North Norfolk Railway News

Railway Offers the Romance of Steam for Valentine’s Day   The North Norfolk Railway is launching its 50th Anniversary season with a very special evening dining train departing from Sheringham at 7.00pm on Friday 14 February. The Valentine’s Day Diner will allow guests to combine the romance of a steam-hauled journey in traditional, first class dining cars with a delicious three-course dinner prepared and served on the move.   Guests will be welcomed to Sheringham’s lovingly restored Victorian station with a glass of bubbly before stepping onto the train and relaxing at their reserved table in a luxury dining car. [...]

Grant Funding Helps Heritage Railway Invest in Infrastructure and Training The North Norfolk Railway has completed vital infrastructure improvements thanks to funding of £34,427 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The grant has assisted with the installation of new lighting throughout the engineering facilities at Weybourne Station, along with a new coal bunker and oil store. The heritage line is also grateful to have received £5,000 from Future Skills NOW towards training staff in a range of safety critical tasks including banksman and slinger, woodworking, chainsaw use and abrasive wheel machinery.   New LED, low-energy lighting in the workshops will [...]

Poppy Line to Join Nationwide Whistle Up to Launch Railway 200   The North Norfolk Railway is set to play a key part in a nationwide “Whistle Up” at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 1 January 2025 as Heritage Railways across Britain join forces to launch Railway 200.   The Railway 200 Whistle-Up will involve more than 50 heritage railways in the UK and abroad blowing the whistles of nearly 200 vintage steam and diesel locomotives to herald a year-long celebration.  Volunteers and staff will join in too, blowing the whistles they usually use to signal the imminent departure of trains. [...]

Poppy Line Shortlisted for Four Prestigious National Awards Staff and volunteers at the North Norfolk Railway are cock-a-hoop at the news that the popular 5½ mile steam railway has been shortlisted in no fewer than four categories in the 2025 Heritage Railway Association Awards.    The Association is the leading body for the heritage rail sector with over 300 members including railways, tramways and locomotive owners. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries and a judging panel headed by National Railway Museum Senior Curator Anthony Coulls whittled that down to a shortlist in each category. The North Norfolk [...]

North Norfolk Railway Restructure will put Heritage Line at the Heart of Charitable Organisation   The North Norfolk Railway PLC has today (Thursday 12 December) announced that it will be asking shareholders to approve a new governance model for the railway that will see the line working more closely with its supporting charity, the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society. When much of the former Midland & Great Northern system was closed by British Railways in 1959, the Society was formed to save part of this characterful network. In turn, the Society created the PLC as a suitable body [...]

 Norfolk Holiday Extended For New Locomotive “Betton Grange”   Having proved very popular with passengers this summer, visiting new-build steam locomotive 6880 “Betton Grange” is to remain at the North Norfolk Railway until late November and is set to haul a series of special trains, to give visitors a further chance to travel behind her before she leaves the line.   6880 is set to work Poppy Line services on 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 October and then daily for half-term week 26 October to 3 November, including the HallowS.T.E.A.M. event (30 October – 2 November) that will allow young [...]

Investment in Engineering Skills to Help Secure Future of Historic Locomotives   The North Norfolk Railway and its supporting charity, the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society, have today announced a collaboration that will see essential skills being passed to the next generation of engineers as they help restore the line’s oldest locomotive.   The Railway has engaged two new apprentices who will start work at the line’s Weybourne Engineering Works later this month. The M&GNJR Society is supporting the initiative with a grant to cover all employment and training costs of one of the apprentices. During their three [...]

Nine Locomotives From Across Britain Set to Star in Festival on Rails   The North Norfolk Railway is set to host a nine-day celebration of heritage trains as it stages A Festival on Rails from Saturday 24 August to Sunday 1 September. The 5½ mile steam railway has five locomotives visiting this summer to assist with its popular holiday services and the event will feature all of those plus the line’s resident working engines.   Britain’s newest steam locomotive No. 6880 “Betton Grange” will be a must-see for many visitors. The locomotive was completed earlier this year – the culmination [...]

North Norfolk Railway MD Retires After 17 Years as Line Reports Solid Results at AGM   Supporters attending the North Norfolk Railway’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20 July were advised that the Railway’s Managing Director, Hugh Harkett, has decided to retire after 17 years in the role. During that time he oversaw the development of the line into one of the Country’s leading heritage railways attracting around 150,000 passengers every year.   Hugh, who had reduced to workload after being taken ill earlier this year, suffered a relapse last month and is recuperating with his family in Wales. NNR [...]

Poppy Line appoints new General Manager   The NNR Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Hukins as General Manager of the North Norfolk Railway.   Graham has a 30-year track record of managing award-winning tourist and heritage attractions and considerable experience of leading and inspiring teams, increasing revenue, overseeing projects, exercising financial control, ensuring exceptional customer service and managing safety. Since joining the NNR in 2021, he has strengthened the Commercial Team and developed a cohesive Commercial Strategy for the business.   Chairman Steve Allen commented, “Following a thorough recruitment process I am delighted to appoint Graham. [...]