TRAIN RIDES

Norfolk has had a long association with the railway, in Victorian times it brought many visitors to the region in search of fresh breezes. However, during the cuts in the 1960's, many of these stations and lines were closed down. Several track beds were acquired by hard working groups and brought back to life, operating steam rides during the summer months.

Running from Sheringham on the North Norfolk Coast, to the Georgian town of Holt, via Weybourne, is the North Norfolk Railway. When British Rail closed the line to Melton Constable in 1965, the M&GN Preservation Society was established and purchased the line and leased the old station. After raising £14,000 by the sale of shares the North Norfolk Railway was born and ran its first steam service in 1976. The Poppy Line as it is known, operates a variety of steam and diesel locomotives on a daily scheduled service (seasonal).

Also on the the North Norfolk Coast, there are two railways that operate from Wells next the sea. The first is the Wells Harbour Railway, steam and diesel trains operate on 10¼” gauge track, transporting passengers the mile from the beach to the town centre. This service operates from mid-March to mid-October and see the website for more information.

Also operting from Wells next the sea is the Walsingham Light Railway, operating the longest 10¼” gauge track in the world (4 miles), transporting visitors from Wells to Walsingham. The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway was born out of one man's passionate dream, hard work and sheer determination. Lt. Cmdr. Roy Francis, and you can get more information from the website.

On the Norfolk Broads, the Bure Valley Railway transports visitors from the Captial of the Broads at Wroxham, to the market town of Aylsham, via Buxton and Coltishall. Opened in 1990, the Bure Valley Railway offers an 18 mile round trip through picturesque countryside which is as varied, interesting and beautiful as any to be found on a railway journey in England. Norfolk's longest fifteen inch gauge line runs regular steam and diesel train services and see the BVR website for more details and running times.

In Norwich, the station is worth a visit, as it was built in 1836 as the terminus of the Great Eastern Railway. The building was given a fine façade, in a French Chateau style. Also, on the subject of stations, you should not miss Wymondham station, built in 1845 and on the Norwich to Ely line, the station has been restored and one of its buildings houses a railway museum. There is also a "Brief Encounter" themed restaurant, complete with stations masters lounge (can be hired out) and a tea-room.