St Edmund statue, Bury St Edmunds
Take a trip on the St Edmund’s Train Line
A serene journey through beautiful Suffolk countryside
Running between Cambridge and Ipswich, the St Edmund’s Train Line is a rail journey that takes you through beautiful rolling Suffolk countryside and gives you the opportunity to visit historic destinations on the way. Or plan a trip over a couple of days to make the most of your visit.
The rail service, promoted by the Community Rail Partnership, begins at Ipswich and has stops at Needham Market, Stowmarket, Elmswell, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket before heading on to Cambridge.
Ipswich is connected to London by frequent Greater Anglia Inter City trains and the St Edmund’s Train Line can be accessed from the Midlands and North via Cambridge.
Ancient House Ipswich
Ipswich
Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk and is thought to be the longest-populated town in England. Today it is a vibrant multi-cultural town mixed with historic buildings and a modern waterfront.
Ancient House, with its intricate pargeting and decorative facade, stands as one of England’s finest examples of Tudor architecture, while Christchurch Mansion houses an impressive collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings.
Things to do nearby: DanceEast, Ipswich Town Football Club Tours, Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, Suffolk Food Hall, Anglian Indoor Karting
Where to stay: Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Freston Tower
Needham Market
Needham Market has a well-preserved high street, with timber-framed buildings housing artisan shops and traditional pubs. The town’s historic market square hosts regular markets celebrating local produce and crafts. Needham Lakes is one of the most popular free attractions in East Anglia.
Things to do nearby: Cycle Breaks, Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm
Where to stay: Ringshall Grange, Retreat East
Hands-on food making at the Food Museum Stowmarket
Stowmarket
Stowmarket’s compact centre retains its original street layout, with independent shops and cafes aplenty. The Food Museum provides fascinating insights into culinary heritage and the communities that grow and create our food and take a trip on the Mid Suffolk Light Railway.
Things to do nearby: Food Hub Cookery School, Burnt House Vineyard
Where to stay: Ringshall Grange, Stanstead Hall
Elmswell
One of the largest villages in the county and once owned by the monastery of Bury St Edmunds, the name Elmswell is referred to in the Doomsday book of 1086 as coming from ‘Spring or Stream where elm trees grow’.
Stop for a drink and a Thai meal at the Fox Inn.
Thurston
A large and thriving village that’s recorded in the Domesday Book and was once part of the lands of the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds, then one of the largest landlords in England.
The village has two pubs: The Victoria and Fox & Hounds.
Couple walking to Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmund is a gem at the heart of Suffolk, a picturesque large market town with a storied history. It is Suffolk’s Foodie Town with a wide range of excellent dining choices and has also been voted the most dog-friendly town in England.
The town is a delight to explore, with good independent shopping and a wide range of building styles from medieval to Georgian and Victorian.
Located in the grain-raising area of East Anglia, Bury St Edmunds is home to Greene King Brewery.
The town was originally called Beodricesworth but was renamed Bury St Edmunds in 925AD by King Aethelstan who founded a monastery to care for the shrine of King Edmund, martyred by the Vikings in 869AD for not renouncing his Christianity. In 1020 King Canute founded a Benedictine abbey in the town, the remains of which can be seen in the Abbey Gardens.
In 1214 in the Abbey church, the barons swore to compel King John to accept their demands, which later became the Magna Carta.
Things to do nearby: Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides, Theatre Royal, FOLK, Ickworth, Fuller’s Mill Garden, Lackford Lakes
Where to stay: The Angel, Top Deck at The Cabin, Ickworth Hotel, The Pear Tree Inn
The Gallops at Newmarket
Newmarket
Newmarket is the world headquarters of horse racing and its spiritual home, dating back to Charles II’s time here when he built a huge palace in what is now the town centre. What remains of it hosts the British Sporting Art Trust. Across the road is the impressive National Horseracing Museum where you can explore centuries of royal and sporting heritage.
Discover Newmarket organises behind-the-scenes tours of The National Stud and trips to see the horses on their morning exercise across The Hallowed Gallops.
Newmarket Racecourse is a British Thoroughbred horse racing venue, comprising two individual racecourses, the July Course and Rowley Mill.
Things to do nearby: National Museum of Horse Racing, Discover Newmarket Tours, Coopers Croft Vineyard, Bucket List Balloon Flights
Where to stay: Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, The Packhorse Inn
Frequently asked questions
- What is the St Edmund’s Line
St Edmund’s Line is a Community Rail Partnership that promotes the Greater Anglia train service between Ipswich and Cambridge.
- What stops are on the St Edmund’s Line
In Suffolk: Ipswich, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Elmswell, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Kennett, Newmarket. The train them goes to Dullingham and Cambridge in Cambridgeshire and there is a spur to Soham.
- Who was Saint Edmund
Edmund was the King of the East Angles of Norfolk and Suffolk between 855 and 869. He became a Saint after being martyred by the Viking invaders for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. It is claimed a wolf guarded Edmund’s head and told them where to find his body.
Saint Edmund was the Patron Saint of England until 1350, when he was replaced by Saint George. While Edmund was Patron Saint of England he brought every King of England to Bury St Edmunds to pay homage.
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