Norfolk Heritage Railways

Norfolk Heritage Railways are a wonderfully enjoyable way to take the slower pace of life, and at the same time explore the surrounding villages and towns. 

All of these railways in Norfolk are suitable for all ages!

There are 5 heritage railways in Norfolk, brought to life by enthusiastic volunteers using the lines of some of the old track beds that were in use before 1959.

They have differing track gauges, some are narrow gauge, others standard gauge.  The narrow gauge obviously have smaller engines and carriages.

Two thirds of the Norfolk railway stations were closed down between 1959 and 1970 due to the Beeching cuts, including several main lines and offshoot branches. But it’s thanks to the passionate volunteers that 5 of these lines are now opened along parts of the old railways lines as fantastic heritage railways.

All of these railways have steam locomotives, but you need to pick your time to travel if you want to go back to the age of steam, as some of them make the return journey using diesel locomotives.  You can read more about the 5 Norfolk Heritage Railways below.

North Norfolk Railway

Also known as the Poppy Line, this North Norfolk Railway puffs it way across the coastal landscape from Sheringham to Holt, via Weybourne. The volunteers have done a great job in making Sheringham station as authentic as possible, and the restored carriages really make this a day to remember. This particular heritage railway is on a standard gauge track.

You can read more about the North Norfolk Railway here.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

This particular Norfolk heritage railway is the smallest narrow gauge railway in the world! Operating from Wells-next-the-Sea to Walsingham, it gives you a perfect opportunity to explore the historical village of Walsingham along with it’s priory ruin.

You can read more about the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway here.

Bure Valley Railway

This narrow gauge railway runs from the Georgian town of Aylsham to the busier and bustling Broads town of Wroxham. It takes you through the Bure Valley and is an 18 mile round trip. It’s purported to be the longest narrow gauge railway in the world – seems like Norfolk has the longest and smallest heritage railways in the world!

Read more about the Bure Valley railway here 

Mid Norfolk Railway

This is another standard gauge railway which uses the line from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey. Here you can get off and explore the ancient town of Wymondham and its abbey. This is one of the longest standard gauge railways in Great Britain. This has both steam and diesel engines.

Read more about the Mid Norfolk Railway here 

Whitwell and Reepham Railway

This is very new in Norfolk and the line only runs a few meters, but the museum and tea room is a new addition and track bed is being laid. It actually forms part of the Marriots Way walking trail.

They have steam and diesel locomotives to admire, a tea room and museum and put on events during the year.

Read more about the Whitewell and Reepham Railway station here.