Norfolk lost most of its rural railways in the 1950s and 60s, but volunteers have brought several lines and stations back to life, and the county has a string of museums devoted to steam. This guide covers the heritage railways and steam attractions in our directory. Heritage lines run to timetables that change through the year, with many special event days, so always check the operator's calendar.
Heritage railways
North Norfolk Railway (the Poppy Line), Sheringham to Holt
The North Norfolk Railway runs steam and diesel trains between Sheringham and Holt, through Weybourne, with views of the coast and the heathland behind it. A ticket gives unlimited travel on the day, and the railway runs themed days including fish and chip specials, murder mysteries and cream teas. Dogs are welcome, and there are accessible toilets and free parking. In winter it runs the Norfolk Lights Express from Sheringham station, from 14 November to 3 January.
Mid-Norfolk Railway, Dereham to Wymondham
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is the longest standard-gauge heritage railway in East Anglia, running trains between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey. The trust is restoring the line north towards County School station near North Elmham. Dereham station has free parking and welcomes walk-in visitors.
Whitwell and Reepham Station
Whitwell and Reepham Station on Whitwell Road, Reepham, is a restored station on the old Midland and Great Northern line. Visitors can take train rides, explore the station and eat at the café and restaurant, which serves pizza and light bites. It hosts regular events, including Steam Sundays and Bikers' Nights. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, with free parking, accessible toilets and a dog-friendly welcome.
Steam museums
Strumpshaw Steam Museum
Near Brundall, east of Norwich, Strumpshaw Steam Museum has a collection of steam engines and a narrow-gauge railway. It opens on Sundays and bank holidays from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Our listing records adult entry at £6, children aged 5 to 16 at £2 and under-fives free. Dogs are welcome and parking is free.
Forncett Steam Museum
Forncett Steam Museum at Forncett St Mary, south of Norwich, is an award-winning collection of stationary steam engines from the Industrial Revolution, which are run on special open days. Proceeds go to charity.
Bressingham Steam and Gardens
Bressingham Steam and Gardens, near Diss, combines steam railways, a museum, the Gallopers carousel and extensive gardens. Its main season runs from late March to the start of November, so it is a spring and summer outing.
Thursford Collection
The Thursford Collection, between Fakenham and Holt, holds one of the largest collections of steam engines and fairground organs in the world, with carousel and gondola rides. In winter it hosts the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
Gunton Park Sawmill
Not steam, but a rare survivor of the same era: Gunton Park Sawmill, in Gunton Park in north Norfolk, is a working sawmill that first opened in 1824 and has been restored for visitors. It opens on selected days only.
Tips
- Check which days have steam. Heritage railways often run diesel trains on quieter days and steam on weekends and event days.
- Combine with the coast. The Poppy Line pairs naturally with a day in Sheringham or Holt, and Whitwell is a short drive from both.
- Volunteers welcome. All of these railways depend on volunteers, and most are keen to hear from new ones.
See more attractions and museums in Norfolk.
