From a 1940s weekend to festive train rides, these themed events are coming up on a heritage railway. 

The North Norfolk Railway runs between Sheringham and Holt, with Weybourne Station located in the middle. 

A full-size replica Spitfire at Steam Back to the FortiesA full-size replica Spitfire at Steam Back to the Forties (Image: Leigh Caudwell)

1. Steam Back to the Forties

When: September 21-22

Swing back in time for a weekend of live music, classic vehicles, vintage trade stands, historical displays and wartime fashions at all three stations, accompanied by a regular steam service.

Enjoy live cooking demonstrations at Sheringham and learn how the average civilian used their rations wisely.

Hop off at Weybourne to join a dance class and practice some 40s moves or undertake Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal training.

At Holt Station there will be military camps, land army displays and talks, a full-size replica Spitfire and much more.

Parking arrangements are different for 2024, with a guide at nnrailway.co.uk/steam-back-to-the-forties

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No. 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ is due to appear at the Autumn ShowcaseNo. 6880 ‘Betton Grange’ is due to appear at the Autumn Showcase (Image: Steve Allen)

2. Autumn Showcase

When: October 5–6

Expect a two-day intense timetable with combinations that do not usually run, such as goods trains or double headings.

It is also free to attend for members and shareholders.

HallowSTEAM! is coming to the North Norfolk RailwayHallowSTEAM! is coming to the North Norfolk Railway (Image: Mad Science)

3. HallowSTEAM!

When: October 30–November 2

Head to the North Norfolk Railway for four days of steam-based fun, with interactive shows and science experiments.

Climb aboard a historic steam train at either Holt or Sheringham and travel to Weybourne for science, technology, engineering, arts and maths shows and activities hosted by Mad Science.

Launch rockets, shoot lightning between your fingertips and even be made into a human lightbulb.

This is also the last chance to see visiting Great Western Railway express engine 6880 “Betton Grange”.

The Norfolk Lights Express is back over the Christmas periodThe Norfolk Lights Express is back over the Christmas period (Image: Dave Ballard)

4. Norfolk Lights Express

When: November 15–January 5

Visitors will arrive after dark at Sheringham Station and be greeted by the magical sight of a steam-hauled train illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

The theme for this year, Four Seasons in Colour, will be brought to life through narration and music.

The onboard lights will shine onto the scenery in a series of changing colours.

During the 5.5-mile journey to Holt, passengers will pass around 10 colourful lit-up displays on the lineside or dramatically set in the woods adjoining the track, all telling the story of the changing seasons.

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Meet Father Christmas at this festive eventMeet Father Christmas at this festive event (Image: Leigh Caudwell)

5. Santa Specials

When: November 23–December 23

Families can sit back and relax as their train steams non-stop from Sheringham up the whole length of the line to Holt.

Refreshments are included in the ticket price and are served to your table – mince pies and mulled cider for adults and gingerbread and hot chocolate for children.

There are festive activity booklets for youngsters too, plus entertainers and balloon modellers who will stroll through the train.

The journey will break at Holt as the engine switches ends, giving visitors the chance to hop off and take photographs with the historic locomotive or to visit the onboard bar.

On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station.

Families will make their way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom, a snowy model railway and Father Christmas' friendly helpers before they meet the man himself. 

He will present every child with a wrapped gift before they rejoin the train for the short journey back to Sheringham.

Enjoy a mince pie on special post-Christmas trainsEnjoy a mince pie on special post-Christmas trains (Image: Denise Bradley)

6. Mince Pie Specials

When: December 27–January 5

A post-Christmas treat with a ride aboard a cosy steam train complete with a mince pie and mulled local cider.

See timetables and book tickets at nnrailway.co.uk