Steam Trains, Boat & Automobile Weekend - Norfolk 4 Night Long Weekender
Overview
Explore the meandering waterways and heritage railways of Norfolk. Based in historic Norwich, experience scenic journeys on the Mid and North Norfolk railways, sail the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi paddle boat, and visit Sandringham - the royal's country retreat.
This is a great way to meet up with fellow Spicer's and meet new people on this shared tour.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE PROGRAM AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THE CONFIRMED PROGRAM WAS EMAILED WITH THE JOINING INSTRUCTIONS ON 18.4.24
Day 1 - A warm welcome in Norwich
Your holiday begins today in Norwich, the lively capital of Norfolk, where you meet your Tour Manager at your hotel. Once you've checked in, you can start familiarising yourself with the city's cultural delights and welcoming atmosphere. Wandering the cobbled streets at leisure, you'll discover Norwich's vibrant arts scene, bustling markets, and rich literary heritage.
Includes Dinner
Day 2 - Exploring Norwich
Today you enjoy a guided walking tour of Norwich's Old Town and learn some of the city's fascinating history. Dominated by a magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral, Norwich is a pleasing jumble of historic and modern architecture. Its streets and open squares reveal museums, medieval churches, public gardens, and other attractions. Deceptively compact, Norwich is delightful and rewarding to explore on foot.
This afternoon you can discover more of Norwich at leisure. As well as Norwich Cathedral, the city has a second cathedral you could visit. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is one of the finest examples of great Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in the UK. Next to this masterpiece, you'll find Plantation Garden, a calm escape from the bustle of the city with its Gothic-style fountain, flower beds, lawns, Italianate terrace, and more.
Includes Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - A heritage journey on the Mid-Norfolk Railway and sailing the Norfolk Broads
You discover Norfolk by heritage railway today. After heading to Dereham by rail, you join the Mid-Norfolk Railway* for a journey through the picturesque countryside to the market town of Wymondham. From here your coach takes you to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where you board the Bure Valley Railway.
Running through the Bure Valley, the line follows the meandering River Bure passing by serene meadows and historic pastures. Along the way, you also journey through idyllic villages within the beautiful Broadland region.
Arriving in Wroxham, you experience the beautiful Norfolk scenery in a unique way. Aboard a Mississippi paddle boat, you cruise along the Norfolk Broads, renowned for its wonderful landscapes and wildlife. With light refreshments available on board, this is a truly relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
*Steam-hauled where possible , however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.
Includes Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - The scenic North Norfolk Railway to elegant Sandringham
This morning you start with a scenic rail journey along the Bittern Line to Sheringham. Once you've arrived, you join the heritage North Norfolk Railway* for a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt. The railway is famously known as the 'Poppy Line' because of the vibrant red flowers that spring up along the route during the summer.
After experiencing this slice of railway history, your day continues with a visit to Sandringham, the Royal residence that was a favourite country retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II. You have some time to explore the stunning house and its acres of beautifully landscaped gardens before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
*Steam-hauled where possible , however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.
Includes Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Homeward bound
After breakfast this morning, it's time to say goodbye to new friends as your holiday comes to an end. Head home with the lovely new memories you've made this week, or you could explore more of Norfolk's treasures on your own.
Includes Breakfast
About the Railway Lines
Bure Valley Railway
The 18 mile round Bure Valley Railway trip runs through the picturesque Bure valley countryside following the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture stopping occasionally at small country villages.
Mid-Norfolk Railway
The Mid-Norfolk Railway was opened as a section of the Lynn & Dereham Railway in 1847. Apart from changing owners after the Grouping of 1923 and Nationalisation in 1947, the line continued in much the same way for over a century. However, falling numbers of passenger traffic led to the withdrawal of passenger services in 1965. Goods services continued to run for a number of years, so although there was an interest in resurrecting heritage passenger services, nothing could be done.
North Norfolk Railway
The section of the Eastern & Midlands Railway now known as 'the Poppy Line' opened in June 1887. It was well used but was soon also run by the Midland and the Great Northern Railways, until Nationalisation in 1948. Like many rural railways, traffic declined from about the mid-1930s, and most of the line was closed in 1959, with the remainder closing in 1964.
Includes
- Guided walking tour of Norwich's Old Town
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Including on the Mid Norfolk Railway & North Norfolk Railway (Steam where possible, some trains will be diesel hauled
- Mississippi Paddle Steam Boat trip on the Norfolk Broads
- Entrance to Sandringham Estate & Gardens
- 4 nights’ 3-star accommodation in Norwich City Centre
- Breakfast and Dinner each day
- Spice Host & Tour Manager
Extras
- Any other food and drink
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour
Please Note: the balance due date on this event differs to our standard Overnight Events cancellation policy for Spice Breaks. The balance is due on 15th February 2024 after which we are only able to issue a Spice Credit in accordance with our cancellation policy if we manage to sell all contracted places on.
Guests & Non Members who are new to Spice are welcome to book at a £36 supplement though they may prefer to join to register to book at the member rate .
Please call Tel 020 3 950 7978 to enquire about booking as a guest.
Reviews
4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 275 reviews
5 stars(125)
4 stars(110)
3 stars(29)
2 stars(7)
1 star(4)
Kim “Google user”
5 stars
Submitted 22 Oct 2023
Loved this Tour. Great guide and holiday full of activities. Exceptional!
Collected by Trustpilot
Mr Wills
4 stars
Submitted 22 Oct 2023
A lovely holiday in Norwich staying in a good hotel. Went on 3 preserved train lines and also saw Sandringham estate. Could have had more time at Sandringham, but what I saw was worth seeing (including the beautiful church)
Collected by Trustpilot
Lynne Roberts
5 stars
Submitted 22 Oct 2023
Lovely holiday. This is the second rail discovery holiday we have had this year & I can thoroughly reccomend them.We stayed in a Holiday Inn on the outskirts of Nowich City next to the football stadium.We had a good buffet breakfast & waiter served 3 course dinner.The trips were excellent,apart from one slight disappointment where another train was sustituted for a steam train.The 2 hour sail on the Broads was excellent.Our rep Trevor was pleasant & well organised,as was the coach driver.
Collected by Trustpilot
Location & Itinerary
You prefer a well-rounded approach to travel that includes both activity and relaxation. You’re comfortable walking for 30-45 minutes at a time on various terrains, including cobblestoned streets, straightforward paths, and routes that involve rail changes. However, you also value some downtime to unwind and recharge during your travels
Travel & Stay
The 3-Star Holiday Inn Norwich City is ideally located a short walk from the railway station and the City centre is just a 10 minute drive or bus journey away . The hotel benefits from a lounge, bar and restaurant. Leisure facilities include a health and fitness club. The well-appointed en suite rooms have typical amenities including a telephone, television, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Check IN from 3pm although sometimes rooms are ready earlier
Check Out 12 Noon
Hotel facilities
Air conditioning in public areas
Bar
Car parking spaces (small nightly charge, payable locally)
Credit cards accepted
Dry cleaning or laundry service
Fitness centre/gym
Lift
Lounge
Multilingual staff (English spoken)
Restaurant
Room service (24 hour)
Safe-deposit at front desk
Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas (payable locally)
Room facilities
Air conditioning
Complimentary toiletries
Direct-dial telephone
Hairdryer
Iron/ironing board
Satellite television channels
Tea & coffee making facilities
Television (LCD flat screen)
Wake-up calls
Wi-Fi Internet access (payable locally)
Norwich Station is less than 15 minutes walk away
And less than 3 hours driving from London or Birmingham
Car parking is approx £6- £7 per day either in Hotel Car park or nearby car park 50 metres away
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Double Share 4nts DBB Must be 2 people | £499.00 | Sold Out |
| Female Twin Share 4 nts DBB | £499.00 | Sold Out |
| Male Twin Share 4 nts DBB | £499.00 | Sold Out |
| Double Sole Occ 4nts DBB | £650.00 | Sold Out |
Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist
Host & Everything Else
Gallery
