 Visit
the longest 10¼" narrow gauge steam railway in the world
and see the unique Garratt locomotive
"Norfolk Hero" which was especially built for this line.
A great adventure for
all the family in the delightful countryside of the North Norfolk
coast.
Enjoy our timetable service
from the seaside and harbour town of Wells to the picturesque town
of Walsingham, famed for centuries as a centre of pilgrimage. A
scenic journey with five bridges through lovely countryside. Halts
at Warham St Mary and Wighton. With the regular service
you have ample time to explore Walsingham with its shops, restaurants
and inns as well as the famous shrine before catching the train
back.
Our main station at Wells
has a charming restored signal box where refreshments and souvenirs
are available. The unique Garratt steam locomotive was built in
1986 specially for the line.
Evening charter trains
are also bookable, full details can be obtained from the Wells
Station or by phoning 01328 711630. Coach parties and group bookings
welcome by prior arrangement.
 The
Wells & Walsingham Light Railway was born out of one man's
passionate dream, hard work and sheer determination. Lt. Cmdr.
Roy Francis ( pictured left ) had already built the mile long 10¼" gauge
Beach railway at Wells. In 1979 he started to construct the WWLR
on the four miles of old Great Eastern track bed from Wells to
Walsingham. Work was completed in 1982 and on 6th April services
began on schedule making it the longest 10¼" narrow gauge
steam railway in the world.
"Pilgrim", an 0-6-0 side tank engine, hauled the train
until 1987 when the new unique 2-6-0 + 0-6-2 Garratt locomotive "Norfolk
Hero" came into service. Two extra coaches were added to the
train increasing the seating capacity to 76. A redundant signal
box was moved from Swainsthorpe to Wells, where the ground floor
was converted to provide a shop and tearoom. The full history of
the railway, the journey described, engineering, locomotive and
permanent way details,can all be found in the guidebook. This and
other memorabilia can be purchased from the station shop.
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