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  • Model Railway Exhibition | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Model Railway Exhibition 1st March 2025 Join us for the Mid-Norfolk Railways Model Railway Exhibition Day, held annually on the first weekend of March! Experience the excitement as numerous stunning layouts are on display, showcasing the creativity of model railway enthusiasts. Trains will be running between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey, offering a fantastic day out for families and rail fans alike. Don’t miss opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of model railways! Exhibiton Details Model Railway Exhibition at Dereham Memorial Hall Join us for an exciting Model Railway Exhibition hosted at Dereham Memorial Hall!Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of model railways, with intricate layouts, expert displays, and a chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or new to the charm of model railways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Date: Saturday 1st March 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Entry Prices: • Adults: £6 • Concessions: £5 • Accompanied children: FREE Additional Information: • Free Parking is available at Dereham Station for your convenience. • Refreshments will be available throughout the day to keep you fueled while you explore. Don’t miss this fantastic day out for all ages! 2025 Model Railway Exhibition - Timetable East Dereham Yaxham - Request Thuxton Kimberley Park - Request Wymondham Abbey Wymondham Abbey Kimberley Park - Request Thuxton Yaxham - Request East Dereham Fares Tickets can be bought at either Dereham or Wymondham Abbey station, if you are boarding at either Yaxham, Thuxton or Kimberley Park tickets can be bought on the train. Continuing from 2024 our popular Kids Go Free** offer is valid on this event. Fare Type Day Rover Return Journey Adult £17 £10 Child (aged 5-15) £5** £5 Child (under 5) FREE FREE Concession (Over 60, Disabled & Students) £15 £10 Registered Carers £10 £8 Dogs/Bikes £3 £3 MNRPT Member £10 £5 Traction Class 142 061 *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsiblity for any inconvenience caused. ** For every full-paying adult rover fare, 2 accompanying children may travel for free. *** Dates and traction allocations are planned to run but are subject to change at short notice.

  • Pink Timetable | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Pink Market Day Timetable Our timetabled Pink Heritage service allows passengers to travel between the market towns of Dereham and Wymondham on select Fridays. Featuring either our first-generation railcar from the 1950s or our second-generation Pacer Railbus from the 1980s, this provides convenient transportation for marketgoers allowing you to enjoy the benefits and diverse offerings of each town's market. Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to explore both of the vibrant local markets. 2025 Pink Timetable - May to September East Dereham Yaxham - Request Thuxton Kimberley Park - Request Wymondham Abbey Wymondham Abbey Kimberley Park - Request Thuxton Yaxham - Request East Dereham Fares Tickets can be bought at either Dereham or Wymondham Abbey station, if you are boarding at either Yaxham, Thuxton or Kimberley Park tickets can be bought on the train. Continuing from 2024 our popular Kids Go Free** offer is valid for all Pink timetable dates. Fare Type Pink Market Day - Return Adult £10 Child (aged 5-15) £5 Child (under 5) FREE Concession (Over 60, Disabled & Students) £10 Registered Carers £8 Dogs/Bikes £3 MNRPT Member £5 Traction I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. I'm an image title Describe your image here. *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsiblity for any inconvenience caused. ** For every full-paying adult rover fare, 2 accompanying children may travel for free. *** Dates and traction allocations are planned to run but are subject to change at short notice.

  • Dining Trains | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Dining Trains HEART OF NORFOLK AFTERNOON TEA TRAINS Variety of dates throughout the season Book Now BRECKLAND FRYER FISH & CHIP TRAINS Variety of dates throughout the season Book Now MURDER MYSTERY FISH & CHIP TRAINS Variety of dates & themes throughout the season Book Now

  • 1940s Weekend | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    1940s Weekend 2nd & 3rd August 2025 1/14 Multiple historic displays at Dereham, Yaxham, Thuxton, Hardingham & Wymondham Abbey Stations Intensive service of trains running throughout to Wymondham 2 live firepower demonstrations at Dereham, each day at 11am & 3pm The 1940s Weekend Event is a unique opportunity to explore our history and experience it in person. Come and witness the steam trains running throughout the weekend, and engage with multiple historic displays that will transport you back in time. Be awed by live firepower demonstrations that bring the era to life and make history come alive before your very eyes. Multiple period-appropriate vehicles on display and interactive exhibits that showcase life during this era, our event is not to be missed. Our event will be displayed across various stations along the line, so be sure to get your tickets and join us for this unforgettable journey through time. The 2025 event date is the 2nd & 3rd August. There is an admission fee to look around at the displays at Dereham station carpark & Wymondham Abbey. FANCY GETTING INVOLVED?? Full event details and application instructions can be found at www.mnr40sweekend.co.uk . Timetables Fares Tickets can be bought at either Dereham or Wymondham Abbey station, if you are boarding at either Yaxham, Thuxton or Kimberley Park tickets can be bought on the train. Event - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. ***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

  • ABOUT US | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    About The Mid-Norfolk Railway The Mid-Norfolk Railway is the longest standard gauge heritage railway in East Anglia and runs through the Heart of Norfolk from Dereham to Wymondham. The railway has its headquarters in Dereham and runs frequent trains south towards Wymondham across the year. The line is currently being restored to The MNRs northern most station County School, with engineering trains currently being able to run as far as North Elmham. The Mid-Norfolk Railway is owned & ran by the registered charity, The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust which is goverened by the Trust Council. The Trust itself is owned by the Railway's members. History of The Mid-Norfolk Railway The MNR began from a base at Yaxham Station and originally the railway ran services between a temporary halt in Toftwood alongside Rash's Green and Yaxham. Since those early days in 1995, the railway has expanded with services running for 11 miles through ‘The Heart of Norfolk’ between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey. In addition, occasional services run northwards to Hoe, with the line to North Elmham and County School currently being restored ready for passenger services. Once complete the railway will run for a total of 17.5 miles – 28 km. The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust was set up in 1995 to buy the line from Wymondham to Dereham. Yaxham became the centre of operations, and permission was given to clear the line of undergrowth and to build a platform to run trains. The station at Dereham was cleaned up, and open days held. After building a platform at Rash’s Green near Dereham, passenger trains were run between there and Yaxham in 1995. This was an enormous success and supplied tangible evidence of the Trust’s achievements and its ability to operate the line. After relaying track into Dereham station in early 1997, the first train ran from the station in the summer of that year. After many years of patient negotiations, and with considerable help from Norfolk County Council, Breckland District Council and South Norfolk District Council, the Wymondham to Dereham section of the line was bought in April 1998 and became the property of the MNRPT. The line and its connection with the main line at Wymondham were passed for use by freight trains in June 1998, and within a few days a test freight train from Eastleigh worked onto the line – the first train to work into Dereham from the national rail network since closure of the line in 1989. Since then, the MNR has restored Dereham Station to its former glory, and installed run-round loops at Dereham, Wymondham and more recently Thuxton with a fully operational signal box. The line between Dereham to Worthing has also been reopened to passenger trains. In 2012, the railway won the Heritage Railway Association “Rail Express” Modern Attraction Award recognising our Class 47 Golden Jubilee Gala. After a bumper year in 2013, featuring our Big Four Steam Gala and the opening of the line north of Dereham to Hoe, we won the Heritage Railway of the Year Award 2013 at the National Railway Heritage Awards. In the last couple of years, the railway has built a new maintenance shed at the Dereham site. The shed means that for the first-time maintenance of the railway’s traction and rolling stock can be carried out under cover. In 2020, the railway restored several carriages and serviced locomotives & units to keep them running for the years to come! As part of a commercial contract with Greater Anglia, the railway has benefited from newly built sidings at Kimberley and a whole new running line between there and Hardingham. These new facilities have increased the railway's operational and storage ability tremendously. In 2020, the railway invested in the renewal of the Yaxham Road automatic level crossing; this significant investment ensured the railway has a crossing of the highest standard where the line crosses the main road into Dereham from the south. Garvestone crossing has been given similar treatment. Greens Road/Hall Lane automatic level crossing is planned to be upgraded in the near future. Between 2021 and 2023, reinstated Dereham Central signal box along with signalling works to increase capacity at the station and Dereham North gate box has been upgraded with signalling that is linked to Dereham Central. There is further track & signalling work required to restore regular passenger running on the line north of Dereham to Worthing, North Elmham and eventually County School station. Additionally we have Wymondham Church Lane signal box being restored (after being rescued from Spooner Row on the mainline) which will eventually control the Wymondham end of the line.

  • Special Events | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Special Events DEREHAM MODEL RAILWAY DAY Saturday 1st March 2025 MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY 30th ANNIVERSARY 22nd & 23rd March 2025 ALICE ON THE WONDERTRAIN Easter 2025 (April) VINTAGE BUS DAY 11th May 2025 SPRING DIESEL GALA WEEKEND 24th, 25th & 26th May 2025 THE DINO SQUAD EXPRESS 29th May 2025 STEAM GALA 2025 WEEKEND 27th, 28th & 29th June 2025 1940s WEEKEND 2nd & 3rd August 2025 THE DINO SQUAD EXPRESS 13th August 2025 BEER, MUSIC & FOOD FESTIVAL 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 25th August 2025 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE November & December 2025

  • Wedding Venue | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Weddings Discover YOUR Wedding Style Finding the perfect wedding venue is likely to be at the top of any newly engaged couple’s list. With the venue playing a vital role in the success of your day, it’s the big decision you really need to get right and we think we have the right venue you've just been looking for... Imagine arriving by a vintage bus or a coach-built automobile and the charm of a marriage ceremony in our waiting room on the platform where your own 'private train' will pull in to take you and your guests gently through the delightful countryside to enjoy your very special wedding Afternoon Tea on board ... a wonderfully unique experience for you and your guests to treasure forever. The scenery, the sights, the sounds and smells are all evocative of a time long passed. Our traditional 1950's station has a wedding suite that will comfortably seat 47 people. After your ceremony you can enjoy Norfolk's beautiful scenery from our heritage coaches whilst enjoying a glass of champagne. On your return you could enjoy a hot or cold buffet reception for all of your guests. We aim to make your day a truly memorable occasion and we guarantee you a warm welcome. We can tailor your wedding package to your requirements. From the day you book your wedding with us until the day of the ceremony itself, you will have the services of a dedicated Weddings Co-ordinator who will be happy to discuss with you those individual requirements that will make your wedding day extra special. Naturally, we would be delighted to show you around so that you will have a clearer idea of the facilities that we can offer. If you wish to visit the Railway, please contact our Weddings Co-ordinator to arrange an appointment on 01362 851723 or emailing charlie.robinson@mnr.org.uk Please see below for more detailed information about what the Mid-Norfolk Railway can offer you. To arrange a visit, please contact our Weddings Co-ordinator at charlie.robinson@mnr.org.uk or telephone Dereham Station on 01362 851723. Gallery Terms & Conditions “We” and “Us” mean The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust (MNRPT) trading as the Mid-Norfolk Railway. “You” and “Your” mean the Client. Prices include VAT at the current rate of 20% unless otherwise specified. Terms and Conditions must be signed by You and returned to the MNRPT with Your booking form and deposit. You must reimburse the cost of cleaning, repairing or replacing any damage caused to Our property by any of Your guests or You while You are on Site. We are not responsible for any loss or damage to Your property or Your guests’ property whilst on Our site. A deposit of £500 is required to secure Your booking which is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation by You which must be made in writing. Should You cancel for any reason, the following charges will be made if the date of the event is: Within 7 Days: No Refund. 8 to 28 Days: 50% of Monies Paid (excluding Deposit). We do not charge extra for paying by Credit or Debit Card. We require final numbers 28 days prior to the event. The balance must be received no later than 28 days before the event. No responsibility will be undertaken by Us for the bookings of outside contractors. All external caterers must have been approved by Us and they must comply with current food regulations and hold the relevant food certification that is necessary for the food they will be serving. There will be an extra charge of £100 for each food service and they must supply all cutlery, crockery and all cooking equipment if needed. There will be a £250 charge if Our kitchen is used. All external contractors must supply us with their public liability insurance information, and PAT Testing certificate (if applicable). * We reserve the right to cancel any booking if any part of the site is closed or otherwise unavailable because of events beyond Our control. In this case, Your deposit will be refunded. While every effort will be made to run Your train using Our Steam Locomotive, We reserve the right to use a Diesel Locomotive when required if the Steam Locomotive is required to be withdrawn for essential maintenance.

  • HOME | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    DISCOVER THE HEART OF NORFOLK As you journey from the historic Anglo-Saxon town of Dereham to the picturesque market town of Wymondham, renowned for its magnificent 917-year-old Abbey, you’ll traverse some of the most breathtaking countryside that Norfolk has to offer. The Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) is proudly operated by a team of over 350 passionate volunteers and supported by a membership of more than 1,000 railway enthusiasts. Together, they ensure the seamless operation of East Anglia’s longest heritage railway . Whether you’re a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to explore Norfolk, the MNR offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and scenic beauty. For details on our running dates, special events, and station open days, be sure to visit our calendar . EVENTS & DINING MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY 30th ANNIVERSARY 22nd & 23rd March 2025 Information ALICE ON THE WONDERTRAIN April 2025 Book Now THE HEART OF NORFOLK AFTERNOON TEA TRAIN March to September 2025 Book Now VIEW ALL DINING VIEW ALL EVENTS

  • Spring Diesel Gala | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Spring Diesel Gala 24th - 26th May 2025 The Mid-Norfolk Railway is delighted to announce the line up for our 2025 Spring Diesel Gala event, featuring the railway’s home fleet: 03063, 33202, 47580, and 47596, further guests to be confirmed. We are planning an exciting and intensive schedule over three full running days, showcasing a variety of timetables that will include both air-braked and vacuum-braked coaching stock. Expect a unique experience with plenty of opportunities to enjoy these fantastic locomotives in action. Detailed timetables and locomotive allocations will be released closer to the event, so stay tuned for updates. The Mid-Norfolk Railway would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the private owners of our home fleet for generously providing their locomotives. Their continued support plays a vital role in making events like this possible. Class 03 063 Class 33202 "Dennis G. Robinson" Class 47580 "County of Essex" Class 47596 "Aldeburgh Festival" Running as D1933 Event - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. ***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

  • Afternoon Teas | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    The Heart of Norfolk - Afternoon Tea Unlimited Tea & Coffee throughout your journey Homemade Scones, Sandwiches & Cakes Delicious Clotted Cream & Jam Runs throughout the whole Season (March to September) Book Now Join us for a journey through history as you enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea onboard a steam* train. Relax and savour the delicious sandwiches, cakes, and scones that are all freshly prepared by our skilled team and all accompanied with unlimited tea or coffee throughout your journey. Our unique dining experience will delight all of your senses, making it an afternoon to remember. The price includes all day travel on any of our trains and a reserved seat aboard our The Heart of Norfolk Afternoon Tea steam* train for a return journey from Dereham to Wymondham and back. The Heart of Norfolk Afternoon Tea Special departs Dereham at 3:30pm and arrive back at approximately 5:10pm on the dates below. Dates AT Dates Book Now Sunday 30th March / Dereham Station (Mother's Day Special) Monday 5th May / Dereham Station Sunday 1st June / Dereham Station Sunday 15th June / Dereham Station (Father's Day Special) Sunday 27th July / Dereham Station Sunday 17th August / Dereham Station Sunday 31st August / Dereham Station Sunday 21st September / Dereham Station Dining Train - Terms & Conditions *Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused. **Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time. ***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.

  • County School | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    County School Station 1/3 Built in 1886 by Great Eastern Railway Named after the Boarding School it was built to serve Closed to passengers in October 1964 Bought by the MNR in 1999 Back to School Appeal Back To School is an appeal for funds to upgrade the facilities at County School station, preparing it for its role as the northern terminus of the line, and see the railway between the station and North Elmham, where it meets the rest of the MNR, restored to operational condition. To donate & more info - click here While most of our stations were built by the Norfolk Railway when the line opened, County School was added by the Great Eastern Railway in 1886, as a junction station for the East Norfolk Railway's line to Aylsham and Wroxham. Originally planned to be built at Broom Green, the railway was persuaded to move the station and points 1 mile further south to serve the Norfolk County School. In 1903 the Norfolk County School became the Watts Naval School, but the station kept its original name. A result of relocating the station was that the two branch lines ran beside each other for the mile northwards to Broom Green, creating a section of line that frequently saw unofficial races between Wells and Wroxham-bound trains. In 1915, a goods train from Wroxham and a passenger train from Wells met at Broom Green and appear to have raced each other on the approach to County School. Sadly, the goods driver misread the signals and the two trains collided on the points outside County School signal box. Luckily, nobody was hurt – but a buffer from one of the engines was found on site, and is now displayed at the station. In 1954, the complicated track layout, and quiet nature, of the site was chosen by British Railways as an ideal location for much of the principal filming of their driver training films used during the introduction of Diesel Multiple Unit trains. Driving trailer car E56301 is displayed at the station to mark this connection to the British Railways Modernisation Plan. The branch to Wroxham had closed in 1952, although a short section to Foulsham remained in use for goods until 1964. Final passenger closure came under the Beeching Cuts in 1964. A year later, the station was chosen as a location in “Weavers Green”, a short-lived Anglia Television rural soap opera. Soon after this, the island platform building and signal boxes were demolished and much of the track removed. A single line through the site survived to serve the remaining goods trains until it was closed and lifted in 1983. Activity resumed at the station in 1987, with track through the station being relaid and opened as a demonstration line by 1990 – operated by a private company. In 1992, the station became “Gare De Nouvion” in the penultimate episode of wartime sitcom “Allo, Allo”. In 1996, following the closure of the previous operation, the Mid-Norfolk Railway signed a lease for the site, and raised £28,000 to refurbish the buildings to LNER condition. In 1999, the MNR purchased the site from Breckland District Council. In 2005, the refurbished station featured as Eynsford station in the television movie “Peter Warlock: Some Little Joy”. The North Norfolk Model Engineering Club moved to the site in 2019, beginning work on the Wensume Valley Miniature Railway in 2021. This 3.5 and 5 inch gauge line uses part of the old Wroxham branch north of the station, and is open to passengers on selected Sundays. At the moment, no standard gauge trains operate at the site, but efforts to return trains to the site are ongoing. There is a museum telling some of the stories of the station, school and local area and a popular Tea Room, which is open at weekends for most of the year. The station is also the start of a number of local walks, and is signposted from the nearby National Cycle Network. Written by R Cullen

  • Wensume Valley Miniature Railway | Mid-Norfolk Railway

    Wensume Valley Miniature Railway 1/5 Runs most Sundays in the Summer Runs between 10:30am & 3:30pm At County School Station The Wensum Valley Miniature Railway run by the North Norfolk Model Engineering Club at our County School station, which is currently not connected to the rest of the main railway, however is accessible by road. The miniature railway runs on selected dates (as you can see below) and usually run between 10:30am and 3:30pm. Dates for 2024 August 18th 25th September 1st 15th (linked to the Heritage Open day at County School) October 27th - Halloween Half Term Please be aware that if the weather is very poor, the miniature railway may not be able to run as planned. Please follow the Wensum Valley Miniature Railway's Facebook page for the latest updates and information.

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