Norfolk and Sandringham with Lucy Worsley

May, July & September 2023

5 days from £749pp

Join TV historian Lucy Worsley on this exclusive tour of Norfolk. Enjoy visits to Cromer, Sandringham Estate and Wroxham, as well as rides aboard five different trains including the Bure Valley Steam Railway and a paddle boat cruise on the picturesque Norfolk Broads.

Exclusive Q&A with Historian Lucy Worsley
Join the steam train journey on the Bure Valley Railway
Journey aboard the Bittern Line
Steam train journey on the Poppy Line
Cruise on the broads aboard the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat
Enjoy free time in Wroxham
Visit the seaside gem of Cromer
Entrance to Sandringham Estate

Experience Norfolk from a whole new perspective and take a step back in time as we are join historian Lucy Worsley on this exclusive tour of south-east England. From the scenic reed-covered banks of the Norfolk Broads to the colourful beach huts of Cromer and the impressive grounds of the Sandringham estate, this five-day rail tour will see us visit some of Norfolk’s most iconic and well-known sights. Throughout this tour we will also delight in journeys onboard heritage trains, further adding to this historical experience as we explore the wonders of steam-powered travel.

Day 1: Norfolk
Make your own way to our hotel, where you meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Bure Valley Railway & the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat and Norwich

This morning we board our coach and travel to the market town of Aylsham to join the Bure Valley Railway. This delightful route takes in some of the most unspoilt countryside as it crosses 17 bridges and passes through idyllic villages to reach Wroxham, known as the ‘capital of the Norfolk Broads’. You have some free time here before we travel to the pretty village of Horning and board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for a cruise on the Broads. The route takes us along the Bure river, passing thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk reed beds, with an excellent commentary which also points out the water birds. From here, we travel to the medieval city of Norwich where there’s free time to explore the narrow lanes and speciality shops as well as the impressive castle and Cathedral, a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
Day 3: The Bittern Line, the Poppy Line & Cromer
Today we are taken to Norwich station where we join the Bittern Line, named after the wading bird, for a journey to Sheringham. We then join the North Norfolk Railway, which is affectionately known as the Poppy Line, and enjoy a scenic trip along the coast and through heathland to the lovely town of Holt. From here, we head to the nearby seaside resort of Cromer and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4: Q&A with Lucy Worsley & Sandringham
This morning at our hotel we enjoy an exclusive talk and Q&A with historian Lucy Worsley. Lucy will also be joining us on our afternoon excursion to Sandringham. Here you are free to admire the beautiful grounds and explore the house, which has knowledgeable guides on hand to talk to visitors.
Day 5: Home
After breakfast you are free to check out of our hotel and depart at leisure; you could even take the opportunity to explore some more of Norfolk.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.

Lucy Worsley

Dr Lucy Worsley is, by day Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and by night a writer of history books. Somewhere in between she also finds the time to present TV series on a range of historical subjects. Lucy graduated from New College, Oxford with a first-class honours BA degree in Ancient and Modern History. In 2001 she was awarded a PHD from the University of Sussex. Since 2009 Lucy has presented shows for Channel 4, History and has become a mainstay across the BBC covering everything from Alfred The Great, King Henry VIII and Britain’s fascination with murder. In 2016 Lucy published her first novel for children Eliza Rose which she followed up with My Name is Victoria in 2017.

Overview

North of Norwich, this Holiday Inn is just 6.5 km away from the city centre, with Norwich Cathedral, the Theatre Royal and Norwich City F.C even closer. The hotel has a fully equipped gym, a pool with hot tub, steam room and sauna. The Concorde Restaurant, with its impressive daily buffet breakfast, also serves a carvery lunch on Sundays and is open every evening for dinner. The lounge bar is open every day until late and is an ideal venue for a quicker, lighter snack.