Scenic Trains, the Norfolk Broads & Sandringham

Make your own way to our hotel on the outskirts of Norwich, where you will meet an experienced Tour Manager. Dinner is served in the hotel tonight.

Today's journey begins with a coach ride to the bustling market town of Aylsham, where we hop aboard the Bure Valley Railway. This fantastic rail excursion winds through untouched landscapes, crossing 17 bridges and gliding past quaint villages to reach Wroxham – the ‘Capital of the Norfolk Broads’.

Enjoy free time to explore before we head to the picturesque village of Horning, boarding the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for an idyllic cruise on the Broads. Our path meanders along the Bure River, where thatched cottages, iconic windmills, and lush Norfolk reed beds form a serene panorama. An insightful commentary accompanies the cruise, highlighting the area's unique water birds.

From here, we travel by coach to the medieval city of Norwich. Enjoy time to wander the narrow lanes, browse artisanal shops, and marvel at the impressive castle and cathedral.

We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner this evening.

Included Highlights

Norwich Bure Valley Railway Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat

Our day starts with a coach journey to Holt. Enjoy some free time to take in this quaint town before heading to the station to board the North Norfolk Railway, which is affectionately known as the Poppy Line. This scenic journey takes us from Holt to Sheringham, and there will be plenty of time to explore this charming seaside town. From here, we’ll board the coach to charming Cromer and enjoy time to soak up the scenery before heading to the station. Boarding the Bittern line, sit back and relax as we make our way back to Norwich.

Included Highlights

Cromer Sheringham Poppy Line Bittern Line

This morning, we travel by coach to Oxburgh Hall, an architectural masterpiece that was built in 1482. Constructed by the Catholic Bedingfeld family, the hall boasts a rich history and has undergone many changes due to the issues faced by the family. The 6th Baronet began work in the early 19th century, decorating and furnishing the hall in the antiquarian style you see today. Surrounded by an impressive expanse of nearly 175 acres, there is plenty of time to take in the beautiful gardens, serene streams, and wooded pathways.

This afternoon, we discover Sandringham Estate, enjoying a self-guided tour of the house and gardens. Construed in 1870 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, Sandringham is brimming with objects d'art – both Queen Alexandra and later Queen Mary were great collectors. Gifts of enamel, silver and silver-gilt were often brought by members of the Russian and European royal families; for example, an exquisite Dresden porcelain chandelier was presented by Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany. The hallways are lined with family portraits, and an extensive collection of oriental arms and armour – which was brought back from the Far East and India in 1876 – is waiting to be explored.

We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Included Highlights

Oxburgh Hall Sandringham Estate

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to check out of the hotel and make your own way home.