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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Norwich & the Norfolk Broads

Norfolk heritage railways, coastal towns, and Norfolk Broads cruise from Norwich

Illustration of Norwich & the Norfolk Broads

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day escorted tour centred on Norwich, the cathedral capital of Norfolk in eastern England. From a base at the three-star George Hotel, you will journey on four heritage railways, each with its own character: the North Norfolk Railway (the Poppy Line) from Sheringham to Holt, where steam locomotives pull vintage carriages past wildflower-lined fields; the Mid-Norfolk Railway through unspoilt countryside; and the Bure Valley Railway following the River Bure. Days include a guided tour of Norwich's medieval Old Town with its Anglo-Norman cathedral, a visit to Sandringham, the British Royal Family's stately home, and a cruise on the Norfolk Broads aboard a paddle steamer. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and all meals, guided excursions, and transport are included. This suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxed pace with organised logistics and comfortable three-star accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (from GBP 809) is significantly higher than half the double rate (GBP 364.50), adding GBP 444.50 to the base price.
  • The group may be up to 30 people; this is a larger escorted tour rather than a small-group experience.
  • The final day is largely unstructured; you check out and depart or explore at your own pace with no guided activities.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Norwich

    Arriving in the welcoming atmosphere of Norwich

    Your holiday begins in the cathedral city of Norwich, the historic capital of Norfolk, where we meet the Tour Manager at our hotel. After checking in, you're free to enjoy some time to explore the city 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, we gather at the hotel for our first three-course dinner of the holiday.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Norwich

    Exploring Norwich and birdspotting at the Cley Marshes

    After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Norwich, uncovering the city's unique culture and warm, inviting atmosphere. Strolling through the Old Town, we learn some of the city's fascinating history and gaze at the Anglo-Norman cathedral that dominates its skyline. The streets and open squares reveal museums, medieval churches and public gardens, among other attractions. In the afternoon, we travel by coach to Cley Marshes, one of the oldest nature reserves in the country. We encounter the beauty of these popular coastal wetlands and hear an expert talk about the species of birds living in the area. Afterwards, you are free to wander along the trails and find a hide to spot the birds on your own before we return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Norwich

    Sheringham, the North Norfolk Railway & Sandringham

    Today, we journey by rail on the Bittern Line to Sheringham, a traditional seaside town on the Deep History Coast, where there's time to wander along the colourful promenade or enjoy lunch with a coastal view. Meeting at the station, we join the heritage North Norfolk Railway on a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt. This famous route is known as the Poppy Line because of the vibrant red flowers lining the route in summer. From our vintage carriage, we admire sweeping views of the coastline, heathland and rolling hills. From Holt, a coach takes us to Sandringham, once a favourite residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II and now a cherished retreat to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The magnificent estate gives us a fascinating insight into the heritage and lifestyle of the royal family, and inside the house, the décor and furniture have remained the same since Edwardian times. Please note: on the 19th July & 11th October departures, we will visit Blickling Hall instead of Sandringham. On the 6th September departure, we will travel by coach to Sheringham.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Norwich

    Norfolk's heritage railways and cruising Norfolk Broads

    We make the most of our final full day and discover Norfolk by heritage railway. After heading to Dereham by coach, we join the Mid-Norfolk Railway on its full journey through the picturesque countryside to Wymondham. From Wymondham, we continue by coach to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where we board the Bure Valley Railway. Following the meandering River Bure through the Bure Valley, we pass the serene meadows, historic pastures and idyllic villages of the Broadland region en route to Wroxham. On arrival in this peaceful village, we have free time to look around before we drive the short distance to Horning for a unique experience - cruising into beautiful Norfolk scenery aboard a Mississippi paddle boat. Drifting along the Norfolk Broads, we admire the celebrated landscapes and wildlife. With light refreshments available on the boat. We are driven back to our hotel with time to refresh before the final dinner of our memorable holiday. *Steam-hauled where possible however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    After a final full English breakfast this morning, check out of our hotel and begin your journey homewards or continue exploring more of Norwich and Norfolk at your own pace.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Norwich's Old Town, including the Anglo-Norman cathedral and medieval churches.
  • Day 3Steam-hauled journey on the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) from Sheringham to Holt, passing vibrant red wildflowers.
  • Day 3Visit to Sandringham, the British Royal Family's stately home.
  • Day 4Bure Valley Railway journey following the meandering River Bure through meadows and woodland.
  • Day 4Cruise on the Norfolk Broads aboard a Mississippi paddle boat.

Included

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on all four heritage railways (North Norfolk, Mid-Norfolk, Bure Valley, and the Bittern Line) is included, along with all coach and cruise transport.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a Tour Manager from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are included.
Which trains are featured?
The tour uses the Bittern Line (Norwich to Sheringham), the North Norfolk Railway (Sheringham to Holt, the Poppy Line), the Mid-Norfolk Railway (Dereham to Wymondham), and the Bure Valley Railway (Aylsham to Wroxham), all heritage railways.
What is the accommodation?
Four nights at the three-star George Hotel in Norwich, a Victorian townhouse in a conservation area.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included each day.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys operates eight departures between July 2026 and October 2027, in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.

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