North Norfolk Railway

Overview
The North Norfolk Railway - the Poppy Line - runs for about five miles from the seaside at Sheringham on the very scenic North Norfolk coast to an inland terminus at Holt. There are two intermediate stations at Weybourne and Kelling Heath Park, although the latter may not be suitable for wheelchair-bound travellers. These observations are made from a trip on the Railway in July 2002 and information gleaned from the official web site.

Car Parking
There is plenty of free parking in the council-run car park at Sheringham with reserved spaces close by the station entrance. Free parking is also available at Holt and Weybourne.

Getting Tickets
At Sheringham. Ramped access to one platform and a ramped bridge to the other, main departure, platform that also has most of the facilities. It is possible to avoid this route and pass to the road entrance to the booking office via a level footpath around to the east of the station itself. One door of the double-doors to the booking office were open on the day of our visit, and the wheelchair just passed through. A wider chair might not get through a single door, and unless staff were nearby to unbolt the other door, this might present a difficulty. The booking office window is high for those visitors who are seated but not impossible. In some ways, getting tickets on the train seems a better option.
At Holt. New gravel in the car park made it very hard going from the car to the temporary building that houses the facilities. We did not attempt the ramp. Apart from the gravel, Holt seems OK.
We did not check the facilities at Weybourne or Kelling Heath Park.
Wheelchair-user passengers travel free under a complimentary ticket - a particularly nice term. Well done, North Norfolk Railway.

Platforms
At Sheringham. The door from the booking hall to the main departure platform may be too narrow for some chairs, and the ramped bridge to the other platform is a minor inconvenience.
At Holt. Level access.

The Train
The Railway prides itself in having suitable areas for wheelchair-users in every steam train and every heritage diesel unit. All have wide doors and a portable ramp. Our coach on the steam train had four comfortable seats for helpers and we travelled together in comfort. It also has wide, low windows giving a super view. Tracking for chair-clamps is also provided, but we saw no clamps (but didn't ask!). Assistance from the Guard and other members of the train crew is always prompt and courteous.

Other information
Access to the shop at Sheringham might be a little difficult with narrow door and aisles. There is a RADAR key toilet immediately adjacent to the station at Sheringham. At Holt, the Railway is striving to rebuild the demolished station, so it is no surprise to find facilities very limited.
The excellent cafe at Sheringham is most suited for chairs.
The Railway's web site at http://www.nnr.org.uk/ has more information about "disabled facilities", and is recommended for further reading.

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 14 July 2002