When was your last #railadventure?

When I left school I bought and made full use of my 16-25 railcard. Often travelling across the country to visit my parents in Carlisle. Popping to see friends in Manchester, Portsmouth or Hastings.

As Roo became old enough to require a train ticket we purchased a family & friends railcard. Over the years we have used it to travel between Great Yarmouth and Norwich for days out in the city, and onwards to London.

When Greater Anglia contacted us regarding our rail adventures it suddenly occurred to me that we often travel to the end of the line at London Liverpool Street. However, we rarely hop off at one of over 140 train stations on the Greater Anglia network. Why are we heading out of the area when we have so much to see and do on our doorstep?

Travelling with Greater Anglia in Norfolk

With the inspiration to see what Norfolk has to offer us, we hopped on the train at Norwich yesterday morning. Our destination was Sheringham to continue our love of trains with a visit to the North Norfolk Railway.

We parked at Norwich train station ahead of our 10.45 train to Sheringham. In true Boo Roo and Tigger Too fashion we cut this a little fine, however, we were able to find a parking space. Hopping onboard the two carriage train to Sheringham which takes just under an hour to get there. We were able to sit down and relax without worrying about traffic and where we would find to park at Sheringham. Train travel can really take the hassle of researching car parks, charges etc.

Arriving in Sheringham after a lovely train journey taking in some of the beautiful North Norfolk scenery and coastal views. We walked across the road to the North Norfolk Railway just in time to BR 4MT 2-6-0 – 76084 steam engine arriving into the station. Although we had plenty of time to catch the next steam engine to Holt we were keen to head onto the platform to see the train up close.

North Norfolk Railway

After collecting our tickets we boarded the carriage to take our seats for the journey over to Holt. I can’t tell you how excited we were to find that they had a carriage full of enclosed booths – similar to the ones found in the Harry Potter films. Needless to say, our journey was filled with Harry Potter chatter and looking out for dementors.

The 25-minute journey between Sheringham and Holt offer you the option to alight at Weybourne or continue through to Holt. As you sit on board the steam train you are treated to the feel, movement, and sounds of what train travel used to be like. The chuff, chuff, chuff and the whistle sounding make the journey magical for the children (and adults too).

We arrived at Holt station just in time for some lunch so we made use of the large picnic area just passed the model railway. After finishing we took the opportunity to look around the model railway and the William Marriott Museum. We couldn’t visit the North Norfolk Railway without checking out the souvenir shops at both Holt and Sheringham – where Tigger spotted that they do Days Out with Thomas, so this will be something we might need to make another visit for later in the year.

I have to mention the guards and conductors throughout the North Norfolk Railway as they are attentive, passionate and so interactive with all the passengers who board the trains. Tigger who is a huge fan of trains loved their smart uniform and was so very happy when they took the time to chat to him.

Heading home

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. A short walk across the road and over to Sheringham station to head back to Norwich. With space for us to store Piglet’s pushchair, we boarded our train home. The journey allowing us all to chat about the day we’d had rather than either Mr. Boo or I having to concentrate on the road ahead. Travelling by train has allowed us all to enjoy both the journey and the day out.

More information

Greater Anglia – Norwich to Sheringham off-peak adult return £8.50 each, children £2.00 each
North Norfolk Railway – Rover ticket £42.00 (2 adults & 2 children to unlimited travel along with a complimentary £5.00 voucher to spend on souvenirs or refreshments in NNR gift shops and buffets).

Thanks to Sarah at https://www.boorooandtiggertoo.com/travelling-with-greater-anglia-in-no… for blogging about her adventure and allowing us to use her article.

Please answer this quick question about this article. If you can’t see it, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JZSKS8J