Norfolk really is a wonderful county for any visiting railway enthusiast — even those of us with four paws! There are plenty of opportunities for humans to ride on steam trains, but we were keen to discover just how welcoming they are to dogs.
Our first destination was the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway! We arrived at the station in Wells-next-the-Sea and enjoyed a few light refreshments in the waiting room while we waited for the train to arrive.
Having never visited before, we weren’t sure how the staff would react to four dogs arriving — complete with a doggy stroller! However, I have to say, they couldn’t have been more welcoming. “Dogs – the more the merrier!” declared the Station Master with a smile. And the best part? There was no charge for dogs!
When the train arrived I got chatting with the driver. We took quite a shine to each other and he even invited me up front to join him, where he showed me the basics of engine driving!
The journey from Wells to Walsingham took about 30 minutes, winding through the beautiful Norfolk countryside — and in the distance, I even spotted some sheep!
Once we arrived in Walsingham, we followed the old railway track to the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady. The walk there and back takes around 45 minutes along a gentle, easy path — perfect for strollers, dogs and humans alike!
After a bit of exercise it was time for some well-earned refreshments. Walsingham offers plenty of choice with two dog-friendly pubs and a cosy café on the High Street. The village is famous for its religious shrines and is a major centre of pilgrimage. For dogs with an interest in history, Walsingham Abbey is a must — and we’re warmly welcomed there too! The Abbey is especially well known for its beautiful snowdrop walks in February.
After a stroll around the village, admiring all the lovely old buildings, we boarded the train back to Wells and set off for our second destination — The Bure Valley Railway.
The 18-mile round trip runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, taking around 45 minutes each way. Along the route there are several wayside halts where you can hop on and off. A footpath follows the railway line, so we decided to stretch our paws and walk from Aylsham to the next stop at Brampton before catching the train there.
When the train arrived we discovered that the staff had reserved a special carriage just for us! We felt like true VIPs — Very Impawtant Pups!
Upon arrival at Wroxham we enjoyed a short walk into town before hiring a boat for a trip along the Broads. Alternatively, you can book a combined train-and-boat ticket directly at the Bure Valley Railway station.
Another dog-friendly steam train adventure awaits on the North Norfolk Railway at Sheringham, also known as The Poppy Line. This 10.5-mile round trip winds through designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, and in places you can even catch a glimpse of the sea! There are stops at Weybourne, Kelling Heath, and Holt, perfect for a paddle, a stroll on the heath and a bit of retail therapy at the pet shop in Holt.
If all of the above isn’t enough, we highly recommend a visit to Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station. The station closed in the 1950s but has now been lovingly restored to its former glory. There are both steam and diesel locomotives to admire, plus a fascinating museum.
The Sidings Bar and Café is truly pawsome and woof-friendly with a big sign outside declaring, “Doggies with well-behaved owners welcome!” There’s even a small secondhand bookshop to browse. You’ll find water bowls and if you’re lucky like us, you might even get a treat or two! The station sits on the Marriott’s Way, a long-distance footpath — perfect for walking off all that tea and cake.
We absolutely love steam trains and had a fantastic time exploring Norfolk’s heritage railways. There’s nothing more pawsome than chugging through the countryside with the wind in your fur, the scent of the steam and barking at the sheep as you go by! Everyone we met was incredibly kind and we felt truly welcome wherever we visited.
Why not hop on a train yourself? We can pawsitively recommend it!
Woofs Frodo
The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway,Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1QB Tel: 01328 711630
Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Aylsham, NR11 6BW Tel: 01263 733858 (charge for dogs applies).
North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham Station, Sheringham, NR26 8RA Tel: 01263 820800 (charge for dogs applies).
Whitwell & Reepham Railway, Whitwell Road, Reepham, NR10 4GA Tel: 01603 871694
Now that you’ve read about our steam train adventures, why not plan your own pawsome getaway? Sniff out The Barking Bugle’s Doggy Tourist Guide to Norfolk — it’s packed with tail-wagging ideas for your next adventure, from the best dog-friendly beaches and days out to cosy spots where pups are truly welcome. And don’t forget to go back to our home page for more wag-worthy tips, adventures, and dog-friendly destinations across Norfolk!
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