East of England - Norfolk

The line leaves Sheringham passing the towns spectacular Golf course given views of the sea. Farm land replaces the view until the line starts its climb to Weybourne Station. Weybourne provides easy access to Sheringham Park for walkers and casual visitors. Once leaving Weybourne the line continues to climb the 1 in 80 embankment providing one of the best views in Norfolk. Weybourne village sits in the middle of the landscape with its Windmill overlooking the farmland and the sea beyond. The view is the one that may travellers from the Midlands experienced when visiting the area back when the line was operated commercially by the Midland and great Northern Company. Their first view of the Sea!

The line then disappears into a rising cutting emerging into farmland and wooded areas as it approaches the Holt station. The station is situated approximately one mile from the centre of Holt with pedestrian access or via bus services which pass the entrance of the station. The Railway provides dedicated bus services at the height of the season and Bank Holidays using a Routemaster vehicle.

The Railways timetable has changed considerably over the past 5 years with the 2016 timetable providing a 50 minute frequency service using two trains throughout the main season with the opportunity to add a third train at busy periods. In 2015 this third path was used for the Vintage train, walk on Diners and Diesel Hauled specials.

Like most Heritage Railways the North Norfolk relies on its volunteer workforce. Well over 400 volunteers fulfil roles as Station Staff, Signalman, Train Staff including both Steam and Diesel crews, buffet staff and Ticket office personnel. The Railway itself has around 40 staff the largest compliment of these working in the Engineering operation which is also supported by volunteers. In Engineering the Railway has skills to provide the running maintenance to locomotives and carriage stock as well as the in depth overhauls requirement for Boiler servicing and rebuilding. The M&GN also have a presence in the carriage and Wagon shed renovating historic vehicles. Their efforts can be seen regularly when the Vintage train is added to the daily service schedule.

The Railway adds a number of special events to its operations to cater for all interests. These include Steam Gala’s usually two a year, a Thomas event held in May along with the other end of the spectrum a Dads Army event (The Royal train episode was filmed at the NNR) over the Bank Holiday at the end of May. A Diesel Gala takes place in June followed by Vintage transport Festival in July and week of operating with the wooden Historic Quad Set. The major event in the month follows which is the Annual Beer Festival. A mere 12500 pints were consumed over the 2 and half days in 2015. The latter part of the year includes in September the main Steam Gala and the famous 40’s weekend. Halloween week continues to grow in popularity followed closely with the Santa specials and Mince Pie specials. Throughout the year there are many Dining trains in various formats ie Murder Mystery, Fish and Chip specials and fine dining all of which are extremely popular and fill quickly. The Railway provides vouchers for sale prior to Christmas that can be used to pay all or part of booking for the specials. The Railway is also licenced for weddings with Weybourne Station building used for the ceremony. Driver experience and Footplate rides are added attractions which bring in additional revenue. The Railway offers the Drivers experience courses in March and October using days where no other services operate providing a unpressured environment for attendees to enjoy their day.

In 2016 the North Norfolk Railway will begin a unique project where it will take over the running of Sheringham’ s Tourist Information Centre. Additionally the public Toilets adjacent to the station are being demolished with the Railway again taking over responsibility for them with direct access from the station and the public road way. Within in this there will also be a new shop for the Railway with the buffet being extended to more than double the available sitting space for customers. The work involved including the construction of a totally new building has been achieved through the successful application for Coastal Communities Funding. This was approved early in 2015 with £497 thousand being awarded along with a further £150 thousand from the North Norfolk District Council. The collaboration is unique as will be the operation of the Tourist Information services by staff employed directly by the NNR.

The Railway has not stood still in looking to cement its locomotive stock. The Black Prince formally owned by the Wildlife Artist David Shepherd was put up for sale and the Railway considered the locomotive , which had been based at the NNR for a number of years, was to much of an attraction to lose. Discussions concluded a deal in late 2015 which will see the ownership transfer to the NNR and the locomotive remain at the Railway.

2016 looks an interesting year. The North Norfolk Railway does not sit back and wait for its visitors we have to continually change the product to keep fresh. The new timetable and the ability to add additional themed trains and the likely development offering new dining services adding Cromer will continue to grow passenger numbers and ensure the Railway and its neighbours benefit from what is the Jewel in the Crown of North Norfolk.