The Mid Norfolk Railway - A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Dereham, Norfolk

Of all the tourist attractions in Dereham the Mid Norfolkused.
Railway or MNR is arguably the most popular. ThisThe station also has a museum of railway artefacts
preserved railway is in the heart of the English countywhich show the history of the railways of central
of Norfolk and was opened to tourists in 1997. It is runDereham. There is also a souvenir shop in the station
almost entirely by volunteers.which stocks a wide range of DVDs, railway related
In the late 1950s Dereham was an important railwaybooks, greeting cards as well as gifts for adults and
junction however due to demographic changes in thechildren.
UK its importance has diminished. The Mid NorfolkThe railway passes through river valleys and pretty
Railway Preservation Trust which owns and operatesvillages and hamlets, providing a great day out for the
the MNR obtained a European Objective 2 grant tofamily. The train ride provides a great view of the
restore this fine Victorian station and railway to itssurrounding countryside. In spring wild flowers are
former glory. It now runs through 11 miles of attractiveeverywhere to be seen and in October the train rides
rural Norfolk, linking the ancient towns of Dereham andare ideal for enjoying the autumn colours and tints of
Wymondham.the countryside.
Dereham station is where the collection of heritageThere is an abundance of wildlife to be seen during the
diesel railcars and locomotives are kept. These includetrain ride. The fishing lakes at Whinburgh and Thuxton
three class 31 locomotives that were once regularlyprovide an ideal environment for geese and swans.
used for hauling grain traffic in the 1970s and 1980s.Owls and deer are also seen throughout the year
Steam services operate here as well. The Westernmaking the Mid Norfolk Railway very valuable to the
Pannier Tank No.9466 is among several steam trainswildlife in Dereham.