The East Anglian

Experience the very best of East Anglia’s small railways and explore its unique landscape, from delightful coastal towns to vibrant cities, on this inspiring UK tour. 

• Based in the historic towns of Norwich and King’s Lynn, you’ll enjoy steam trips on the Bure Valley, Mid Norfolk, Wells & Walsingham and North Norfolk lines.
• Discover ancient castles, quaint villages and unspoilt seaside towns as you steam across the stunning landscapes of the region behind historic steam locomotives.
• Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads, an extended visit to His Majesty The King’s country estate at Sandringham, and a timeless trip to the North Norfolk seaside town Wells-next-the-Sea.
• Other tour highlights include an epic steam-hauled excursion to Stratford-Upon-Avon on the Stratford Flyer, a guided tour of Norwich and visits to historic Castle Rising and Wymondham Abbey.
• With accommodation in 4-star hotels, plenty of time for sightseeing and the services of a tour manager included, this outstanding East Anglian tour holiday is a must for seasoned traveller and steam newcomer alike.
  

Friday 6th September
From London to Norwich in First Class comfort; tour of Norwich Castle

Your tour starts at Liverpool Street Station, London this morning with a greeting from your Tour Manager. You then travel north in First Class accommodation through the scenic East Anglian countryside to Norwich. On arrival you check in to a centrally located 4-star hotel, your base for the next four nights. After check in you depart on a tour around Norwich, where refreshments will be provided. A welcome dinner is served at your historic hotel this evening. (D)

Saturday 7th September

The Stratford Flyer to Stratford-Upon-Avon
This morning you join The Stratford Flyer. Our journey commences at Norwich station and we make our way westwards, steam hauled by Bahamas. Breakfast will be served onboard the train today. We head across country via Stamford and through Oakham, the county town of Rutland, located in the Vale of Catmose. After Melton Mowbray, we head for Leicester and Nuneaton, where we cross the West Coast main line and take the link line to Coleshill. Heading towards Birmingham, we pass the extensive construction works of HS2 for several miles before we reach Landor Street Junction, where we avoid Birmingham by following the steeply graded Camp Hill line to Bordesley Junction. Joining the Great Western’s main line out of Birmingham Snow Hill, we pass through Tyseley where the Birmingham Railway Museum is located. Leaving the main line to Paddington at Tyseley, we join the scenic North Warwick line, sometimes referred to as the Shakespeare line, and head through Henley in Arden towards Stratford upon Avon. The North Warwick line has a very Great Western feel about its well preserved stations and infrastructure. Descending the 1 in 75 Wilmcote bank, we now reach the present terminus of the line at Stratford upon Avon. Time will be available here for you to make the short walk to the town centre with its many attractions, including the Shakespeare Birthplace museum, the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, the river Avon with its boat trips and many other historic buildings. There is also a wide range of restaurants and pubs, along with many interesting and varied market town shops. Our return journey will retrace our outward route back to Norwich whilst enjoying a four-course, silver-served dinner at your seat. Bahamas will steam haul us as far as Leicester on the return, with a diesel locomotive hauling us back to Norwich to end our full day out on the Stratford Flyer. (B D)

Sunday 8th September
Free time in historic Norwich; steam-hauled to Wymondham Abbey
This morning is free for you to explore the wonderful medieval city of Norwich, which boasts a magnificent Cathedral right next to your hotel, with the bustling town centre only a short walk away. There are craft shops, department stores and the famous market to discover, with countless quaint pubs and cafes to relax in. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and winding lanes all add to the charm and timeless history of this vibrant University city. After lunch, a private coach takes you to Dereham for a steam-hauled trip on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Savour an afternoon travelling under steam from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey, one of the grandest religious buildings in East Anglia. You’ll soak up the sights and sounds of the Norfolk countryside en route, and on the trip back to Dereham enjoy a delicious cream tea served at your seat before returning to Norwich and your hotel for dinner. (B D)

Monday 9th September
Steam-hauled on the Bure Valley Railway; boat cruise on the Norfolk Broads
After breakfast today you travel by coach to Aylsham and board a steam-hauled train on the Bure Valley Railway to Wroxham, a delightful town situated on the Norfolk Broads. The man-made landscape of the Broads comprises over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways and a quick coach ride takes you to the bridge at Wroxham for an afternoon of cruising on the serene rivers and placid, reed-fringed lakes of this National Park. After an adventurous afternoon you return to Wroxham with time to explore this charming little town on the river Bure, before heading back once more to your hotel in Norwich for dinner. (B L D)

Tuesday 10th September
Day trip to Wells-next-the-Sea; steam-hauled along the North Norfolk coast
Today you depart by coach to Wells-next-the-Sea, a timeless little seaside town on the North Norfolk Coast with harbour front and fishing vessels, long sandy beach and famous brightly coloured beach huts. From here you depart steam-hauled on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway to Walsingham, before returning back to Wells for a leisurely lunch at one of its many restaurants, or to enjoy fish and chips on the sea front by the harbour. After lunch you travel by coach eastward along the coast to Sheringham, for a steam-hauled trip on the North Norfolk Railway to Holt, travelling by the coast and through the North Norfolk countryside before returning to Sheringham. Here a private coach takes you to King’s Lynn where you check-in to a 4-star hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. (B D)

Wednesday 11th September
Trip to Castle Rising; Afternoon exploration of Sandringham House and Gardens
Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, you depart by coach to Sandringham, home of the King’s Norfolk Country House. Here you’ll have time to explore the history and elegance of Sandringham House and its grounds. Sandringham is the country retreat of His Majesty The King and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house is set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate. Lunch is served in the restaurant, before departing back to King’s Lynn. On arrival at Kings Lynn you will visit the ‘What A Hoot’ gin distillery for a tour and gin tasting, dinner is served back at your hotel. (B L D)

Thursday 12th September
Exploration of King’s Lynn; return to London
You’ll enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you spend the morning exploring and shopping in the town centre. King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century, and fine old merchants’ houses stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbour. After a morning of discovery, you transfer to the railway station in King's Lynn for your return journey back to London arriving London King's Cross. (B)