Steaming through Norfolk
Our gently paced tour reveals charming market towns, picture-postcard villages and majestic stately homes while enjoying two steam railways and a paddle-steamer cruise
Our gently paced tour reveals charming market towns, picture-postcard villages and majestic stately homes while enjoying two steam railways and a paddle-steamer cruise
Big skies, sweeping sands and the tranquil Broads make Norfolk a great destination. The gently rolling countryside has inaccurately been described as flat, and although much does not rise above a few hundred feet, there is great interest in its ancient forests, chalk hills, and watery patchwork of the Norfolk Broads. It is a county ripe for exploration - a sanctuary for wildlife and is dotted with charming market towns and picture-postcard villages, where lovingly husbanded estates radiate around majestic stately homes. Our gently paced tour reveals them while enjoying two steam railway journeys and a unique paddle-steamer cruise on the Broads.
ITINERARY
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset with a stop in St Albans for lunch and sights. We arrive at the hotel in time to settle in before dinner.
Tuesday - Our day starts with a visit to the Bure Valley Railway - a 45 minute journey by steam train through the picturesque Norfolk countryside from Aylesham to Wroxham Bridge behind a small but powerful 15 inch narrow gauge locomotive. After lunch in Wroxham we make the short drive to Horning and board the unusual Southern Comfort cruise vessel - a replica luxury Mississippi double deck paddle-steamer. Passing lovely old thatched houses, windmills and reed beds - the skipper will point out the wildlife so rich in this area.
Wednesday - Enjoy time to explore Norfolk's classic seaside resort of Great Yarmouth, famed for its sandy beach, amusement park and fabulous local museums. There is also a fabulous model village featuring a miniature England set in glorious gardens complete with animated scenes and a railway.
We shall continue to Norwich where there is time for lunch before exploring. The lovely medieval city has an ornate cloistered cathedral, castle, Saxon era marketplace and fabulous shops.
Thursday - Drive to the Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham to board the North Norfolk Railway - sit back, relax and absorb the views as we chuff through the county's stunning scenery. Known as "The Poppy Line" it runs full size steam engines to the attractive Georgian town of Holt. After lunch we make our way to Holkham Hall, set like a jewel in one of England's greatest estates. This imposing 18th century Palladian house is home to the Earls of Leicester and consists of a glorious Marble hall, state rooms and art galleries. We also explore the gorgeous walled garden, greenhouses and vineries.
Friday - Homewards bound we pause for lunch en-route and expect to arrive back in Dorset by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Wensum Valley Hotel
A stylish and modern three star hotel providing all mod-cons situated just 6 miles from Norwich. Bedrooms are comfortable and equipped with private bathroom, hairdryer, television, phone and tea tray – all on the ground or first floor only. A hearty breakfast is served in the stylish restaurant and evening dinner is three courses with a choice of menu. The adjacent lounge bar is a relaxed and comfortable place in which to socialise. Wifi is available throughout the hotel and room service is available. There is an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and jacuzzi for guests use.
TOUR PRICE: £698.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement : £130.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Bure Valley railway fare, North Norfolk railway fare, Southern Comfort cruise fare, Admission to Holkham Hall.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
