Bure Valley Railway
Bure Valley Railway
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
The Bure Valley Railway is a narrow gauge steam railway operating between the market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the capital of the Norfolk Broads a distance of nine miles. All coaches are fully enclosed with upholstered seats, heating is provided in the winter months. An 80-seat café is available at Aylsham offering freshly cooked light lunches, snacks, and drinks. Specially designed coaches are provided to allow wheelchair users and able-bodied passengers to travel together. Both Aylsham and Wroxham stations have step-free access. Ample free parking for cars and coaches is available at both stations. Children under 5 travel free. Trains operate daily from April - October with other special events throughout the year. Festive trains operate from the first weekend in December until Christmas Eve
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- angie wordinghamNorwich, United Kingdom10 contributionsA magical christmas afternoon at bure valley railwayArrived at bure valley santa train experience and we were greeted by wonderful,happy,fun staff.the place was magical for children and adults alike,everywhere lit up with christmas trees and lights.You were given a santa box of christmas snacks(shortbread,mince pies,cakes)and a choice of drink and then taken aboard the train stationed in a beautiful surrounding.after a totally relaxing steam train journey(about half an hour)you arrived back to be greeted by santa on a sleigh.children then visited santa in the grotto to recieve their christmas gift.this is a special christmas afternoon that we would highly recommend(to adults alone,not just families).book it now and make some more christmas memories. thank you bure valley and a special thanks to christine for making our afternoon so special xVisited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 December 2022
- NorthantsNige576 contributionsMince Pie Special – a lovely experience.The station was extensively and imaginatively decorated throughout – and so was the train! It was all fantastically festive. We got a warm welcome from the two ladies in the Aylsham shop. They were very friendly and super-helpful. This welcome continued with every single member of staff we encountered – in the café, on the platforms, on the train, and at the station at Wroxham. The train ride itself was a delight – great views of countryside from a quirky carriage, with a warm mince pie to make it even more seasonal. Highly recommended.Visited December 2022Written 10 January 2023
- Explorer577416302264 contributionsMagical Steam train rideWhat a wonderful surprise and worth the money paid we did the Easter express which the boy got an egg at the end. Nice steam train ride and you get your own part of the carriage (4seats) even though only 3 of us. Would have been 5 stars but there was no mind your head signs getting out or in the carriage and seen lots of people hitting their heads. If done again would do Aylsham to Wroxham though and then have longer in Wroxham before we returned.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 April 2023
- SusieporkymonkeyBury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom9 contributionsAbsolutely Fab-u-lous!We had a brilliant day. The whole experience was fabulous. The people we met in the ticket office/shop (at both ends of the journey), in the cafe, on the train and on the platforms (at both ends of the journey) were friendly, helpful and accommodating of our requests. We bought sandwiches and cakes from the cafe at Aylsham and ate them at the picnic benches at Wroxham station whilst watching the engine being turned by hand in preparation for the return journey. The railway run runs alongside the Bure Valley footpath, with links to other circular walks, and the river for some of the journey. We love the sights, sounds and smells of steam trains! A experience not to be missed.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 May 2023
- Barb S213 contributionsExcellent journeyWe had a lovely welcome, when we arrived to pick up our pre booked tickets. I explained that my dog couldn't come as she was ill. The lady have me a small bag of dog biscuits, so she didn't miss out. I have a mobility scooter and we were pit in the saloon coach, accessible by a ramp. We got going, at quite a surprising speed. We loved our journey to Wroxham, about 45 minutes. When we got off , we walked in to Wroxham, about 20 minites. We'd have quite happily paid for a shuttle bus. There's a large bookshop at Wtoham. Thejourney back was just as good. We thoroughly enjoyed our journey.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 May 2023
- Emma WThornton Cleveleys, United Kingdom124 contributionsLovely but expensiveThis is a lovely railway with a very charming little train, fantastic shop and great cafe. I would of given it 5 stars but for a family of 4 £50 seemed a little expensive. We did a nature trail which was fun on the train but the prize was a 20p plastic magnifying glass. For the £50 I was sort of expecting something a little more.Visited May 2023Written 30 May 2023
- BertUpminster, United Kingdom16 contributionsBurilliantTravelled to Aylsham on a coach trip and visited Bure Valley Railway. We had a 2 course roast lunch in the cafe which was delicious (roast beef and all the trimmings with crumble and custard to follow). Compliments to the chef. We boarded the stream train to Wroxham with rather tiny but quaint carrages which had very comfortable seating. Lovely views of the Norfolk countryside. The experience was great and would recommend. All the staff were very friendly.Visited June 2023Written 2 June 2023
- NessieMonster896Leicester, United Kingdom46 contributionsSmall but perfectly formed!A lovely day out with my partner and dad who is a steam fan. The carriage was comfortable with a breeze through the open windows. Loved spotting the metal sculptures along the Bure Valley footpath which runs next to the track. Friendly staff. A great day out.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 June 2023
- Andy FDevizes, United Kingdom1,213 contributionsWell Worth A VisitVery pleasant run out through some beautiful countryside from Aylsham to Wroxham. Being a narrow gauge railway, the carriages are necessarily a little small for larger/ taller people. There are several steam ebgines to see.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 July 2023
- thecriticalcookHorley, United Kingdom77 contributionsLovely little railwayLovely day out on this great little railway . Friendly service on reception and in the cafe . Reasonable prices in cafe , huge freshly baked cheese scones and hot drinks for two £11.80. Return journey to wroxham 45 mins each way £19 per adult . Lovely scenery . There is a footpath all along the track if you fancy walking one way (9 miles) . Cafes at both stations and an excellent second hand bookshop at wroxham station . Comfortable padded bench seats in carriages and all the joy of travelling in a steam train . Loved our visit .Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2023
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4.5
823 reviews
Excellent
496
Very good
227
Average
68
Poor
18
Terrible
14
Ceri T
Norwich, UK189 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wow we were lucky!
On the way out we were the only people on board. We were greeted by lovely staff and shown to our carriage. On the way to Wroxham we were at the back of the train.
On the way we were joined by another couple who were supposed to be in another carriage but for some reason decided to sit in ours and talk non-stop the whole way back. Why they chose to sit on our carriage when they could have had one to themselves and had booked seats for a separate carriage! But this was out of Bure Valley's control at the time.
I would't want to board this during peak season with lots of kids but in quieter times it was magical!
It's such a quaint little steam train and it really is a must do if you're in the area! Really glad we chose to do this one over the other's in the area. We have done NNR and this is much better in my opinion! I know they're different but for a steam train experience I would recommend this one.
On the way out we were the only people on board. We were greeted by lovely staff and shown to our carriage. On the way to Wroxham we were at the back of the train.
On the way we were joined by another couple who were supposed to be in another carriage but for some reason decided to sit in ours and talk non-stop the whole way back. Why they chose to sit on our carriage when they could have had one to themselves and had booked seats for a separate carriage! But this was out of Bure Valley's control at the time.
I would't want to board this during peak season with lots of kids but in quieter times it was magical!
It's such a quaint little steam train and it really is a must do if you're in the area! Really glad we chose to do this one over the other's in the area. We have done NNR and this is much better in my opinion! I know they're different but for a steam train experience I would recommend this one.
Written 25 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.
Navigate03895430707
7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A lovely trip from Aylsham to Wroxham. Staff very friendly, a little bit expensive. Can take the dog.
I would do it the other way round personally, coming from Wroxham as Aylsham is a lovely market town, definitely worth a browse.
I would do it the other way round personally, coming from Wroxham as Aylsham is a lovely market town, definitely worth a browse.
Written 21 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.
Liz A
Clacton-on-Sea, UK41 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Helpful friendly staff lovely views of the countryside as taking train ride both ways.gre.at cafe at Aylsham lots of choice of hot food and drink. Lots of items to buy in the shop.Would definitely recommend the bure railway experience
Written 15 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.
Phil H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I was fortunate to have a Steam Driving Experience Day gifted to me by my children for my 70th Birthday.
The day was absolutely amazing, there were five of us, each being instructed by David, who was very knowledgeable, likable and enthusiastic, as was Matthew, our guard for the day.
Each of us had two sessions at the controls of steam engine Spitfire alongside David, with one half distance drive on the nine mile line in the morning, a stop for a wonderful lunch, and another half distance drive in the afternoon.
A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience, and fully recommended.
The day was absolutely amazing, there were five of us, each being instructed by David, who was very knowledgeable, likable and enthusiastic, as was Matthew, our guard for the day.
Each of us had two sessions at the controls of steam engine Spitfire alongside David, with one half distance drive on the nine mile line in the morning, a stop for a wonderful lunch, and another half distance drive in the afternoon.
A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience, and fully recommended.
Written 11 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.
vickyjm78
Essex, UK129 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I love steam trains so am somewhat biased, however all the staff here are so friendly and passionate about their craft, I was left with a massive smile on my face for the entire journey
Definitely worth a visit even if just to support a worthy cause, even if you are not a steam fan
They even helped me out with car parking and tips for a bike ride the day before
Note the gauge of the railway. It’s not a standard gauge so trains a bit on the small side but that’s part of the fun
Definitely worth a visit even if just to support a worthy cause, even if you are not a steam fan
They even helped me out with car parking and tips for a bike ride the day before
Note the gauge of the railway. It’s not a standard gauge so trains a bit on the small side but that’s part of the fun
Written 6 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.
52chrystall
Ceaux-en-Loudun, France5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a lovely steam engine ride, with free parking at the station at Wrexham and Aylsham for travellers. I mentioned at the ticket office it was our wedding anniversary and on the return journey there was a card on our seat wishing us a Happy Wedding anniversary from everyone at the Bure valley railway, how delightful is that. We asked where a good place to eat was in Aylsham, taking the guidance we had a superb meal and a walk around the church before taking our train back. Thank you all, a most enjoyable day.
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.
Paul M
Maidstone, United Kingdom17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
What a delightful Narrow Gauge preserved Railway. Neat and tidy stations, a cafe at Aylesham, and dinky but comfy enough carriages for the ride behind narrow gauge Steam Locomotives through the Norfolk countryside. All the staff were very friendly, from the driver to the cafe ladies.
Written 30 September 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.
MartinWG
Petersfield, UK148 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I have visited many steam and preserved railways in the last many many years and this one was a very pleasant surprise. Organised, excellent facilities, welcoming staff, professionally run. Thoroughly recommend.
Written 24 September 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.
Caroline F
Grimsby, UK36 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful little railway! We booked online to travel from Aylsham to Wroxham return. Aylsham Station has a lovely gift shop and cafe with home cooked food. The whole place is immaculately clean and tidy. You are allocated a carriage and compartment which saves a scramble for seats! The journey is about 45 minutes through lovely scenery and is a very pleasant way of travelling. All of the staff were really friendly and knowledgeable and were happy to answer any questions. Highly recommended!
Written 23 September 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.
Ollie W
37 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Fantastic little engines and friendly service by all members of staff. I was really impressed with the station’s and the new big signs that have gone up since my previous visit last year. I alway make time to come for a ride when I’m on my boat holiday every year starting always at wroxham. I will definitely be returning in the very near future
Written 15 September 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.
EEDWgc
WGC280 contributions
What is car parking like at either end of the line? Which is better?
Jonathan A
Cromer, UK46 contributions
Not Being a Driver, I can't really answer this question, However there is possibly more spaces at Aylsham as you can get coaches at Wroxham. Aylsham tends to the busier of the Terminal stations. as the HQ are are there as with the Engine Sheds.
KalJen1
Urmston, UK44 contributions
We are thinking about getting the train to Aylsham and walking to Blickling Hall. It looks like it can be done but I'm just going off Google. Does anyone know if there is a route anywhere to download please
Cambridge Guru
Cambridge, UK884 contributions
I cycled the road last week and the two mile journey is an easy walk along the roadside. You will love Blickling Hall.Make sure you walk around the lake too.
Jenna C
1 contribution
Hello, We will be boarding the train at Wroxham. I was wondering if there's any attractions, pubs/restaurants with play areas to visit with a 6yr old boy and a dog maybe in Aylsham or at any stops between Wroxham and Aylsham (if any)?
It would be nice to spend some time somewhere and have a look around before heading back to Wroxham.
Any suggestions?
Jenna & Jacob x
iffley094
Lancaster, UK
Nothing much in Aylsham apart from the workshop and the cafe. Nothing at all en route to Wroxham, but on a nice day, Wroxham is a pleasant waterside location.
yes please are you able to take a mobility buggy on the train and can you get from the train to Wroxham broards and board the Mississippi paddle steamer
burevalley
Norwich, UK14 contributions
As both the respondents have said a mobility scooter is not a problem at all on the train. All we would say is that if it is one of the larger types then you must be able to manouver it yourself. If you know the day you are travelling we will happily reserve space in one of the carriages which accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, otherwise they are very much a first come first served, but with priority always given to wheelchair and scooter users. The combined train and boat ticket operates with the boat operator in Wroxham, although we do also work with the Mississippi Boat at Horning. If you especially wish to use them, we would happily organise a taxi to Horning at your cost. Pre booking this is strongly advised as taxis in Wroxham are limited. At the railway stations the entire site is step free including access to the train and from the car parks.
ScottieDog1960
Northampton, UK
Do you allow dogs on the train??
burevalley
Norwich, UK14 contributions
Hi ScottieDo,
Dogs are very welcome on the train and in all areas of the railway except in the café. If the weather is wet we do offer an indoor area where dogs are welcome and food can be served. We do make a charge for dogs of £3.50 for a return journey. Assistance dogs are free of charge. Best wishes Andrew Bure Valley Railway
Ellie W
Norwich, UK33 contributions
Going on Santa train tomorrow. Is there time to get food at Aylsham, should we take our own or can we buy some on the train?
Going at lunchtime so no time to eat beforehand & will definitely need food if the journey is an hour each way.
Advice please.
Trevor P
Northamptonshire, UK37 contributions
no sadly cannot buy food on train.
HRALDO
Hertfordshire, UK1 contribution
Could could my family group travel one way from Wroxham BY TRAIN and the return journey by boat?
burevalley
Norwich, UK14 contributions
Thanks very much for the enquiry. This is just to confirm that it is not possible to travel from Wroxham to Aylsham by Boat as the river is no longer navigable for the entire route. It is possible to take the train from Aylsham to Wroxham, do a boat trip for an our an a half out and back from Wroxham and then catch the train back to Aylsham. I hope this helps.
bowlerlincolnshire
lincolnshire21 contributions
Shall be visiting on aug 8th for the train & boat trip with a coach party. I am a little concerned about the walk from wroxham station to the boat as we are both in our eighties and car'nt waik too far . Any suggestions.
burevalley
Norwich, UK14 contributions
Thanks for your enquiry. You may also wish to check with your coach operator. Most coach parties are met at Wroxham by their coach and taken from our station to the boat yard, where the coach stays for the duration of the sailing. If you find this is not the case with your coach party, please do let us know and we would be happy to book at taxi for you. This normally costs around £3 - £4.
David P
Halesworth, UK
I believe you can join with a trip from Wroxham and I would like to give this combined trip as a gift. Can I do so ?
burevalley
Norwich, UK14 contributions
Dear David,
The railway dos have a terminal station at Wroxham and it is possible to combine a trip on the railway with a 1 1/2 hour cruise on the Norfolk Broads. The timings will depend upon when you wish to travel. We do offer gift vouchers which can be used for any product or services offered by the railway including the train and boat trip. We do recommend advance booking at busy periods for the train and boat trip, no booking is required for just the train. Please do feel free to call us to discuss your specific requirements. Many thanks for your enquiry.
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Claim your listingBURE VALLEY RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bure Valley Railway
- Bure Valley Railway is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:30
- Hotels near Bure Valley Railway:
- (0.26 mi) Tinsmith's House
- (0.34 mi) Black Boys Hotel & Restaurant
- (0.32 mi) The Ironmongers
- (0.38 mi) Sankence Lodge
- (0.40 mi) Aylsham Windmill
- Restaurants near Bure Valley Railway:
- (0.05 mi) Whistlestop Cafe Aylsham
- (0.34 mi) The Black Boys Hotel Pub & Restaurant
- (0.33 mi) Old Tea Rooms
- (0.23 mi) Brunch Cafe
- (0.26 mi) Stamp Restaurant & Bar