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Things to do in Dereham
Mid-Norfolk Railway
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Mid-Norfolk Railway

See all things to do
See all things to do
Mid-Norfolk Railway
4
#2 of 14 things to do in Dereham
Scenic Railroads
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Mid-Norfolk Railway runs Heritage Steam and Diesel train services from the market town of Dereham to Wymondham in Norfolk, just outside Norwich. It is run mainly by volunteers, and operates a number of Special Events throughout the year.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
486 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
131
Average
44
Poor
17
Terrible
27
Graham R
Honiton, UK383 contributions
Lovely heritage experience
Oct 2023 • Couples
There is a lovely short journey on this line which has been curtailed for renovation. The train was a Class 142 DMU. The station at Dereham has a good cafe which is open even when trains aren't running. There is a good second-hand bookshop, too.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosemary C
Norwich, UK55 contributions
Tea without the washing up!
Aug 2023
Afternoon Tea Train.

This was our first afternoon tea trip from Dereham. We were shown to our seats with the table set for our trip. The selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes was impressive.
Teas and coffees were served by the smartly dressed volunteers. My husband certainly kept them busy with the tea pot.
We recommend this as a special event for anyone wanting to do something a bit special.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
Devizes, UK1,213 contributions
A Thin Experience
Jul 2023 • Friends
A bit of a thin experience to be honest. Half the line closed, no steam running, and the substitute transport was a bus-on-rails Pacer unit. We knew of some problems before we went, but we were booked in so went ahead. The problem is that you get to Thuxton and there is literally nothing to do - no shop, no tea-room, no toilets. All you can do is wait to catch the Pacer back to Dereham. It's not the most picturesque scenery at the best of times, so an underwhelming day. I know the railway has its problems, but I think that their substitute "service"/ offering needs to be improved.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John E
Biggleswade, UK321 contributions
A Good Short Trip
Jun 2023
Enjoyed all the staff involved with this attraction. I was a bit disappointed that nobody informed us ( including at the ticket office) that the train only went two stops and not all the way to the end of the line (apparently due to bridge repairs) and that the terminus station had nothing worth stopping for and therefore just waited on the train for 30 minutes until we started our return trip back to Dereham station.
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fork_handles
Luton, UK1,883 contributions
Pleasant Railway Ride and Event Day.
May 2023
Visited as part of the Bus and Coach Day on 14th May. The station is well presented with helpful staff and really feels like something from 100 years or so ago! The little museum was also very interesting with friendly volunteers. We took a bus ride to County School Station a bit further up the line which is a lovely peaceful spot where I could have sat all afternoon listening to the birds and bees! We also took a train ride south to Hardingham which was a nice trip, albeit on a fairly modern 'Pacer' diesel unit.

The bus event was enjoyable but unfortunately the Park and Ride from Cherry Tree Car Park was not well signed at the car park. As well as that, the station yard had people milling around all over it while buses were reversing etc which was quite dangerous - I am surprised that there was not more barriers etc there to segregate members of the public and moving buses.

Would certainly be interested to return when something more interesting is operating on the line.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SmartDamo
Costessey, UK4,551 contributions
Good first time experience… take pj’s
Jan 2023 • Family
Really unfortunate we didn’t come at night, I’ve heard when it’s night time the kids see all the lights out of the windows of the train and Santa’s sleigh all lit up but on the whole o was impressed with the train journey and all the acting. The seating arrangements before you board was a bit of a mess with families having to split as people had left space between groups, so perhaps ushers or allocation would be good. The bell hosts are much better than you’d expect and even the children recognised the quality of not having cheap plastic rubbish. On the whole I was impressed.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keeping up with the Barbers
Bungay, UK504 contributions
The magical Polar Express
Dec 2022 • Family
We arrived at 4.15pm for the Polar express train ride and parked outside the station for premium parking for premium ticket holders, we checked in which was really quick and found a seat near to the front to watch the pre show. We advise to get there early or you can’t see from the back and don’t get a seat which is what happened to us last year which I struggled with as a have a mobility issue.
The show was really good, after that we were guided to the carriage we were on, we were on the Rudolph carriage seats 40, 41 & 43. We found our carriage and seats and unfortunately we were not given a table together and our son who has Autism & Adhd sat with another family which was really upsetting until there was a free table as some people didn’t show up so we were all able to sit together, thanks to the chef who told us we could move which was so nice of her. I must say the other family were so kind to our son and did make him feel welcome, which was lovely.
The train left about 5pm and the excitement began, this is such a magical and beautiful experience to endure and really make you feel Christmassy.
The conductor and all other staff were amazing, we really enjoyed ourselves again, this was our second year. We found ourselves singing, clapping and really having a good time. I always get emotional here and had a few tears knowing how much my late mum would have enjoyed this but never made it.
One of the chefs saw me upset and came over and spoke to me and I told her and she was so nice.
We enjoyed the Cadbury hot chocolate and cookie brought round and loved the bell we got from Santa (The first gift of Christmas)
The conductor was so lovely and when punching our tickets he made little patterns in them which was amazing, he was so clever, I got a heart, my hubby got a Christmas tree and my son got home punched in his ticket. That was so special.
We visited the North Pole and saw Santa on his sleigh waving to us and we got some brilliant photos of the whole experience. The whole experience was two hours long and is definitely worth experiencing, we will definitely be back again next year, if you do decide to go make sure you book early as the seats go fast, they normally start about March time.
We looked in the souvenir shop afterwards but unfortunately didn’t have anything like we bought last year like the photo frame or the Christmas tree ornament but did have things from clocks, teddies, scarfs, dvd’s, magnets and keyrings but we’re quite pricey.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marguerite410
St. Albans, UK19 contributions
Polar Express magic
Dec 2022 • Family
The polar express was an amazing experience highly reccomend magical well done by staff highly entertaining
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol B
Benfleet, UK165 contributions
Polar Express
Dec 2022
We were recommended this trip earlier in the year from some friends that went last Christmas and we can honestly say it did not disappoint, it really was excellent.

You have to get to the venue at your set time which for us was 2.45. There was a Morrisons car park opposite the station and various other car parks close by. You then sit in a marquee with things going on stage and cast members walking up the aisles chatting. The train did not actually board until 3.15 but once you have boarded the entertainment starts for the whole journey of about 90 mins. You have the ticket collector and 2 chefs entertaining you with singing, dancing and chatting. A bit later on we were joined by the naughty elf and then Father Christmas. Hot chocolate and cookies are served to you as part of your ticket and everyone received a gift. It was all very professional.

We Would highly recommend this train.

Well done to all concerned.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
1 contribution
A magical experience
Dec 2022
It’s hard to pick one thing out. Fantastic from start to finish. Starting with some top class entertainment while you wait. The trip was better than I ever imagined and the actors on the train made everything magical. Lots of wonderful memories. Whatever else you do for your children at Christmas make sure this is top of the list
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Mid-Norfolk Railway
Mid-Norfolk Railway is open:
  • Sat - Sun 09:00 - 17:00