Manningtree, Essex, England
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Manningtree is one of many, many towns stuck out in the very middle of nowhere which only seemingly exists to allow people wanting to go from London Liverpool Street to Ipswich to save a few bob by getting off here and meeting a friend who'll drive you up (It's only about 30 minutes away). Apparently it saves about five to seven quid. It has a level crossing too. The station, however, is one of the worst places to catch a train outside the Underground. Only a few stop there. Because it's in the middle of a field there's never less than a 30mph wind blowing across it. Also, the waiting rooms (Ha!) always are full of smokers so all non-smokers are gassed out in a minute. Finally, the station is in a constant, yet never-ending cycle of renovation so getting out always involves walking on at least one board. It also looks grotty too. Added to the fact that the Ipswich-bound platform has no roof it makes this station at least, if not the rest of the town (which no-one ever sees anyway) is a case of, to steal a quote 'show up, throw up and bog off home'.
