Hop on board and ‘lose yourself to nostalgia’ on this impressive train journey that idles along a stunning slice of the UK coast. It’s no secret that trains in Britain don’t exactly have the best reputation: infamous for constant delays, last-minute cancellations, and insufferable overcrowding.
However, there are still more than 170 heritage railway lines operating across the UK, covering over 600 miles of track. Many of these offer a sharp contrast to the rush-hour Northern service that never seems to show up. They’re pristine on the inside, dripping with original furnishings from the 50s, are highly punctual, and offer a much better view than staring into random people’s gardens.
The Poppy Line, also known as the North Norfolk Railway, is a stellar example. In fact, it was recently crowned as one of the most ‘scenic’ train routes in the entire of England – and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Starting off in the charming seaside town of Sheringham, passengers will feel like they’ve been sent back in time the second they arrive at the station. While you may be tempted to hop straight on board, make sure to visit the 1950s waiting room, gift shop, and children’s activity coach.
“Buying your ticket is where it all starts!” said Explore Norfolk. “The ticket office doesn’t look like it’s changed much since it was used in the days of steam back in the 1950s, and the old suitcases and trunks in the office and on the station gives you a real sense of what it was like many years ago. The same can be said for Holt station too where everything looks so authentic.”
After departing, you’ll quickly end up in a quintessentially British village called Weybourne. Here, you can visit the Muckleburgh Military Collection, which is the UK’s biggest privately owned military museum, featuring over 120 tanks, guns and vehicles among its 10,000-item collection. Or, bring a picnic along with you and enjoy an alfresco lunch in the sun.
“Better still, walk from Weybourne to Sheringham Park, up to the Gazebo, where if you time it right, you’ll get the most fantastic view of the steam engines puffing along the line,” Explore Norfolk added. “If you look at the timetable you’ll be able to see when the next steam train goes past.”
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When you’re back on board, sit back, relax, and enjoy the endless vistas from both windows. You’ll meander through quaint towns, rolling countryside hills, and long stretches of golden beaches – until ending up in Holt.
This chocolate box destination is filled with 18th-century Georgian buildings, tranquil courtyards, and a bustling high street. You’re also just a stone’s throw from Holt Country Park, which the Express describes as a lush ‘100-acre woodland with oak, pine and silver birch trees’. For history buffs, the nearby ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle are a must.
You can buy tickets in advance online, which will give you a heft 15 per cent discount. Prices will vary depending on the route you’ve chosen and the time of the year. An adult ticket on Friday, April 18 costs £25, while a child’s ticket comes to just £17.50. Family discounts are also available.
You book your ticket for the Poppy Line here.
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