North Norfolk Railway News

"Then and Now: The North Norfolk Railway"   The North Norfolk Railway has today announced a new publication on sale later this year.   "Then and Now: The North Norfolk Railway" delves into the rich photographic history of the NNR. Looking at the stations and lineside through time, from construction in 1886 to the present day, we see how different generations have changed the railway, and in several cases how little change has been made. In recognition of the 50th anniversary year, the book also looks at significant moments from the preservation entity's past - the days that made it [...]

Unseen Steam Locomotive “Newstead” to make debut at North Norfolk Railway   The North Norfolk Railway has today announced that Hunslet locomotive “Newstead” is set to make its public re-entry to service at the popular heritage line later this year. The engine was thought to have been scrapped in the 70’s, but was discovered hidden away at a Carmelite convent near Ware in 2016. After rescue in 2017, it has undergone a comprehensive 8-year overhaul.   “Newstead” was originally built for industrial use and rolled off the production line of the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds in 1929. The engine [...]

Steam Locomotive No 53809 Celebrates Centenary Ahead of Repaint to 1930s Guise Powerful locomotive 7F No 53809, which was built to work heavy goods trains on the famous Somerset & Dorset Railway, celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday 15 February at the start of the North Norfolk Railway’s 50th anniversary season. The event highlighted a double milestone as 2025 also marks 50 years since 53809 was saved for preservation from the legendary scrapyard at Barry in South Wales where she had languished for 11 years following her withdrawal from service in 1964. The centenary was celebrated with owner, John Moorhouse, [...]

Poppy Line kicks off new season with win at Heritage Rail Awards   The North Norfolk Railway has today announced its success at this year’s Heritage Railway Association Awards, held in Newcastle earlier this week. The evening saw the popular East Anglian line’s Hannah Drury take home the prize of “Rising Star”, the award specifically designed for those relatively new to the industry but already making their mark. Since her arrival in 2022 Hannah has been key to the development of Railway events and has also increased both the impact and cost-effectiveness of the line’s marketing, resulting in her promotion [...]

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. Choices [...]

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. The [...]

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 to [...]