Search

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Norwich & Norfolk

Norfolk heritage railways and Broads cruise from Norwich, five days

Illustration of Norwich & Norfolk

Great Rail Journeys operates a five-day escorted tour centred on Norwich, Norfolk's cathedral city, with four nights at the Holiday Inn Norwich City. The itinerary blends heritage railway journeys with Norfolk's inland waterways and royal history. On Day 2, you ride the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham, then board the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) for a steam-hauled journey to Holt before visiting Sandringham, the private country estate of King Charles III. Day 3 offers a guided walking tour of Norwich's medieval Old Town and a free afternoon. Day 4 combines two more heritage railways, the Mid-Norfolk and Bure Valley lines, with a Mississippi paddle boat cruise along the Norfolk Broads. A Tour Manager accompanies you throughout, arranging all coach transfers and excursions. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, couples seeking a relaxed pace, and those who prefer guided arrangements.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group may be up to 40 people, which is larger than some escorted tours.
  • All accommodation is at one hotel (Holiday Inn Norwich City, three stars) for all four nights; there is no hotel choice or upgrades listed.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Norwich

    A warm welcome in the historic city of Norwich

    Your holiday begins in the cathedral city of Norwich, the historic capital of Norfolk, where you meet the Tour Manager at the hotel. After checking in, you're free to explore at your own pace. Wander the city's medieval cobbled streets and admire the architecture from across the ages. With Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon roots, Norwich boasts a rich blend of half-timbered houses, Georgian and Victorian terraces, and medieval buildings. The River Wensum flows through the city centre and leads to the Romanesque castle, constructed under order from William the Conqueror after the Norman conquest. Norwich's Cathedral Quarter is home to a bustling marketplace, while the Art Nouveau Royal Arcade offers charming independent shops. This evening, gather at the hotel for the first three-course dinner of the holiday.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Norwich

    The scenic North Norfolk Railway to elegant Sandringham

    After breakfast, transfer to Norwich station for a scenic rail journey along the Bittern Line to Sheringham. From here, step back in time aboard the heritage North Norfolk Railway for a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt, famously known as the Poppy Line. Continue to Sandringham, the beloved royal residence, to explore the grand house, its fascinating museum and the beautifully landscaped gardens. Return to the hotel by coach in the late afternoon. Note: on the 29th July & 19th August departures, Blickling Hall is visited instead of Sandringham.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Norwich

    A guided tour of Norwich and a free afternoon

    Set out with a local guide on a walking tour of Norwich's Old Town, uncovering the city's fascinating history. The afternoon is free to discover more of Norwich at leisure, consider visiting the Cathedral of St John the Baptist or the Plantation Garden. Enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a relaxed evening, or see a live show at the Theatre Royal.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Norwich

    A heritage rail journey and a cruise along the Norfolk Broads

    A coach transfer takes you to Dereham to join the Mid-Norfolk Railway for a journey through picturesque countryside to Wymondham. From there, travel to Aylsham for free time at the Whistlestop Café before boarding the Bure Valley Railway steam train through the Bure Valley to Wroxham. A short transfer to Horning leads to a Mississippi paddle boat cruise along the Norfolk Broads, renowned for its wonderful landscapes and wildlife. Light refreshments are available on board. Return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Once you have checked out of the hotel, you are free to make your own way home or continue exploring the area independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: the Bittern Line takes you to Sheringham, then the heritage North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) offers a steam-hauled journey to Holt before visiting Sandringham, the private country estate of King Charles III.
  • Day 4Day 4: the Mid-Norfolk Railway carries you through picturesque countryside from Dereham to Wymondham, followed by the Bure Valley Railway steam train to Wroxham, then a Mississippi paddle boat cruise along the Norfolk Broads.
  • Day 3Day 3: a local guide leads a walking tour of Norwich's Old Town uncovering the city's medieval history, with a free afternoon to visit the Cathedral of St John the Baptist or the Plantation Garden.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 3-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Bittern Line, North Norfolk Railway, Mid-Norfolk Railway, and Bure Valley Railway, plus all coach travel and a Mississippi paddle boat cruise, are included in the from-price of 529 GBP.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner each day are included. Lunch is not mentioned.
Where do I stay?
You stay at the Holiday Inn Norwich City for all four nights.
How much walking is involved?
Day 3 includes a guided walking tour of Norwich's Old Town. The itinerary involves boarding heritage trains and a paddle boat but does not describe extended hikes.
What is not included?
Cancellation and Travel Insurance are not included. Lunch meals and any travel to or from your home are not included. Optional UK rail connection upgrades are available separately.

Similar journeys