Norwich & Norfolk

Norwich

Your tour begins in Norwich, where you meet your Tour Manager at the Holiday Inn Norwich City. After time to check in, enjoy a guided walking tour of Norwich's Old Town and learn some of the city's fascinating history. The beautiful and historic city of Norwich, the capital of the county of Norfolk in east England, has much to recommend it. Dominated by a magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral built in 1096, Norwich is a pleasing jumble of historic and modern architecture, its shopping streets and open squares revealing museums, medieval churches, public gardens and other attractions seemingly at every turn. Deceptively compact, Norwich is both delightful and rewarding to explore on foot. Following your tour of Norwich, you enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening.

Sandringham

Travel by train along the Bittern Line to Sheringham, where you join the heritage North Norfolk Railway for a picturesque, steam-hauled* journey to Holt. Famed for its outstanding natural beauty, the railway is nicknamed 'The Poppy Line' thanks to the flora it passes.

The section of the Eastern & Midlands Railway now known as 'The Poppy Line' was first opened in June 1887. It was well used, but like many rural railways, traffic declined from the mid-1930's and most of the line was closed in 1959, with the remainder closing in 1964. A preservation society was formed at the first closure. They believed that the charming scenery of the Norfolk Broads would be a popular tourist attraction, and so the line was reopened as a heritage railway. It reopened after extensive restoration work in 1976, and has proved extremely popular ever since.

From Holt, it is time for a visit to the Royal residence of Sandringham, a favourite retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, set in acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. You have some time to explore the stunning house and its gardens before your transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

At Leisure in Norwich

Discover Norwich at your own pace today. One of the oldest cities in the country, Norwich has a richness of culture and history. Visit the imposing Norman castle including its historic dungeons, and wander around the battlements for fine views over the city. The city's breath-taking castle was intended for use as a Norman Royal Palace, but today this beautiful building serves as an excellent interactive museum and gallery whose treasures include important archaeological finds, fine artworks, costumes and textiles and collections and displays covering Norfolk's local, natural, social and regimental history.

You could also visit the Plantation Garden. Established in 1856 and tucked away at the heart of the city, the Plantation Garden is a hidden botanical gem which offers three acres of immaculate lawns, beautiful flower beds and features including an Italian terrace, a rustic bridge and a stunning Gothic fountain.

Norfolk Broads

Today, discover beautiful Norfolk by heritage railway, visiting alluring towns and admiring peaceful countryside. Transfer by coach to Dereham, where you join the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Travel on the restored line from Dereham to the picturesque small market town of Wymondham.

Next, transfer to the charming riverside town of Aylsham for an excursion on the Bure Valley Railway*, which runs through the picturesque Bure valley countryside following the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture stopping occasionally at small country villages.

You also enjoy a cruise on the Norfolk Broads, where light refreshments are available, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

*Where possible the rail excursions will be steam-hauled.

Depart Norwich

After breakfast the tour concludes and you are free to depart at your leisure. Alternatively, you could spend some more time exploring Norwich and the surrounding area.

Why not visit Norwich's famous market? Prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norwich's colourful market was held in the space now occupied by the city's cathedral. Relocated to the city centre, Britain's largest Monday-to-Saturday open-air market is still going strong more than nine hundred years later and this atmospheric gathering of around two hundred stalls is an excellent place to find fresh local produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bread and cakes, cheeses and sweets.

Departure Times

Your tour begins in Norwich, where you meet your Tour Manager at the Holiday Inn Norwich City at 14.00pm.