2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the North Norfolk Railway – affectionately known as the Poppy Line – as it marks its 50th anniversary with a jam-packed calendar of events, heritage experiences, and some truly remarkable stories from the golden age of steam.

Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and memorable family day out in Norfolk, this award-winning attraction – and proud member of the Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions group – promises plenty of reasons to hop aboard this season.

Steam Into the Season – Starting This Easter

The Poppy Line reopens for the main season on 5 April, but things get off to a spectacular start during Easter Weekend (18–21 April) with the Steam Into Spring event. Visitors can ride behind three different steam locomotives, including the beautifully restored Victorian train, while younger passengers will enjoy a fun-filled Easter trail.

The highlight? The long-lost steam engine “Newstead” will make its debut in passenger service after an incredible 8-year restoration. Hidden for decades at a Carmelite convent and once believed scrapped, this historic engine has been lovingly brought back to life and joins the fleet just in time for the railway’s golden jubilee.

Celebrating Locomotive Legends

Another engineering icon, 7F No. 53809, also reaches a major milestone in 2025 – her 100th birthday. Originally built to haul heavy goods trains on the Somerset & Dorset line, she’s now getting a fresh look with a partial repaint into 1930s London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) livery, becoming engine 13809 once more. With nearly a million miles under her belt, she’s a living, breathing slice of British railway history.

You can catch both locomotives in steam throughout the season, especially during big events like Steam Into Spring and the Springtime Celebrations (24–26 May).

Hop On, Hop Off Adventure – With Dining, Drama & Discounts

Explore the stunning North Norfolk coastline with Day Rover tickets offering unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel across the 5.5-mile heritage line. Book in advance and enjoy a 15% discount – perfect for making the most of a budget-friendly day out.

The railway’s beloved onboard dining trains are also back, from indulgent Cream Teas and North Norfolk Fryer fish & chips to Gin Trains and Murder Mystery nights aboard the luxurious 1960s-era North Norfolkman. New themed evenings like Comedy Dining and Sausage & Mash specials offer a delightful twist for food lovers and fun-seekers alike.

Special Events You Won’t Want to Miss

The North Norfolk Railway’s 2025 calendar is brimming with immersive events and unique weekends, including:

• Classic Comedy Weekend (3–5 May): Step back into Britain’s television golden age with tributes to Dad’s Army, Hi-de-Hi, and ‘Allo ‘Allo, brought to life at Weybourne Station – famously used as a filming location for all three shows.
• Rails & Ales (13–15 June): A mixed gala featuring steam and diesel locomotives alongside a showcase of local breweries – a must for real ale fans.
• Festival on Rails (23–28 August): A full week of heritage action with three engines in steam daily.
• Summer Steam Gala (29–31 August): Experience the spectacle of five locomotives running each day – a treat for enthusiasts and families alike.
• Steam Back to the Forties (20–21 September): Vintage vehicles, wartime fashions, and nostalgic music create a memorable wartime atmosphere across the railway.

New for 2025: “The Golden Years” Weekend

Celebrate the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1960s to 1980s with The Golden Years weekend – a new event featuring classic vehicles, live music, and an intensive timetable of steam and diesel trains. The event pays homage to the railway’s earliest preservation days, when steam sometimes had to rescue struggling early diesels – a nod to the charm and chaos of the era!

Discover More in Norfolk & Suffolk

North Norfolk Railway is just one of the many incredible days out in Norfolk and Suffolk. Why not pair your visit with a trip to Amazona Zoo, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, or Roarr! – all nearby NSTA attractions offering something for every age and interest. Whether it’s history, heritage, wildlife or adventure, NSTA members make it easy to plan a full day – or weekend – of discovery.

Plan your journey and explore other unforgettable attractions at norfolkandsuffolkattractions.co.uk.

Last updated: March 2025

For up-to-date visitor info, opening times and discounts, check attraction websites. Don’t forget to sign up for the latest NSTA vouchers – exclusive discounts on Norfolk & Suffolk attractions.