Heritage Open Days
13th & 21st September 2025
Teaming together with Heritage Open Days we will be hosting two
special days with free displays, talks and more across three of our sites
focussing on the railway and its history.
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Full details of these events will be available from Heritage Open Days from June onwards.
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Saturday 13th September 2025
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Marking the Milestones
10.00 to 16.00
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Visit Dereham Station as we mark 200 years of the 'modern' railway and 30 years of the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Trains in action, that old station atmosphere, informative displays, and more... something for everyone. And while everything listed below is for free, we will also be offering ‘Driver for a Fiver’ and – of course – you can purchase tickets to travel on the train to Wymondham Abbey Station, where you will find more free Heritage Open Day special attractions.
From Dereham station platform watch heritage trains as they arrive/depart, and take the opportunity to climb into the cab of a main-line diesel loco. Also from the platform you can admire the work of our volunteers as you get up close to newly restored rolling stock.
In Dereham Station’s marquee, discover the origin of railways as we would recognise them and trace the 200 years of subsequent railway history - with an emphasis on the local railway that has served Dereham for over 175 years. Its range of buildings, large and small, will also be featured. And don't forget to visit both the Museum Room and Tearoom, where you will find further exhibits that relate to this railway.
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History of Railways around Wymondham
10.00 to 15.30
Wymondham Abbey Station, NR18 0PH
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Join us at Wymondham Abbey Station for a day of historical pictures, memorabilia and talks... at no charge.
The displays will be complemented by free history talks focusing on the brush factory and Wymondham area. There will be charity and local business stalls, and fun and games for children... while several other attractions are at the planning stage. The MNR train service to Dereham will be operational - watch heritage steam or diesel locos in action.
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Make sure you check out our train services running on this day.
Saturday 21st September 2025
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"Next trains gone..."
10.00 to 16.00
County School Station, NR20 5LE
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Visit County School Station - the only one on the MNR that was built in the distinctive Great Eastern Railway architectural style. Explore the station, discover the history of the Watts Naval School, and see a miniature railway in action.
Our event's title "Next train's gone" is a line from the famous 1937 British comedy film 'Oh, Mr Porter', starring Will Hay. As you explore the station, don't expect to meet the stars of that film - but you can meet the present volunteer Stationmaster, and learn about lives lived on and around the railway. Incidentally, since closure by British Railways in 1964 this delightful station has been used a number of times for filming, notably in the guise of Gare de Nouvion in the BBC series 'Allo 'Allo!
Miniature passenger trains will be operating on the extended Wensum Valley Miniature Railway, adjacent to the station and occupying the westernmost section of the former Bure Valley line from County School to Wroxham.
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Event - Terms & Conditions
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*Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused.
**Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time.
***The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.