Whitwell & Reepham Railway Station

The old station building at Whitwell & Reepham sits beside the Wensum Valley Line, a stretch of heritage railway that's been lovingly restored by volunteers. It's not a grand Victorian showpiece - the station is modest, weathered, proper Norfolk in its understatement. What makes it worth a visit is the chance to ride behind steam locomotives on trains that actually run regular services through the countryside between Norwich and the coast.

The line itself is the draw here. You board from this restored platform and rattle through rolling farmland, stopping at tiny stations that feel forgotten by time. The journey takes about an hour and passes through some genuinely lovely countryside - the kind of view that explains why people move to Norfolk and stay. On sunny days the open-top carriages fill up fast, so arrive early if you want a decent seat.

It's ideal for families with young kids - the novelty of steam holds their attention in a way modern trains never do - and railway enthusiasts will spend hours chatting to the crew. The station café serves decent tea and Victoria sponge. Allow half a day if you're doing the round trip from Norwich.

Camp at Bylaugh Country Park or Ashcroft Glamping nearby, both within easy reach. The railway runs weekends mostly, plus school holidays, so check ahead. It's not thrilling stuff, but it's proper, slow-paced Norfolk tourism that doesn't pretend to be anything grander than it is.