GREATER Anglia is encouraging families to explore Essex by train during the summer holidays for memorable fun which won’t break the bank – thanks to a range of travel discounts.

To make it easier and even more convenient to travel by train, Greater Anglia has several great value fares available such as discounted Advance tickets, Ranger tickets, and Groupsave.

You can save a small fortune on parking when you travel by train and avoid queues of traffic in the county’s tourist hot spots.

Some attractions are also cheaper when bought in conjunction with a rail ticket. Details are available at www.greateranglia.co.uk/offers-events

And children travel for just £2 return anywhere on the Greater Anglia network with the operator’s bargain walk up fare which does not need to be booked in advance.

Here are some of the events happening in Essex in August which are accessible by train:

Day out with Thomas

Thomas the Tank Engine is pulling into the East Anglian Railway Museum at Chappel & Wakes Colne station and he’s bringing loads of bubble fun to Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour across the August Bank Holiday Weekend from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August! ‘Pop’ on board a real train ride with Thomas, enjoy games, live entertainment, and family activities! For more information visit earm.co.uk/events/day-out-with-thomas/

All The King’s Horses at Audley End

Join the King at Audley End House and Gardens for a day at the races as His Majesty’s cavaliers charge into view! Enjoy exceptional horsemanship as soldiers from the Restoration period compete against the backdrop of Audley End’s magnificent mansion from Saturday 24 – Monday 26 August. Who will reign supreme? Book online and save 15%. For more information see www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-end-all-the-kings-horses-24-aug-26-aug-24/

Music in the Park

The ever popular, free Music in the Park event returns to Priory Park bandstand, Southend on Sea, every weekend and bank holiday Monday throughout August when the bandstand will come alive with top local bands and musicians! For more details see www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guide/music-in-the-park/

Greater Anglia’s Commercial and Customer Services Director, Martin Moran, said, “Travelling by train is cheaper than you think, and with our price promise and no booking fees, you are guaranteed to get the lowest price when you book through our website.

“Our region has so much to offer and whether it’s a trip to the city or coast, shopping or sightseeing, we are giving people more money to spend on having a great time by helping them save money on their train fare.”

Greater Anglia also offers a range of Advance fares that offer customers savings of between 60 and 70% on the standard walk-up prices, plus 2FOR1 on entry to many top attractions in London and East Anglia.

The train operator also has a range of great value fares which are available all year round, including Duo, for two people travelling together, GroupSave for people travelling in a group of three or more, a special London evening out fare for those staying overnight in the capital and a Club 50 discount for those aged 50 and over.

For the best value fares, passengers should book in advance and the earlier customers book, the more they can save.

For more information on these and other offers visit www.greateranglia.co.uk/offers/

For more information on ticket fares and timetables visit www.greateranglia.co.uk.