GREATER Anglia is encouraging people to get out and explore Essex by train this month with a range of 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, GroupSave, Duo, and the Family & Friends Railcard.

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.

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

National Flower Show 2025

The National Flower Show is back for its tenth anniversary at the Highlands Estate from 16 to 18 May. Take the 351 bus from Chelmsford station to enjoy an event featuring thousands of plants, flower displays, crafts, and gifts. Don’t miss out on the new Floral Theme inside Hylands House. This year’s theme will be a safari with their best and most creative floral designs ever. Also, the Floral Pavilion will be back for its2025 show! The event will start every day at 09:30 and end at 16:00. More information at: https://www.nationalflowershow.co.uk/.

21st Great Pier Walk

On 18 May, from 10:15 to 16:00, head to the Southend Pier for the Great Pier Walk’s 21st anniversary! Join the Leigh-on-Sea Rotary Club as they take to the pier to raise funds for the Southend Hospital Spotlight Appeal. The pier walk will cost the same as a normal walk each-way ticket. The event is free and open to everyone! More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1825818301518990.

Love Your Zoo This May half term!

From 24 to 31 May, take the 92 Seasiders bus from Colchester Town station to enjoy a week filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all ages at Colchester Zoo. Enjoy a Dinosaur Realm to embark on a prehistoric journey from 9:30, a journey on a train around the lake to spot the Chilean flamingo and grey wolves from 10:30, or an Animal Artefact Show and Tell to discover a selection of animal artefacts from 11:00. Tickets cost £28.22 for adults and £20.79 for children. More information at: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/may-half-term/.

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.