New and Old at the Poppy Line as Heritage Railway celebrates Great British Classics

 

The North Norfolk Railway is set for four weeks of fun for all ages this May, with the return of some old favourites throughout the month alongside a popular new dining experience aboard the line’s fleet of historic trains. From drop in science shows and hands on signalling experiences to recreations from BBC sitcoms, May is set to be a busy month for the heritage line which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

 

Visitors looking to step back in time can do so over the early bank holiday, May 2 – 4, at the railway’s Classic Comedy Weekend which celebrates three of the different BBC sitcoms that were filmed at Weybourne Station! Comedy sketches based on Dad’s Army, ‘Allo ‘Allo and Hi de Hi will be performed throughout the day alongside fabulous live music, and there’s even a chance to get up close to the original Jones’ Van that was used throughout the filming of Dad’s Army.

 

In addition to activities at Weybourne Station, tickets include unlimited hop on hop off travel all day and allow passengers to travel on three of the line’s steam locomotives as they haul trains of restored steam-era carriages. Powerful WD “The Royal Norfolk Regiment” will be joined by 4277 “Hercules”, currently visiting from the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. The line’s smallest engine “Wissington” will also be out each day, hauling the railway’s train of magnificently restored 4 and 6 wheeled carriages dating from Victorian times.

 

The late bank holiday, May 23 – 25, sees the railway’s Victorian Train out again alongside the line’s newest dining experience (Sun 24). Brunch on Board allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely Full English served on the move, as their comfortable dining car is hauled by a restored steam engine. Complete with orange juice and tea or coffee it is the perfect way to start a lazy Sunday! Dining Experiences are very popular so visitors interested are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 May will see Half-Term S.T.E.A.M. as the team from Mad Science descend on Holt Station with their lively science shows and hands-on activities which will be available to everyone with a travel ticket. Reedham Junction Signal Box will also be open allowing visitors to step into the shoes of a traditional signalman, pulling levers and ringing bells and seeing how trains were controlled in the days before computers.

 

Visitor Experience Manager, Hannah Drury said “We’re looking forward to welcoming Mad Science back to the railway for more S.T.E.A.M fun. With their shows, the interactive signal box, our children’s play carriage, model railway for youngsters and variety of free trails, there will be plenty of opportunities for our junior visitors to let off steam!”

 

Following half-term, the heritage line’s 2026 season sees the railway open most days until 1 November; more details can be found on the line’s website www.nnrailway.co.uk. Advance booking is strongly recommended and passengers doing so can claim a 15% discount on their tickets.