Bure Valley Railway (Buxton Station)

Steam trains still run here, which is a bit of a marvel given how many railway lines closed across Britain. The Bure Valley Railway operates vintage trains between Buxton Station and Aylsham, a proper journey through the Norfolk countryside that takes about an hour each way. You'll rattle through green fields and past village crossings - the kind of gentle, unhurried travel that feels almost rebellious in our current climate.

The station itself at Buxton is modest. What matters is the experience on the train itself: period carriages, sometimes a dining car, and staff who clearly care about getting the detail right. Kids tend to love it, though don't expect theme-park thrills. This is nostalgic, low-key railway heritage rather than a modern visitor attraction.

It's not free - you'll pay for tickets - but it's reasonable value if you book ahead online. Allow three to four hours from your base including the journey and a wander around Aylsham at the other end. Go on a sunny day and avoid peak summer holidays unless you enjoy queues.

Norwich is the nearest real town, about half an hour's drive north, but you're better served basing yourself at one of the nearby parks like Top Farm Campsite or Two Mills Touring Park, both within a few miles. It works well as a half-day activity within a Norfolk park holiday - pair it with a coastal trip to the east or a morning at nearby attractions. Worth doing once, not worth planning a holiday around.