. Find out more here or, to join the next session, please contact Alice.