Travelling through Norfolk by train might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family holiday in England. Still, it’s definitely doable, especially if you focus on well-connected cities like Norwich and Great Yarmouth. After finding an irresistible Ryanair flight to London, I decided to plan a short getaway with my son to Norfolk. The idea was simple: no car, no stress, just trains, seaside walks, miniature villages, and plenty of quality time together!
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Why Visit Norfolk with Children
Norfolk is an excellent destination for families. Its slow pace, welcoming locals, and abundant natural beauty make it perfect for travelling with kids. You’ll find public gardens, sandy beaches, quaint towns, historical landmarks, and plenty of attractions designed for little explorers. Most importantly, it’s far less crowded than other parts of southern England like Brighton or Bath.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND
Stay connected in England with a giffgaff free SIM or an Airalo eSim for seamless data coverage throughout the UK. Additionally, rent a car in the United Kingdom to explore all the attractions of the British countryside, including the fantastic museums on my blog!
One of the best things about Norfolk is the relaxed atmosphere: you can let your children run free on the beach, visit castles and cathedrals without queues, and find plenty of child-friendly cafés and pubs. Whether you’re based in the UK or flying in from abroad, this region is a refreshing change from the usual tourist hotspots.
Norwich is a city full of charm and history, and it is easy to explore on foot. On the other hand, Great Yarmouth offers all the joys of a traditional British seaside holiday: a wide sandy beach, arcades, and timeless family attractions. Whether looking for a weekend escape or planning a longer trip in East Anglia, this itinerary will show you how to enjoy Norfolk by train with children.
Our 5-Day Itinerary: Norwich and Great Yarmouth by Train
When travelling in the UK, I usually rent a car or reach England from mainland Europe with my own vehicle, crossing the English Channel by boat to reach remote destinations. But this time, I wanted a slower pace and more time to connect with my son. Travelling by train turned out to be the perfect solution: it was easy, efficient, and exciting, especially for a preschooler who’s fascinated by trains!
Day 1 – Travelling to Great Yarmouth
We started our journey with a Ryanair flight from Italy to London Stansted, which is well connected to Norfolk thanks to the Greater Anglia railway network.
From Stansted, we boarded a direct train to Norwich and then changed for Great Yarmouth. The connection was smooth, and the scenery became more and more rural as we approached the coast.
We booked two nights at The Weatherdene, a charming B&B five minutes from Great Yarmouth’s beach. Housed in a typical British terraced house, this family-run accommodation offers spotless rooms, thoughtful touches like beach toys for kids, a welcome tray with biscuits and tea, and super comfy beds. The station is about a 15-minute walk away, so getting around on foot is easy.
Day 2 – Merrivale Model Village and the Hippodrome Circus
We started our day early by walking through Great Yarmouth’s old town and seafront arcades. Many shops were still closed, but the town was peaceful in the morning light.
Our first real stop was the Merrivale Model Village, a delightful miniature world filled with tiny houses, trains, and quirky little scenes. Admission includes a 7-day return pass, which is great if you stay longer or want to visit again later in the trip.
The highlight of the day was, without a doubt, the Hippodrome Circus, one of only two permanent circuses still operating in a purpose-built arena in England.
The building itself is a gem of Edwardian architecture, and the show blends acrobatics, theatre, music, and light effects in a way that keeps both children and adults fully engaged. We booked in advance online and chose seats with a great view of the central ring.
As evening fell, Great Yarmouth’s seafront came alive with neon lights, arcades, and cheerful families strolling along the promenade. We ended our day with a classic fish & chips on the beach—greasy fingers and all.
Day 3 – SEA Life Aquarium and Norwich
Before saying goodbye to Great Yarmouth, we spent the morning at the SEA Life Aquarium on the seafront. While smaller than other SEA Life centres, it’s still packed with marine creatures that fascinate young children: penguins, seahorses, and even some fish with legs.
My son spent almost the entire visit in the submarine-themed area, where you can peer at fish through portholes as if you were underwater.
After a quick lunch, we returned to The Weatherdene to collect our bags, then took the train to Norwich. The journey lasts about 30 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day.
We stayed at the Premier Inn Norwich Nelson City Centre, which is ideally located near the station and just across the river from the historic heart of the city.
With a few hours left in the afternoon, we relaxed around Norwich’s old streets, soaking in the medieval atmosphere and planning our full day ahead.
Day 4 – Exploring Norwich on Foot
Norwich is a compact, walkable city with plenty to offer families. If you’re curious about how to make the most of your visit, check out my dedicated guide: One Day in Norwich. For this trip, we followed a simple but satisfying route through the city’s top landmarks.
Our first stop was Norwich Castle, which hosts a museum and art gallery. Inside, you’ll find kid-friendly exhibitions and a fascinating look at Norman’s history. Then, we headed to the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, which tells the city’s history through hands-on displays and old objects.
We also visited the bell tower of St Peter Mancroft in the city centre, a large parish church known for its impressive stained-glass windows. The Norwich Cathedral was next, a stunning church with a cloister surrounded by a vast green space perfect for kids to run around.
To wrap up the day, we wandered down Elm Hill, one of England’s oldest and prettiest streets, lined with timber-framed houses and little craft shops. We had dinner in Riverside, the modern waterfront district filled with restaurants and views over the River Wensum.
Day 5 – Heading Home
On our last day, we had breakfast at the hotel before catching a Greater Anglia train back to London Stansted for our flight home. The journey was smooth and hassle-free, giving us time to reflect on the great memories we made.
If you’re based in the UK, you could extend your trip with more time in Norwich or use it as a base to explore other Norfolk towns. If you’re flying in, Norwich also has its own small airport with seasonal connections to Europe.
Planning a Family Trip in Norfolk Without a Car
When planning this trip, I focused on attractions accessible by train and within walking distance from our accommodation. I chose miniature villages, seaside walks, aquariums, museums, and local food experiences. But you could include so much more if you have more time or rent a car.
Norfolk has some fantastic attractions that are harder to reach without a vehicle, like the City of Norwich Aviation Museum or the Bure Valley Railway, which we skipped this time. If you want to explore the countryside or visit multiple small villages, driving is more practical.
Still, train travel worked beautifully for this itinerary. Greater Anglia trains were clean, punctual, and very family-friendly. My son loved the experience, and I appreciated not worrying about parking or navigation.
Where to Stay: B&Bs or Premier Inn
Accommodation in England can be a bit hit-and-miss, especially for travellers used to European hotels. Over the years, I’ve stayed in some charming B&Bs. But also in a few where the carpets alone could ruin your trip. For example, once in Liverpool, I booked a room in a beautiful Victorian terrace house that surprised me with a terrible bathroom with swamp-like carpeting!
That’s why I was so thrilled with The Weatherdene in Great Yarmouth: clean, friendly, and full of thoughtful touches for families.
In Norwich, I chose a Premier Inn, and I always recommend this chain when travelling with kids. The rooms are spacious, and many include a double bed and a convertible sofa bed. Children eat breakfast for free, and the quality is consistently good across the country. The only downside is that you have to book directly on their website and can’t manage your reservation from third-party platforms like Booking.com.
Getting Around Norfolk by Public Transport
Getting around Norfolk by public transport, without a car, is entirely possible, especially if you stick to major towns. From Norwich, buses run to many parts of the county. Still, the train is usually faster and more convenient for reaching the coast.
First Bus Coastlink and BorderBus 146 connect smaller villages along the coast, while Greater Anglia trains serve all the main towns along the coast and inland.
Tickets are affordable and can be bought online, either through the Greater Anglia app or on multi-operator platforms like Omio or Trainline. These websites are pretty useful if you’re planning train travel across different regions of the UK, as you can keep all your travel tickets together. In fact, there is no monopoly on railways in England, and other areas have different railway companies. Greater Anglia is only one of many railway companies.
Final Thoughts: Travelling by Train in East Anglia with Kids
This trip was one of our first mother-and-son adventures abroad, and it couldn’t have gone better. We made beautiful memories without the stress of driving, and my son still talks about the model village and the circus.
With its mix of history, seaside charm, and family-friendly activities, Norfolk proved to be an ideal choice for a quick UK escape. And doing it all by train was surprisingly easy, even with a preschooler.
Check out my article Best Places to Visit in East Anglia with Kids if you plan a longer holiday or return with a car next time.
Whether it’s your first trip to England or your tenth, I hope you’ll consider including Norwich and Great Yarmouth in your itinerary. They’re a hidden gem of East Anglia, and they’re definitely worth the ride.
Let me know if you have been to Norfolk with your children, and share your favourite places to visit in England by train in the comments!
