The Mid-Norfolk Railway is a heritage railway and one of the most captivating family attractions in the Norfolk countryside. Boarding its trains feels like stepping back in time, embarking on a journey aboard the historic carriages that once served the railway. Here, you can have a real immersive experience of when vintage diesel and steam locomotives once dominated the tracks. You can even purchase tickets at an authentic station from the previous century and
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What is the Mid-Norfolk Railway?
The Mid-Norfolk Railway is the longest preserved standard gauge railway in East Anglia. Operated by the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, the heritage railway is owned by its members and run by volunteers committed to preserving its history.
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The Trust aims to restore the entire historic line of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, which stretches from County School to Wymondham Abbey. Currently, the railway operates only from Dereham to Thuxton. There is also an on-demand stop at Yaxham station, although the original line was much longer.
Dereham Station is where you’ll board your train and open whenever the historic trains operate. It truly transports you back in time, looking exactly as it did in the previous century!
Inside Dereham Station, you can purchase your ticket at the original ticket office. But there is more. You can enjoy a cup of tea in the charming tearoom, and browse the small museum and gift shop, which offers a variety of books about English railway history.
The museum, located on the platform in front of the tracks, showcases numerous materials documenting the history of the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Photos and newspaper articles on display take visitors on a journey from the railway’s opening in 1846 to its present-day restoration.
The Story of the Mid-Norfolk Railway
The Mid-Norfolk Railway emerged during the exhilarating era of Railway Mania. It was a period when railway construction exploded across Britain like never before. In 1845, both the Lynn and Dereham Railway and the Norfolk Railway companies secured Parliamentary approval to expand their tracks to Dereham, igniting a transformative journey for the region.
By 1847-48, these pioneering companies had linked Dereham to the bustling towns of Wymondham and Lynn, marking a new era in local transportation. The railway quickly became the region’s lifeblood, ferrying people and more than 10,000 tons of coal within its first year of operation.
However, the high cost of constructing the railway led the Norfolk Railway to lease its tracks to the Eastern Counties Railway, which held a monopoly on East Anglian railways. This new partnership redefined the landscape of transportation in the area.
In 1862, the Eastern Counties Railway merged with other companies to form the Great Eastern Railway. Following this merger, the Mid-Norfolk line was extended and upgraded to accommodate more trains.
At its peak, the railway was essential to the local economy of Dereham and the surrounding areas. The line facilitated the transportation of locally produced goods and played a crucial role during World War I. Unfortunately, the railway received little investment between the 1920s and 1930s, leading to its eventual decline.
Step Back in Time: How It Is Travelling on the Mid-Norfolk Railway
Riding on the Mid-Norfolk Railway is truly a remarkable experience. The stations and carriages are adorned with traditional bunting, creating a nostalgic and festive atmosphere. My son and I felt as though we were transported back in time.
Dereham station, in particular, is a standout highlight. It has been beautifully restored to its original design and is worth a visit even if you are not travelling. Be sure to admire the historical ticket office and tea room while you’re there.
The journey from Dereham to Thuxton offers a stunning view of the English countryside. During our trip, we boarded a train made up of three historic carriages, each from a different era. Although the train was initially supposed to be pulled by a steam locomotive, a heatwave forced the use of a Class 47 diesel engine for safety reasons.
One unique aspect of travelling on the Mid-Norfolk Railway is the manual coupling system used for the trains. It takes railway workers about 20 minutes to either hook up or uncouple the engine!
For this reason, there was a scheduled stop at Thuxton where we and our fellow travellers had the chance to explore the signal box and learn how the manual operation of rail switches works. It was really interesting, and you shouldn’t miss it if you’re a railway enthusiast like us!
The Mid-Norfolk Railway with Children
A trip on the Mid-Norfolk Railway is a fantastic activity for families with children. You can enjoy the breathtaking Norfolk countryside in about an hour while travelling on a vintage train.
My son, who was three years old at the time, absolutely loved the train ride on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. As a true railway enthusiast, he was enthusiastic to watch the engine being unhitched and repositioned, and he showed great interest in the track switches at Thuxton station.
During our visit, many families were on board. The atmosphere on the Mid-Norfolk Railway is totally friendly and welcoming. My son quickly started conversations with a girl sitting next to him and the conductor, dressed in a period uniform. This makes the Mid-Norfolk Railway not just a ride but a delightful adventure that’s perfect for creating lasting family memories.
The Stations of the Mid-Norfolk Railway
Although Dereham is the heart of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, the original line extended from County School to Wymondham. Currently, only a part of this line is in operation, but volunteers are working towards its complete restoration. The original stations include:
- County School: Preserved to reflect the 1930s, this station features an exhibit dedicated to the former Watt Naval Training School and includes a miniature railway operated by the North Norfolk Model Engineering Club.
- North Elmham: Opened in 1857 and closed to passenger service in 1964, this station was once a part of the original line.
- Dereham: The heart of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, this restored Victorian station reflects the style of the 1950s when Dereham was a major rail hub. Inside, you will find the vintage ticket office, a charming tea room, and a small museum.
- Yaxham: It is home to the stationmaster’s house and the Yaxham Light Railway, a private narrow-gauge railway open to the public on special occasions.
- Thuxton: Thuxton, with its Tudor-style buildings, features a signal box with a 1904 McKenzie and Holland 26-lever chassis salvaged from London.
- Hardingham: This privately owned station welcomes the public on select days and features a restored signal booth from Snettisham station.
- Kimberley Park: Recently renamed Kimberley Park from just Kimberley to avoid confusion with another station; this station is currently undergoing maintenance.
- Wymondham Abbey: This historic station has been restored and is located close to the famous Wymondham Abbey.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust has restored most stations, preserving their original charm and features. This dedication to restoration creates an experience that makes you feel as though you are truly travelling back in time as you journey through the Norfolk countryside.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Mid-Norfolk Railway
Trains on the Mid-Norfolk Railway depart from Dereham, and their schedules vary by season and special events.
Typically, the historic trains operate multiple days a week during the summer, but the schedule is reduced in the winter months. In winter, a big main event is the Polar Express Train Ride. After Christmas, they usually close for maintenance.
Throughout the year, Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust volunteers organise special events, including historic train dinners and themed days that focus on music, food, or festivals. You can even book a train for private events such as weddings or birthdays.
Be sure to check the railway’s website for up-to-date information on train times and operating locomotives, whether diesel or steam.
Ticket Prices for the Mid-Norfolk Railway
A return ticket for the Mid-Norfolk Railway costs £17 for adults, while children and young people under 15 pay only £5. Children under five can travel for free. Prices may vary slightly during different seasons and special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Although the ticket price may seem high for a round trip that takes just over an hour, it’s a unique experience that is especially memorable for families with children who love trains. As a mum, I highly recommend it. My son still remembers our amazing train ride!
Getting to Dereham Station
By car, you can find Dereham Station on Google Maps or your GPS by entering the postcode NR19 1DF. Using the postcode instead of the name of your destination works much better in the UK countryside. Once arriving in Dereham, look for a brown tourist sign directing you to the station.
Dereham Station offers ample parking, although it can get busy during special events. During my visit, there was a Vintage Fair, so I parked on a nearby street since the station forecourt was occupied by vintage cars.
Another nearby parking option is the car park at Morrisons supermarket, but be sure to check how long you can leave your car there. Many supermarkets in the UK have cameras, and you risk a fine for parking longer than the allowed time, which is often three hours.
If you want to reach Dereham Station using public transport, I recommend planning your trip with Google Maps first, as East Anglia has many different train and bus companies. Depending on your starting point, you can use one service rather than another or choose between both.
Arriving by bus, several bus stops are located nearby, served by KonectBus and First Bus. You can check their websites for full travel details.
Despite being a railway station, arriving by rail isn’t very straightforward. The nearest station is Norwich, served by Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway. Once you arrive in Norwich, you can use the bus services mentioned above to reach Dereham.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway
Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham NR19 1DF
Now that you have all the details to plan your journey on the historic Mid-Norfolk Railway, let me know in the comments if this is an activity you would like to enjoy with your children, or even by yourself! For us, trains (as well as planes!) have become an essential part of our travels, and we look forward to many more adventures.
