Days Out from Norwich by Train
Days Out from Norwich by Train
by Katie Thompson
Whether you want to extend your stay in Norwich or you’re a local looking for your next day out, it’s only right to discover everything our county has to offer. Luckily, the City of Stories makes the ideal base to visit the Norfolk coast or Broads National Park by train!
And it’s easier than you think. For starters, Norwich Train Station is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and Greater Anglia services run regularly every day of the week. In under an hour, you’ll feel a world away from buzzing city life, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and traditional towns.
So, whether you’re a family headed to the beach, walkers ready to tackle the Beeston Bump or friends excited to explore somewhere new, here are our recommendations for days out from Norwich by train!
Norfolk Coast
Cromer (Direct)
What’s a visit to Cromer without stepping onto Cromer Pier? (Followed by fish and chips, of course!)
//Journey Time from Norwich: 40 – 50 minutes
//Earliest Train from Norwich: 5:12am (weekdays), 5:20am (Saturday), 7:40am (Sunday)
//Last Train from Cromer: 11:10pm (weekdays), 12:14am (Saturday), 10:52pm (Sunday)
//Service Frequency: Hourly
When you arrive in Cromer, it’s just 10 minutes north from the train station to the seafront. Breathe in the fresh salty air and look out at the incredible expanse of sea and sky. This traditional seaside town is home to higgeldy piggeldy independent shopfronts, fascinating museums and the iconic Cromer Pier.
Begin with a visit to Cromer Museum and marvel at the amazing array of fossils found along the county’s coastline- some of these creatures lived a whopping 80 million years ago! Then, learn about local RNLI hero Henry Blogg’s medal-winning rescues in his eponymous seafront museum. (If you have time, we recommend a flapjack with horizon views upstairs in the cafe!)
After wandering along Cromer’s cobbled clifftop streets, make sure to pay a visit to Mary Jane’s Fish Bar for crispy cod and chips! (No. 1 Cromer is also a popular spot for this seaside staple- trust us, the queues are worth it.) We recommend tucking in from the benches overlooking Cromer Pier, before making your way down onto this local landmark. See how many crabs you can spot in holidaymakers’ buckets, peek at the impressive RNLI lifeboat and end your visit with a thirst-quenching refreshment from the Pavilion Bar as the sunset sparkles on the waves beyond.
Sheringham and West Runton (Direct)
The walk between Sheringham and West Runton boasts secluded sands and Jurassic cliffs
//Journey Time from Norwich: 1 hour
//Earliest Train from Norwich: 5:12am (weekdays), 5:20am (Saturday), 7:40am (Sunday)
//Last Train from Sheringham: 11:03pm (weekdays), 12:06am (Saturday), 10:44pm (Sunday)
//Service Frequency: Hourly
Sheringham train station is perfectly placed to welcome you to this bustling market town. If you time it right (Saturdays, or Wednesdays from April – November), you’ll be greeted with Sheringham’s popular weekly market, where you can peruse stalls of fresh Norfolk seafood and tasty local produce.
From here, head down the high street with its eclectic mix of high street heroes, independent stores (we love Creativity for gifts) and community theatre (Suranne Jones is its president) to the promenade. Heading west, you’ll be met with pebbled shores dotted with windbreakers (take note of Whelk Coppers Tea Rooms and Salt Cafe if you’re feeling peckish); heading east, make your way past pastel-hued beach huts to quieter sands and Jurassic cliffs (just remember not to climb on them!). It’s just a 1.5-mile walk along here to West Runton, a lovely spot for rock pooling and without as many crowds.
At West Runton, head up the slipway to the Beach Cafe– treat yourself to a scoop of Ronaldo’s ice cream (made in Norwich, go for the strawberry) or a homemade sandwich (bacon or cheese are our top picks). If you prefer a more relaxed end to your day, soak in the atmosphere here before heading into the village and picking up the train from there. Or return to Sheringham via Beeston Bump (the highest point in Norfolk) for breathtaking horizon views- on a clear day you can see all the way from Cromer to Weybourne!
Great Yarmouth (Direct)
Embrace childlike excitement with a traditional day at the beach at Great Yarmouth
//Journey Time from Norwich: Between 25 – 35 minutes
//Earliest Train from Norwich: 5:08am (weekdays), 5:30am (Saturday), 7:25am (Sunday)
//Last Train from Great Yarmouth: 11:34pm (Monday – Saturday), 11:09pm (Sunday)
//Service Frequency: Every 20 – 30 minutes
If it’s a traditional day at the beach you’re looking for, take the train to the golden sands of Great Yarmouth! From the train station, it’s a 20-minute walk to North Beach, or a 5-minute bus journey to central Market Gates shopping centre- then it’s an easy,10-minute walk direct to the town’s Britannia Pier.
To make a day of it, we always suggest leaving early- that way you can choose prime position on the beach, perfectly placed between the sea and the seafront, where you’ll be drawn to the sweet scents of sugar-dusted doughnuts, the bright lights of amusement arcades, and the squeals of excitement echoing from Great Yarmouth’s much-loved Pleasure Beach. Whether you’re here for the thrilling wooden roller-coaster (the UK’s only operating scenic railway, one of only seven in the world and star of Madness’ ‘House of Fun’ music video) or prefer the snails’ slower pace, there’s something enduringly appealing about the childlike joy of a funfair.
And if that’s not enough, throughout the summer holidays, you’ll be captivated by an illuminating fireworks display every Wednesday, or take your seat at the historic Hippodrome for spectacular circus- the floor is one of only three worldwide that sinks into a swimming pool!
Broads National Park
Wroxham (Direct)
Hire a boat from Wroxham to explore the beautiful Broads National Park
//Journey Time from Norwich: 15 minutes
//Earliest Train from Norwich: 5:12am (weekdays), 5:20am (Saturday), 7:40am (Sunday)
//Last Train from Wroxham: 10:41pm (weekdays), 12:42am (Saturday), 11:20pm (Sunday)
//Service Frequency: Hourly
When you pull into Wroxham train station, it’s just a quick, 8-minute walk to the waterside buzz of the ‘Capital of the Broads’. Before you head to the centre of it all, take note of two fantastic attractions nearby- Bure Valley Railway– a nostalgic heritage steam train that chugs along verdant countryside to Aylsham and back- and Wroxham Miniature Worlds– the world’s largest indoor modelling attraction, ideal for when it’s raining or you’re in need of time out of the sun.
Another so-called must-see is none other than Roys of Wroxham. (Yes, really!) This famous Norfolk department store also boasts a food hall, garden centre and toy shop- where better than Roys to pick up a unique souvenir of your time here?
Wroxham is unique in that it captures the essence of a traditional seaside town along the luscious banks of the River Bure. But hire a boat and within moments you’ll be enveloped in tranquillity. Flowing waterways reach out to lush fields of greenery, while entrancing birds dip, dive and bob into the ripples. As you uncover hidden corners and unexpectedly striking views, moor up at picturesque villages for a picnic or tasty pub lunch and take in the sights of medieval ruins and flourishing nature reserves.
Salhouse (Direct)
Salhouse Broad is a peaceful spot surrounded by bushy trees come the summer months
//Journey Time from Norwich: 10 minutes
//Earliest Train from Norwich: 5:41am (Monday – Saturday), 7:40am (Sunday)
//Last Train from Salhouse: 10:46pm (Monday – Saturday), 10:26pm (Sunday)
//Service Frequency: Hourly
When you love the water, but prefer to stay on dry land, take the train to Salhouse. Pack your walking boots and head along quintessential country lanes to the car park for Salhouse Broad (a 45-minute walk). From here, you’ve got two options.
Make your way north to this peaceful lake. In summertime, listen to whispering trees, the thrum of dragonflies and soft splashes of native birds. We suggest following the trail along the water’s edge at sunset, when glowing reflections glimmer like shimmering metal. Sheltered by bushy, fairytale-like woodland, it’s also the ideal spot for getting out on a canoe or kayak (hire is available March – October), whether you’re here solo or trying it for the first time as a family. As a reward for your efforts, visit The Hungry Otter for a homemade sausage roll.
Or you can carry on to Woodbastwick, less than 1 mile east. This chocolate box village is home to Woodforde’s Brewery- one of many local breweries infused with the barley of Norfolk’s blanket of golden fields. Here, you can enjoy an immersive behind-the-scenes tour or just sip on a crisp pint in the pub garden of the Fur & Feather, before making your way back through glorious countryside.
