Thomas.....you're a really useful engine! (North Norfolk Railway)

Member Name: mreyre

Product:	North Norfolk Railway
Date:	04/05/01 (82 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Thomas is a very useful engine!, Children will love it!

Disadvantages: Very expensive on Thomas Days., Should be more facilities at Holt.

The North Norfolk railway is a very popular tourist attraction in Norfolk. I have been living in Norfolk for over five years and have had the pleasure of visiting this attraction three times now.

Travelling behind a steam locomotive through beautiful countryside will make a memorable outing for all the family - you have the option to start your journey at either Sheringham, or Holt. The line now has a core of paid employees, but it has largely been through the efforts of a large team of volunteers that it has grown in recent years from three to five miles of line, connecting the two towns.

From February to December, both steam and diesel trains run between the two centres with a couple of stops along the way. It is like stepping through a time tunnel as you stand on the platform, to be greeted by a plume of smoke as a steam locomotive thunders towards you.

The North Norfolk railway has been the location for many a TV production and major film credits over the years.

Also, usually three times a year, mainly on Bank Holiday weekends, it is also the home to Thomas and his friends, when the "Poppy Line" plays host to our favourite Blue Tank Engine. We took Lucy, our two-and a half year old (a big fan of Thomas), last Bank Holiday.

We found that a prior surf through the NNR website was very fruitful, as there is a (non-printable) version of the timetable, informing visitors when Thomas is pulling the train, or alternatively "Diesel" the Diesel engine.

It is very difficult to park in Sheringham, particularly on Saturdays as the market takes up much of the parking places. I suggest getting there very early, especially if you have toddlers in tow!

The other alternative is to drive to the Georgian town of Holt and find the station there. On our first visit, this did take some finding, and the car park is very stoney and muddy in places, and quite a walk from the station. Also, there are very
few facilities - toilets, and that's about it.

You have the option to just travel one way, or have a return ticket, or purchase a day ticket, where you can travel on the trains for as long as you like, all day. This obviously represents the best value, but is expensive. Due to the usual supply and demand factor, on the Special Thomas events, the admission price miraculously doubles overnight and you only have the option to purchase a "daily" ticket. For a day ticket for myself, my wife and our 2 year old, for the Thomas Event, it was £24. To me, that seems a lot of money just for a couple of rides on a steam engine.

However, you have to bear in mind that Thomas is not just any ordinary Engine, and imagine your child's delight when Thomas or indeed Percy comes chuffing towards them - well worth £24 of anyone's money.

We also had the chance to meet many of Thomas' other friends - including the Fat Controller (or Sir Toppham Hat to be politically correct!)

The highlight of the day has to be the "race!" Here, Thomas and Bertie Bus set off at exactly the same time and race each other to the destination. You have the option to travel on either transport. The road and rail line run parallel to each other for quite a distance and the children all delight in waving at Bertie and vice-versa. I'll not spoil the suprise by telling you who won when we went!!

We rounded off our day by spending the late afternoon in the seaside town of Sheringham, spending some time on the beach, and on the lovely park at the top of the hill. Sheringham has a lovely, clean beach and is very child-friendly.

Summary: