North Norfolk Railway
The North Norfolk Railway, popularly known as the "Poppy Line", is a 5¼-mile standard-gauge heritage railway running through the north Norfolk coastal landscape between Sheringham, Weybourne, and Holt. The line is the surviving central section of the Great Eastern Railway / Midland & Great Northern Joint coastal line that once linked Cromer with King's Lynn and Yarmouth.
The Midland & Great Northern Railway Society was formed in 1959, making it one of the oldest preservation societies in Britain, with the broad aim of preserving the heritage of the M&GN system. After the closure of the line in 1964 and gradual fundraising, trains began running on the present preserved section in 1975. In 2010 a new chord and Network Rail-compatible junction at Sheringham reconnected the heritage line directly to the national network for the first time since closure, allowing main-line registered steam excursions to run through.
The line's coastal setting, the heath and gorse landscape, and the dramatic 1-in-80 climb from Sheringham to Holt make it a particularly photogenic preservation operation.
History
The Midland & Great Northern Railway Society was formed in 1959, making it one of the oldest standard-gauge preservation societies in Britain. After negotiations with British Rail and progressive fundraising, the present preserved line reopened in stages from 1975. The major 2010 development was the construction of a new connecting chord at Sheringham, reconnecting the heritage line to the Network Rail station and allowing for the first time main-line steam tours to run through onto the heritage section.
Original line history
The line was originally part of the GER coastal route from Cromer through Sheringham, Holt, and Melton Constable to King's Lynn, though much of its operation was through the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway, the great rural network of north Norfolk. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1964 as part of the M&GN closures.
Stations and infrastructure
Sheringham has cross-platform interchange with Network Rail (the heritage station is the original GER one, restored). Weybourne is the headquarters and locomotive depot, with substantial workshops and restoration facilities. Holt is the southern terminus.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Regular events include the spring and autumn Steam Galas, 1940s weekends (a particular highlight given the WW2 association of the area), Mince Pie Specials, and Santa Specials. The line is a frequent venue for film and television.
Visitor information
Sheringham is the eastern terminus of Greater Anglia's Bittern Line from Norwich, with cross-platform interchange to the heritage railway. Through-tickets are available.