Two Poppy Line Stations Receive Grade II Listed Status to Coincide with Railway 200 Celebrations

Two of the restored stations on the popular North Norfolk Railway have been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England, in recognition of their historic and architectural interest and to mark 200 years of the modern railway. Sheringham Station and Weybourne Station retain many of their original features and are enjoyed by over 150,000 visitors that travel on the 5½ mile heritage railway every year.

The two stations, built in 1887 and 1900 respectively were designed by William Marriott, Company Engineer of the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway. Historic England state that both display an impressive architectural quality in comparison to many rural stations of the same age. The buildings are a testament to Marriot’s skill and ingenuity in producing well-functioning stations whilst working under financial constraints.

They are two of seven new listings announced to coincide with Railway 200 – a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern passenger railway which can be traced to the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825.

North Norfolk Railway General Manager, Graham Hukins, said “We are honoured and proud to receive this recognition from Historic England. That the buildings have survived to now  gain the extra protection afforded by Grade II Listing is a tribute to the volunteers and staff that have cared for the structures since the line closed in 1964. Any additional profile is also very welcome, caring for the buildings, track, structures, locomotives and carriages costs over £4 million a year, so anything that helps attract more visitors to support our heritage work is greatly appreciated.”

He added, “The railway transformed the area into a popular holiday destination – before the trains arrived Sheringham was a sleepy fishing village. The stations were built to cater for tourists and are still doing that over 125 years later. Their original features, together with careful maintenance and sympathetic restoration mean they immediately evoke a steam age atmosphere meaning they are as popular as ever and ensuring the railway is still a key part of the local tourism economy.

Claudia Kenyatta CBE and Emma Squire CBE, incoming Chief Executive of Historic England (job share) said: “The development of England’s railway system was one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian era. These new listings highlight key milestones in its growth and demonstrate how the railway has shaped our local places today.

“Every newly listed station announced today is open to the public to visit, so the protection of these sites means that they will continue to be seen and enjoyed by visitors for generations to come.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “These seven sites are stunning examples of our railway heritage. They remind us how vital the railways have been for connecting people across the country, whether it’s for business or pleasure.”

“Listing all of these incredible sites is the perfect way to celebrate Railway 200 and shine a light on the role of railways in shaping our national story over the last two centuries. These listings will ensure they are protected and can be enjoyed for another two hundred years.”

Visitors wishing to view the historic stations can do so as the North Norfolk Railway’s season continues with trains running at weekends plus Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 2 November. Advance booking is strongly recommended and passengers doing so receive a generous 15% discount on their fares. Bookings for the line’s popular seasonal services, the Norfolk Lights Express, Santa Specials and Mince Pie Specials are also open – full details can be found on the website www.nnrailway.co.uk.