The railway travels from Sheringham to Holt and is known as ‘East Anglia’s premier heritage railway’. Tripadvisor reviewers have described it as “a fabulous place for a good dose of nostalgia”
A nostalgic steam train ride that whisks passengers “back in time” connects two charming towns, offering a unique experience.
The North Norfolk Railway, affectionately known as the Poppy Line, chugs along from the quaint seaside town of Sheringham to the picturesque Georgian market town of Holt, earning its reputation as ‘East Anglia’s premier heritage railway’.
At one end of the journey lies Sheringham, boasting a classic pebble beach, an array of shops, and a selection of eateries. The station itself is home to a café and a souvenir shop selling mementos.
Sheringham’s Blue Flag beach is ideal for families, offering leisurely strolls along the promenade, which is lined with an assortment of colourful beach huts available for rent.
In contrast, Holt is a treasure trove of independent shops, quaint tea rooms and captivating art galleries. The station is equipped with a café, a shop selling keepsakes, a compact museum, and an intricate model railway.
Visitors can meander through the town’s rows of charming cottages and pop into the renowned Byford’s tea room. The railway, primarily operated by volunteers, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1884.
Saved by a preservation society after its closure in 1964, the North Norfolk Railway now hosts an array of special events throughout the year, including visiting locomotives, half-term excursions, vintage weeks, 1940s weekends, Halloween festivities, and three enchanting Christmas rides.
You can also indulge in journeys that offer cream tea, murder mysteries, evening meals like sausage and mash, Sunday lunches and more. The Norfolk Norfolk Fryer is a unique train where you can savour fish and chips while taking in the view of the countryside.
You get delicious fish and chips from a top place in Sheringham and scrumptious local ice cream. Plus, there’s a bar on the train. You can even try your hand at driving the steam or diesel train and work the signals for a fun adventure.
Tripadvisor reviewers have described the railway as “a fabulous place for a good dose of nostalgia” and praised its “wonderful coastal views”. They also said it’s a “great day out” and it feels like you’ve “gone back in time”. For tickets and to learn about special events, check the North Norfolk Railway website.
It’s best to book ahead, especially for special events. If scenic railways are what you’re after, then arguably none are better than the Bernina Express – a spectacular train route operated by the Rhaetian Railway which offers breath-taking views of the Swiss Alps.
It runs between Chur or Davos/St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy, traversing the Bernina Pass. Over the course of four hours passengers are taken 155km (90 miles) through icy landscapes, past dramatic peaks and down into sunny Italy.
Along the way the train passes through 55 tunnels, across 196 bridges and up and down slopes with gradients as steep as one in seven.