Barton House Railway

Barton House Railway, The Avenue, Wroxham, Norwich, UK
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Barton House Railway is a charming miniature railway attraction located in Wroxham, Norfolk, and run by the Wroxham Railway Heritage Trust. It brings together two important railway heritage sites in one location: a traditional garden miniature railway and the restored Wroxham Signalbox beside a working mainline. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, it offers a relaxed and nostalgic day out for families, railway fans, and visitors to the Norfolk Broads.

Visitors can enjoy scenic rides on two miniature railways - the Riverside Railway (7¼ inch gauge) and the Midland Railway (3½ inch gauge) - both running through gardens with riverside views. A highlight of the visit is the Wroxham Signalbox, where you can step inside a real working signal box, see the original levers, learn how trains were controlled before modern technology, and even try pulling the levers yourself. The site also includes a small railway museum, picnic areas, a café serving hot drinks and cakes, and an electric shuttle boat service from Wroxham Bridge, adding to the overall experience.

Admission prices are £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children under 14, which includes museum entry and one single trip on the Riverside Railway. Additional train rides are available for £0.25 per ride, while the Enhanced Ticket costs £10.00 for adults and £5.00 for children, offering unlimited rides on both miniature railways.

Barton House Railway offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where heritage, hands-on learning, and outdoor fun come together. With its miniature trains, historic signal box, riverside setting, and volunteer-led storytelling, it feels personal and engaging for all ages. It’s a lovely stop for families, train enthusiasts, birthday celebrations, and anyone looking for a peaceful and unique attraction in the Norfolk Broads. 

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

  • Two Miniature Railways: We have two miniature railways for you to enjoy during your visit - the Midland Railway (3.5″) and the Riverside Railway (7.25″). Both offer scenic rides and are a great way to experience the charm of our site.
  • Signalbox and Museum: Our site features a small museum packed with fascinating railway artefacts, from vintage signs and tools to signalling equipment and model trains. You’ll also have the chance to step inside our fully restored, working signal box - where you can see the original levers in action. 

Facilities

  • Parking: Parking at Barton House is very limited, so we recommend using public parking in Wroxham village centre and hopping on one of our free shuttle boats to reach us — it’s a scenic and enjoyable way to start your visit!
  • Picnic: Feel free to bring a picnic and relax in our outdoor seating area, with benches and grassy patches perfect for lunch in the fresh air. 
  • Food & Drinks: Our Café offers a selection of hot drinks and delicious cakes to keep you fuelled throughout the afternoon. Enjoy your treats with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating.
  • Toilets: Toilet with baby change facilities. 

What to see

Enjoy scenic rides on our lovingly maintained miniature steam and electric trains, explore our fully operational signal box, and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional railway operations. With stunning riverside views, hands-on activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission price

  • Adult: £5.00
  • Children (under 14): £2.50
  • Additional train rides: 25p 

Includes one single trip on the Riverside Railway (travel from one station to the next) and Admission to the Museum.

Enhanced ticket

  • Adult: £10 
  • Children (under 14): £5 

Includes admission and unlimited rides on Riverside and Mid-land railways.

Pricing URL: https://bhrw.org.uk/tickets-and-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

  • Looking for a unique venue for your next celebration or group gathering? Barton House Railway offers a charming and nostalgic setting for birthday parties, group outings, and private events.
  • Whether you’re planning a special occasion or are a local youth or interest group looking for a day out, our miniature railway and Wroxham Signalbox provide the perfect solution for train enthusiasts.
  • We do not yet have regular set times for the Signalbox to open, as we are dependent on having volunteers who can staff it for us. Please keep an eye on this website for the most up to date opening times.
  • Barton House is open to the public every third Sunday of the month from April to October for our normal running service, managed entirely by our dedicated team of volunteers.

Address: Barton House Railway, The Avenue, Wroxham, Norwich, UK

Post Code: NR12 8TL

Council: Broadland

County: Norfolk

  • By Road: We are easy to find, about 7 miles from Norwich off the A1151. Go over the mainline railway bridge, then take the 3rd turning right into The Avenue, take the second left into Staitheway Road finally turn right into Hartwell Road, at the end of the road you will find BHR. Once parked you can purchase your admission ticket from the Museum Attendant or walk down the garden to the ticket office where you can purchase your admission and all train tickets.
  • By Train: Greater Anglia provides a good Sunday service from Norwich and Sheringham (THE BITTERN LINE). It is only a short walk from the station to Wroxham Bridge for the Boat Service to the BHR. 
  • By Boat: We operate a continuous electric launch service from Wroxham Bridge directly to the railway — just follow the signs near the bridge. If you’re already on the river, you can moor at the bottom of the garden (space is limited, so please check with staff for guidance on where to moor). Admission and train tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at the station.

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