Another Cockney Comes Home
Diesel trainEast of England

Another Cockney Comes Home

Great Yarmouth → London Liverpool Street, returning to Ely
Photo: train_photos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • SeasonAutumn
  • RunsSingle date: Friday 2 October 2026
  • DurationFull day
  • TractionTwo Class 37 diesels top and tail (Eastern Rail Services)
  • OperatorUK Railtours

Class 37 enthusiast tour from Great Yarmouth via Norwich, the Soham branch and Ipswich to Liverpool Street, returning via Seven Sisters and Cambridge North.

This Off The Beaten Track tour from UK Railtours celebrates the Class 37s once based at Stratford in east London, one of which is expected on the train. Departing Great Yarmouth at 09:37 with stops at Reedham, Norwich and Ely, it takes an indirect route via Bury St Edmunds, the Soham branch, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Colchester and Chelmsford to arrive at Liverpool Street in the early afternoon.

The return is different again, leaving Liverpool Street via Bethnal Green and Seven Sisters to Broxbourne, then Cambridge North and Ely. Mark 2 carriages from Eastern Rail Services are used with a well-stocked buffet.

Standard and First Class non-dining seats are available.

Which side to sit

Great Yarmouth → London Liverpool Street, returning to Ely

Breydon Water and the Stour estuary are on the left, but most of the route is flat farmland and forest with little to choose between sides.

Either side2 sights on the left · 0 on the right
  1. 0mi
    StationGreat Yarmouth
  2. 2mi
    EstuaryBreydon WaterTidal flats via the Berney Arms line
  3. 10mi
    StationReedhamPick-up
  4. 22mi
    StationNorwichPick-up; train reverses
  5. 48mi
    Forest · both sidesThetford ForestBreckland pines
  6. 52mi
    StationThetford
  7. 75mi
    Cathedral · both sidesEly CathedralThe 'Ship of the Fens' across the flat land
  8. 76mi
    StationElyPick-up
  9. 82mi
    StationSohamSingle-track branch towards Bury
  10. 100mi
    StationBury St Edmunds
  11. 114mi
    StationStowmarket
  12. 126mi
    StationIpswich
  13. 134mi
    EstuaryStour EstuaryWide estuary at Manningtree
  14. 135mi
    StationManningtree
  15. 143mi
    StationColchester
  16. 165mi
    StationChelmsford
  17. 195mi
    StationLondon Liverpool Street

Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.

On board

  • Bar
  • First Class

Highlights

  • Twin Class 37 haulage
  • Soham branch and Bury St Edmunds
  • Liverpool Street arrival
  • Return via Seven Sisters and the Lea Valley

Classes of travel

StandardFirst Class
Before you book: charter trains depend on locomotive availability and Network Rail engineering work. Steam can be swapped for diesel at short notice, so check the operator’s terms for what happens then. When you book, ask for a seat on the side we recommend: most operators allocate seats but will note a preference.

Frequently asked questions

Does it return to Great Yarmouth?

The advertised return runs to Ely; check the tour page for onward arrangements.

Is food served?

There is a buffet car but no dining service on this tour.

What is Off The Beaten Track?

UK Railtours' series of enthusiast tours over rare lines with unusual traction.

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