South Woodham Ferrers train station is in rural Essex thirty-five miles from central London, on the Crouch Valley Line. The opening of the station in 1889 was the beginnings of a new residential area designed to draw out to the countryside people fed up of conditions in London. It wasn't until the 1970s, though, when private developers bought up plots and created communities that the New Riverside Country Town really took off. South Woodham Ferrers now has a vibrant town centre, home to many independent shops and bars alongside larger retailers such as Asda, all within walking distance from the station.
There is also a small cluster of shops and pubs to the east of the station for those not looking to travel too far afield. The station's single platform sees services depart for Wickford, Southminster and Shenfield. The station is also served by one late-night direct service per day to London Liverpool Street, taking around fifty minutes.