In early July the Bure Valley Railway carried its 2 millionth passenger on the nine mile line between Aylsham and Wroxham. The 15 inch gauge steam railway started life in 1990 and will be celebrating its 21st anniversary next year.

With more passengers travelling than ever, Andrew Barnes, Director, says ”thanks to a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers we have far exceeded the expectations of 70,000 passenger journeys per annum when the railway was built. It has become a popular tourist attraction with visitors from all over the UK and overseas and brings many people to the market town of Aylsham, playing a key role in the economy of the town”.

The railway is now running its most intensive yellow service up to the end of August and the next special event will be the ’15&quo; Through the Years’ Steam Gala on 25th & 26th September.

A taste of summer awaits visitors to the Bure Valley Railway this July.

Enjoy a nostalgic journey by steam on Norfolk’s longest Narrow Gauge Railway, with a traditional summer treat of strawberries and cream.

Every Saturday and Sunday in July Bure Valley Railway is giving free local strawberries and cream to every fare-paying passenger. Trains depart from Aylsham and Wroxham regularly throughout each day.

Steam along and celebrate summer with Bure Valley Railway!

During the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, 29th – 31st May 2010, the Bure Valley Railway will be holding a new family event, Nature by Rail. Visitors can enjoy a steam train ride on Norfolk's longest narrow gauge railway and see what local wildlife can be spotted. A children's nature competition on the train journey and a nature display and colouring corner at Aylsham Station add to this themed event.

Susan Munday, Business Manager, says ”the railway‘s nine mile line goes through some of Norfolk‘s most attractive countryside following the picturesque Bure Valley and this event highlights the diverse nature which can be found around the railway”.

An intensive train service will be operating from both Aylsham and Wroxham. Children under 5 travel free.

Local girl Amber, age 6, was presented with a cuddly bear and free travel pass for her and her family on the Bure Valley Railway by Railway’s Mascot Bear at Aylsham Station on Saturday afternoon.

The Friends of The Bure Valley Railway is a supporters organisation which provides volunteers and funds to help operate Norfolk’s longest 15 inch gauge steam railway. Volunteers undertake a variety of jobs including everything from publicity to driving the trains.

May Day Bank Holiday Weekend, 1st - 3rd May 2010, will be a busy time for The Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk's longest narrow gauge steam railway. All available engines, coaches and rolling stock will be action. There will be a special intensive timetable in operation throughout the weekend to allow visitors the opportunity to see as many different locomotives as possible hard at work over the nine miles between Aylsham and Wroxham. To keep younger visitors entertained there will a competition on the train journey, with a free prize for every correct entry.

The workshop at Aylsham will be open throughout the weekend and staff will be on hand to answer any questions.
David Barnes, Chairman, says “this event will give railway enthusiasts and families alike a chance to see a collection of some of the world's most powerful 15-inch gauge steam engines on display and in operation”.

Train fares allow unlimited travel on the day of issue. Children under 5 travel free.

For further details, click here.

On Sunday, 7th March 2010 The Bure Valley Railway will be hosting its second Volunteers Open Day for anyone interested in volunteering on the railway. The day will give the opportunity to meet existing staff and volunteers and see behind the scenes, including a chance to drive a steam engine!

John Wright, who became an active volunteer after attending last year's Open Day, says "Within the last year I started with the basics such as chopping fire wood and shovelling coal through to becoming a qualified diesel driver, as well as track work and assisting with the mechanics of keeping the rolling stock on the go. All in all it has been an interesting, exciting and sometimes challenging experience, very different from my previous occupation as air traffic controller."

The Bure Valley Railway invites you to see what fun you can get from becoming a volunteer and looks forward to seeing you on Sunday, 7th March.

After the success of the first Teddy Bear Express at the Bure Valley Railway last year, this event returns for the children’s half term holiday from 13th to 21st February 2010. The Railway Bear will take charge again at Aylsham Station to ensure a week of fun for all the family!

All that is required now is lots of children with their teddy bears so that the Railway Bear is not lonely! The Railway is giving free travel for every child when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (maximum two children per adult). No prior booking required.

Following on from another sell out Santa Special season, the Bure Valley Railway are pleased to announce that its steam locomotive No 6, ”Blickling Hall“, has now achieved a record mileage of over 100,000 miles during the loco's 15 year history.

As an added achievement, we are delighted that we were able to carry over 121,000 passengers during 2009, an increase of nearly 19% on 2008's operating season.

This represents a lot of hard work by the staff and volunteers behind the scenes on what is fast becoming one of East Anglia's major tourist attractions.

Quotes Susan Munday, Business Manager:

”Along with all our locomotive's and carriages, 'Blickling Hall' is currently having a well earned rest, whilst being prepared for what we hope will be a busy 2010 season which begins on 13th February with our ’Teddy Bear Express‘. Our timetable for this year is now available and includes several new special events.“