Showing posts with label museum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label museum. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 August 2026

Epping Ongar Railway

Last Sunday, I went to the Epping Ongar Railway in North East London/Essex.  I've been meaning to come for several years and I'm old enough to remember it as part of the Central Line of the London Undergrou until 1994.

To get there, I took the 339 heritage bus from outside Shenfield station, it is possible to buy a combined bus and museum ticket for £19, which I did. Yup, I'm old enough yo have previously travelled these old London trolley buses with a conductor and you hop on and off at the back.
On arrival at Ongar Station, I was treated to the sight of an old station which made me feel I was transported back to 1950s rural England rather than something that was once part of the Tube.
On entry facing the well preserved ticket office was the old waiting room displaying photographs of the station's glory days. The heritage line is totally run by volunteers and I appreciate their efforts and passion in keeping this operating. 
Next I boarded a diesel powered train to take us all to North Weald.  I do remember sitting on such carriages back in the day. Especially when I travelled from London Euston to Leighton Buzzard on the stopping service.  At North Weald, there were a few engines on display and an old cross country carriage which I remember when travelling to Manchester during my youth.  I peeped inside the still operational signal box, complete with the levers.  Other things to note at North Weald were a red heritage London trolley bus and a 1946 London Underground map.
The return train to Ongar went to Epping first and it doubled back via North Weald again.  Then I took the same green heritage London trolley bus again back to Shenfield station. 

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Thursday, 6 August 2026

Benjamin Franklin House, London

On my way to last Friday's Proms concert, I came across a little pavement sign for Benjamin Franklin House near Charing Cross Station, London. 

As someone with a mild interest in history and science it was screaming for me to come in and have a look around. So the next day I went for a visit. It was £8 to get in and I bought a little leaflet cum guide for £2. 

The museum was an early eighteenth century house which was home to American founding father, scientist and philosopher Benjamin Franklin between 1757 to 1775 with a short break in between. 

There weren't many artefacts on display, instead the rooms provided ample text explanations about his life and what shaped his beliefs.

The ticket office doubles as a gift shop but you need to bring your own refreshments. The little back garden is a great place to relax and reflect.