'Best' line in Norfolk?

[Thebaz]

I know this is a subjective question, but I'm heading to Norfolk next week and will probably only get to go on one of the heritage lines there. So which one should it be!? I think I like the look of the Mid-Norfolk slightly more but will be staying much closer to the North Norfolk and could combine it with a beach trip to Cromer. Choices, choices.

 

[Forty29]

I'd do the second option lovely coastline and beach life around there. North Norfolk is a good choice too

 

[Dodrzet]

Not quite OT but there's a nice fish and chip shop / restaurant in Cromer called, appropriately, No 1.

 

[duffield]

The NNR is in a more picturesque setting but it's rather short (about 5 miles versus 10 miles for the MNR). The MNR arguably has a bit more going on railway wise with the various level crossings etc. particularly in Dereham. Wymondham, at the other end of the MNR is a nice little town. Sheringham on the NNR will probably be overun with tourists and is quite expensive.

 

[SECR 65]

The NNR probably has a more varied range of steam traction than the MNR.

 

[RailwayRookie]

The NNR probably has a more varied range of steam traction than the MNR.

Isnt Steam banned at the moment?

 

[duffield]

Isnt Steam banned at the moment?

I was thinking about that, but this is for next week and the forecast for the area does say about 20C and showers around so maybe not.

 

[andyjhatton]

Don't forget about the Bure Valley Railway.

 

[Ralph Ayres]

Don't forget about the Bure Valley Railway.

Indeed. A somewhat smaller affair (gauge and overall operation) but to me it therefore feels more friendly and intimate. A former standard gauge line so the odd experience of running through a couple of closed stations and under bridges seeming out of scale.

 

[DelW]

For really small trains, there's also Wells and Walsingham. Their 10 & 1/4" gauge Garratts must be among the smallest Garratts in the world I should think.

 

[Magdalia]

I was thinking about that, but this is for next week and the forecast for the area does say about 20C and showers around so maybe not.

The East of England has had almost no rain in 2 months and everywhere is tinder dry. A few showers are not going to change that, what we need is days of heavy rain.

 

[cats_five]

The East of England has had almost no rain in 2 months and everywhere is tinder dry. A few showers are not going to change that, what we need is days of heavy rain.

Week & months in my view

 

[HOOVER29]

Was in Norfolk in June, first visit for 12 years.
Thoroughly enjoyed it
Both the North Norfolk Railway and the Mid Norfolk Railway were visited.

Both have their plus points

The North Norfolk had the rails & ales festival on with D400 & D1015 along with a colas 37 along with the residential class 31.

The Mid Norfolk railway had the pacer running, they also have two 47’s & a class 33 operational along with 50019 which is slowly being restored

On the North Norfolk it’s also worth having a walk around Sheringham

 

[rustbucket]

Fleet should look a bit healthier at the Mid Norfolk next year

The 101 is due for release into traffic in January after restoration, and the class 37 should also be back in traffic next season after at least 10 years out too

 

[EbbwJunction1]

There's also the Muckleburgh Military Collection at Weybourne. Although not railways, it's a very large collection of military vehicles and memorabilia.