England’s ‘most scenic’ train journey full of beautiful little seaside villages

From the quintessentially English town of Sheringham to the Georgian town of Holt, the Poppy Line carries travellers onboard for a trip throughout the county’s most stunning coastal scenery. 

The heritage steam railway, also known as the North Norfolk Railway, runs for five miles, stopping at two delightful Victorian stations between Sheringham and Holt.

Taking an hour and 10 minutes in total, the journey takes passengers through Weybourne and Kelling Heath Park. 

Starting at Sheringham, day-trippers will be greeted with a 1950s style waiting room where the steam engine and carriages will be eagerly parked for travellers to hop on board.

Steam can be seen puffing out of the funnel while people purchase their tickets in the ticket office. 

The long stretch of platform allows for people to walk up and down to choose the carriage they wish to sit in – either in an open area like modern day trains, or in more traditional carriages where enclosed seating areas for six to eight people can be found. 

After slowly winding around the tracks where picturesque scenery of the world-class coastline meets the lush, green countryside, the train will arrive at Weybourne. A roving ticket will allow you to hop on and off the train to explore the stations. Here, passengers will find a restored Edwardian waiting room and WC with picnic areas and gardens surrounding it.

Kelling Heath is the next stop, which opened in 1983. The stop was constructed principally to serve the nearby caravan park, but was later rebuilt slightly further up the road to allow for a longer platform.

Backing onto the woodland area and rare open heathland, this stop is popular among walkers and those looking for a more rural adventure. 

The final destination is Holt, which homes a quaint railway cottage and the William Marriot Museum. For the train lovers, the final stop is a great spot to watch the steam engines change track, fill up with more water and exude more steam. 

Prices for tickets start at £19.50 for a prebooked adult, going up to £21 on the day. Children fairs are £14, or £15 on the day.