Members of the Community Rail Tourism Network have made a visit to Bridlington along the Yorkshire Coast 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 Yorkshire Coast 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 Thursday 9 April, members of the Tourism Network gathered in Hull, where the group boarded the train along the scenic Yorkshire Coast Line, thanks to support from Northern. As the group journeyed through picturesque countryside, CRP officer Rachel Osborne 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.
The group also got hands-on with the interactive Traxplorer app along the way. The app added a fun and engaging element to the journey, highlighting how the partnership work in collaboration to establish rail journeys themselves as part of the adventure.
At Bridlington Station, the group heard about the brilliant community rail volunteers and saw first‑hand how their dedication helps create a warm, welcoming gateway to the coast. Their work plays a vital role in building local pride and ensuring visitors get a great first impression.
Alice Mannion, campaigns & communications manager at Community Rail Network, said: “We were thrilled that Yorkshire Coast CRP invited our Tourism Network members on this visit to Bridlington. The meet-up was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and celebrate the role of community rail in promoting tourism and wellbeing.
“A massive thank you to the Yorkshire Coast CRP for hosting and we look forward to seeing where our next Tourism Network visit takes us.”
Rachel Osborne, Yorkshire Coast CRP officer, said: “I have really enjoyed visiting other lines on previous Tourism Network trips. I always learn so much and am inspired by the work of other community rail partnerships, so it was my pleasure to host a visit to our own line.”
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.
