New rail station posters highlight delights of Ely to boost tourism

March 4, 2022

New posters are on display at Ely rail station to encourage passengers passing through to stop and discover the area.

The new poster boards and large posters – which display images of the city’s attractions such as the cathedral, waterways and town centre – have been funded by the Hereward Community Rail Partnership (CRP), Community Rail Network and Visit Ely. The images portray the scenic highlights of the city for people arriving at the station.

With Ely station often used as an interchange by many, the Hereward Line CRP also wanted to let people know what they were missing just a stone’s throw from the station – and encourage them to come back and discover the historic city.

Beverley Bishop, Hereward Line Community Rail Partnership Officer, said: “Visiting Ely by rail is so easy and there is so much to discover, but it’s a bit of a well-kept secret.

“The Ely – Peterborough rail line provides access to wide-open Fen, East Anglia’s famous big skies and offers tourists the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Anglo-Saxon hero and legend, Hereward the Wake. The line is graced with two beautiful cathedrals at each end – Ely and Peterborough, and in between, historic market towns and villages. And, of course, we mustn’t forget the nature reserves, cycling routes, narrow boating and traditional festivals that can all be experienced here.

“It’s a voyage of discovery and we hope to see tourists returning in greater numbers this year, making use of the convenient rail links, which have been improved with the arrival of Greater Anglia’s brand-new trains.”

Anna Bennett, Tourism and Town Centre Manager for Visit Ely, said: “We are thrilled to see these magnificent posters, promoting the main attractions in our City. Ely has thousands of visitors every year, and the station posters are a great boost to our Tourism footfall, especially after the pandemic as we try to re-coup.

“Here at Oliver Cromwell’s House Tourism Centre, we actively promote travel by train as Ely is so well connected with other major cities, therefore being able to highlight our attractions is a great joy. Thanks to all those involved.”

Wendy Otter, Transport Development Manager, Fenland District Council, said: “It’s easy to reach Ely by train and there is so much to discover along our line. We are working to upgrade stations and improve connections between the Fenland towns and other regional centres to ensure that visiting by rail is an attractive alternative to the car for more sustainable journeys.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said: “It’s great to see people coming back to rail and feeling confident to travel and these posters will help even further.

“Visiting by train is a great way to discover the region in comfort and is better for the environment, helping to reduce pollution and congestion in our tourist hotspots, towns and villages. Along with our great value tickets, visiting by rail is an attractive alternative to the car for more sustainable journeys.”

Paul Webster, Community Rail Network’s Support and Development Manager, said: “Using the railway network to see Britain’s stunning scenic landscapes, visit historic towns, discover hidden heritage sites and to connect with walking and cycling activities is such a great and sustainable way to travel. We are pleased to support this project through our Small Grants Fund which has really made a visual impact at the station and will inspire more people to spend time exploring Ely and to take a journey along the scenic Hereward line.”