Bure Valley Railway
The Bure Valley Railway is a 15 in gauge miniature railway in Norfolk, running 9 miles between Wroxham, gateway to the Norfolk Broads, and Aylsham. It is the longest 15 in gauge railway in Norfolk and operates on the trackbed of the former Great Eastern Railway East Norfolk branch.
Despite its miniature gauge, the railway runs to full main-line standards with substantial steam locomotives, well-equipped intermediate stations and a footpath running for the full length of the line, long popular with walkers and cyclists. At Wroxham, the railway interchanges with the Greater Anglia Bittern Line, and ticket combinations with Broads cruise operators allow a "rail and boat" day out.
History
The miniature railway opened in 1990, just nine years after the closure of the original standard-gauge branch, with track laid on the former trackbed at the new gauge. The railway was conceived from the outset as a tourist attraction integrated with the Norfolk Broads. Several large 15 in gauge steam locomotives were built specifically for the line, including Blickling Hall, Wroxham Broad and Spitfire.
Original line history
The standard-gauge line from Wroxham to Aylsham was opened by the East Norfolk Railway in 1880, becoming part of the Great Eastern Railway in 1882. It was a quiet rural branch which lost passenger services in 1952 and survived for goods until 1981, when the final freight working ran. Closure freed up the alignment for the new miniature railway.
Stations and infrastructure
Aylsham houses the main works and headquarters. Wroxham station adjoins the National Rail station, while Coltishall, Buxton and Brampton are intermediate stations. A walking and cycling path runs alongside the railway for the full 9 miles.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include steam galas, evening dining trains hauled with restaurant cars, driver experience courses, and Santa Specials. The combined "rail and boat" tickets with Broads cruisers at Wroxham are particularly popular.
Visitor information
Wroxham is reached from Norwich by Greater Anglia's Bittern Line. Aylsham has its own car park; the line is signposted from the A140 and A1067.