Bure Valley Railway

Overview
A narrow gauge railway running for nine miles between Aylsham and Wroxham in Norfolk. Wheelchair-users are conveyed in specially built coaches which have wide doors and ramps. Helpers can travel in the same coach using standard seating. The comments below are largely drawn from observations during an unannounced visit made in September 2001, starting at Wroxham.

Car Parking
At both Aylsham and Wroxham, there is free parking for all, with easy access the few yards to the Station via lowered kerbs.

Getting Tickets
The doors to the building at Wroxham were a little difficult to open and keep open - one set to enter the shop to buy the tickets, and one set from the shop to the platform. All level access. The tickets were purchased over the shop counter near the door which created a little congestion. No discount offered.

Platforms
The train arrives and departs from the one platform at Wroxham; at Aylsham there are two or three platforms and whilst these are wide enough for a chair there are several metal pillars to avoid.

Anglia Trains
Visitors may also like to know that Anglia Trains from Norwich and Cromer call at Wroxham (Hoveton) Station. There is a direct ramped walkway - about 200 yards - from the "big" station to the "little" Bure Valley Railway station.

The Train
The Bure Valley Railway prides itself in the facilities provided for wheelchair-users. The train had two specially adapted coaches, each has wide doors and a low portable ramp and can hold probably three wheelchairs. Helpers can sit with the wheelchair-users, and a further four people in each of two end-bays. The floor is rubberised. No clamps are provided. Whilst the roof is low - to be expected on a narrow-gauge line - the windows are also low and all get a super view during the journey.

Other information
At Wroxham and Aylsham, there are suitable toilets for all. Access to the Whistlestop Restaurant at Aylsham is straightforward. Self-service selection is quite easy with no barriers or similar. Plenty of room at tables. The shops at Aylsham and Wroxham are quite spacious.
The Bure Valley Railway are constructing four more coaches - a clear indication of the ongoing commitment to enhance the experience for the wheelchair-user. The Railway also has a growing number of local people using the line and the coaches are also used for pushchairs and prams.

Update March 2004
The four disabled access coaches mentioned above are now in service. As a result the Railway can guarantee that wheelchair accessible coaches will be available on every train. And that is wonderful news.
Platform Three - the main departure/arrival one - at Aylsham is to be widened by approximately three feet

Disclaimer

The information is simply provided as a guide and any visitors to the Railway are encouraged to check with the Railway before making a visit or journey.

Last updated 17 March 2004