This mainline branch retains a lot of its character and there are also many traces of closed branches for enthusiasts to look out for. The line still serves many small rural stations, many of which are well-preserved and there are a wealth of mechanical signal boxes to be observed.
Norfolk By Rail Review
April 2001 Most services on this route are operated by diesel units, although I was carried on a rare locomotive-hauled service. The trains are generally clean and are well-maintained. The stations and structures appear to be well-maintained - this line already rivals some preserved railways. Interesting features to note include Haddiscoe High Level station and signal box (on the closed section of the East Suffolk line) and a very attractive swing bridge. The ride quality was good. The adult return fare of £4.00 appeared to be good value.
This is one of the county's best preserved mainline branches and retains a lot of its character. Small rural stations and mechanical signal boxes fly past the window of your train as it heads to the coastal resort of Great Yarmouth.
Norfolk By Rail Review
April 2001 Some services on this route are occasionally operated by hauled trains, rather than the more common diesel units, and I was lucky enough to ride on such a service. The trains are generally clean and are well-maintained. Some of the stations could do with some extra TLC - with some attention this line could rival some preserved railways. The ride quality was generally good, although there was a rough section of track as the train crossed the marshes on the approach to Yarmouth. The adult return fare of £4.00 appeared to be good value.
Although now operated by modern Sprinter diesel units, the line from Norwich to Sheringham, through Wroxham, North Walsham and Cromer, retains much of the character of a traditional branch line.
Most of the stations on the line are well preserved, and although Cromer Beach (MGN) has been badly affected by the building of a supermarket on the old depot site, the new restaurant in the old station building is well worth a visit. North Walsham station, a fantastic survivor - etched glass windows and all - was demolished in 1998, and a glass shelter has replaced it.
It is also worth noting that the short section of line from Cromer to Sheringham is the last section of the former Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway's 180 miles to escape closure! The line was recently modernised, and this saw the end of the manual level crossing gates and semaphore signals. Although this is a shame it is pleasant to see serious investment in a railway once scheduled for closure. Use this line for the Bure Valley Railway and North Norfolk Railway.
The most obvious rail route into Norfolk. Heavily modernised and electrified. Some of the stations are still of heritage interest (eg. Ipswich), but it is hard to find traces of the old connecting branch lines.
Formerly the main line from London to Norwich, this is now the secondary route into Norfolk. This line is almost an intact example ot the 1950s main line network. Plenty of semaphore signals and attractions. Use this line to access the Mid-Norfolk Railway and Wymondham Station.
The small station at Middleton was originally the first station out of King's Lynn on the line to Swaffham and Dereham. Although closed to passengers the line remains open to carry sand out of an adjacent quarry. Originally there was a large industrial narrow gauge network here, but this has recently been exchanged for conveyor belts.
The station buildings remain exactly as they were at passenger closure, although recent vandalism has forced Railtrack to board up the windows. Worth viewing if in the area. Some special excursions have run along this line in recent years.