Barton House Railway

The Barton House Railway is tucked away in the back garden of a large house in the residential part of Wroxham. This unusual railway consists of 2 narrow gauge railway lines on which steam, diesel and electric trains operate. There is also a signal box, museum and cafe.

The railway dates back to the 1960's when the first sections of oval track were laid in the garden by the Grandmother of the current house owners. The railway was first opened to the public shortly after and this was followed by the construction of the Riverside Railway during the late 1970's. Various improvements have been carried out over the years, including the addition of the Signal Box and Museum.

Barton House is situated off the Avenue in Wroxham. Please note that there is limited parking at Barton House and you may need to park some distance away and walk. The BHR is run totally by volunteers and opens on the 3rd Sunday of the month from April to September, but please check opening times on their website before planning a visit. No Dogs allowed.

We start our tour of The Barton House Railway in the rear-garden of Barton House. The Mid-land Railway runs in an oval on the lawn and was the first of the two railway lines to be constructed. The line is 3 1/2 inch gauge and is 80 yards in circumference. It is supported above ground by reinforced concrete. A single station allows passengers to enjoy a ride while hauled by a number of different locomotives, both steam and electric.

The Riverside Railway runs from the garden to the banks of the River Bure in a horseshoe shape. The line is approximately 500 feet in length, 7 1/4 inch gauge and has three stations - Wroxham, Riverside West and Riverside East. Wroxham station has two platforms, with a footbridge between them! Although the ride is short, the trip takes you on a journey from the garden to the banks of the River Bure. A footbridge over a water dyke allows passengers to walk between the two riverside stations. A number of different rolling stock operate on the line including "Midge" (steam loco), "Sparky" (electric), "Edward Thomas" (steam loco), "Tiny" (electric) and "Tiny Tot" (electric).

The Signal Box was originally located at Honing East Station and was built in 1901. It was on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway between Melton Constable and Great Yarmouth. The signal box was one of a pair at Honing and was in continuous use until the line closed in 1959. The levers came from Lowestoft signal box and was made in 1903. Visitors can climb the steps and inspect the inside of the signal box (additional small charge).

Visitors can arrive at the Barton House Railway by taking the river launch from Wroxham Bridge (included in the entrance price). Once you arrive, you can purchase tickets from the riverside ticket office or in the museum, for those arriving by car. The Barton House Railway Museum was opened in 2003 and visitors can see various railway exhibits, including a small section of model railway. The tea shed, located in the garden, has been given the name Dickersons' Diner in recognition of the Dickersons, who gave years of service to the railway.

Barton House Railway Summary of What to SEE and DO

Norfolk Broads

Horning

Neatishead

Norwich

Ranworth

River Bure

Salhouse

South Walsham

Wroxham