Introduction: Why Choose the Train?
The Wherry Line links Norwich, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, snaking through Broadland villages and marshes before arriving at the coast. The route is scenic at any time of year, but autumn and winter show it at its prettiest: trees blaze with colour, reeds sway in the breeze and wildlife gathers on the waterways. Best of all, the line stops at Haddiscoe Station, just a short walk from Priory Farm Caravan Park, and trains run roughly hourly. From here, Lowestoft is only about 16â18 minutes by train and Norwich is roughly 30 minutes, so you can enjoy day trips without a car.
Choosing the train means no parking hassles, no need for a designated driver and a smaller carbon footprint. You can relax and watch the countryside roll by. Once youâre done exploring, itâs easy to hop back on a train and return to a warm caravan at our adultsâonly park.
This season thereâs plenty to enjoy. From beer festivals and Halloween parties to film screenings, bonfire night fireworks, Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland and guided nature walks, thereâs always something happening along the line. Hereâs your complete guide to autumn and winter fun, all easily reachable by rail.
Beer & Ale Festivals
Norwich Beer Festival & Ale Trail, 17 OctâŻââŻ2 Nov
For serious beer lovers, the Norwich Beer Festival & Ale Trail is unmissable. This 17âday event moves between venues, kicking off with a launch at Redwell Brewery Taproom (17â19 Oct) and continuing at The Waterfront (27â29 Oct) and Castle Social (30 Octâ1 Nov). Hundreds of real ales and ciders are available, and a fringe festival means pubs across Norwich put on their own special taps. The usual venue, The Halls, is closed for repairs in 2025, so festival organisers are taking over multiple sites to keep the event alive.
Travelling by train makes this festival simple: hourly trains from Haddiscoe reach Norwich in about 30 minutes, and the venues are all within walking distance of the station. You can spend an afternoon tasting craft brews, wander the cityâs cobbled streets and still get home safely. If you fancy a quieter tipple, thereâs also a âPub Fringeâ so you can try local ales in smaller venues and avoid the crowds.
Spooky Nights & Bonfire Delights
Halloween Specials, Fri 31 Oct
On Friday 31 October, the Reedham Ferry Inn hosts a lively Halloween Party Night with live music and a costume contest. The pub sits right by the River Yare, making it a lovely spot for an autumn evening. Dress up, enjoy the band and compete for prizes without worrying about a designated driver, Reedham is just a 4â5âminute train ride from Haddiscoe.
If you prefer spooky history over parties, head to Norwich for Ghost Walks. These guided tours explore some of the cityâs most haunted sites around Tombland and the Cathedral Quarter. Stories of murder, mystery and restless spirits bring the old streets to life, and the meeting points are about a 15âminute walk from Norwich station. Itâs a chilling way to spend an October night!
Reedham Village Bonfire & Fireworks, Sat 8 Nov
On Saturday 8 November the village lights a huge bonfire at 6:20 p.m. and launches a fireworks display at 7 p.m. Entry is free and thereâs a BBQ, including vegetarian and glutenâfree options, plus glow sticks for sale. Donations help fund next yearâs display. The event takes place on the village hall field and has a friendly, community feel.
Getting there couldnât be easier: the train from Haddiscoe to Reedham takes about 4 minutes, and from the station itâs a short walk to the hall. Wrap up warm, watch the sparks fly and return to your caravan for hot chocolate by the heater.
Culture & Film
Norwich Film Festival, 3â16 Nov
Running from 3 to 16 November, the Norwich Film Festival is a BAFTAâqualifying event that showcases 134 short films. Screenings take place at venues like Cinema City and The Forum and cover a huge range of genres: documentary, animation, drama, comedy and more. Filmmakers often host Q&A sessions, and there are workshops for budding creatives. Itâs a friendly and accessible festival that celebrates storytelling and new talent.
The venues are 15â20 minutes on foot or a quick taxi ride from Norwich station, so train travellers can easily attend. Spend the day immersed in films, then take a peaceful evening train back to the quiet of the countryside.
Christmas Lights, Markets & Winter Wonderlands
Norwich Christmas Lights SwitchâOn, Thu 20 Nov (4â8âŻp.m.)
Norwich goes into full festive mode on Thursday 20 November when the cityâs Christmas lights are switched on. The evening includes live performances, choirs and an appearance from Father Christmas, and the market stays open late. Crowds gather in front of the Guildhall as the lights flicker on, making the medieval lanes sparkle.
The main event area is about a 15âminute walk from Norwich station. Arrive by train, soak up the atmosphere, sip mulled wine and join in a carol, then slip away to the tranquillity of the park when youâre ready.
Festive Fair at The Forum, 27â30 Nov
From 27 to 30 November, The Forum in Norwich hosts a Festive Fair filled with crafts, gifts and food stalls. Local makers sell everything from jewellery to artisan cheeses, so itâs a great place to find unique presents. Entry is free and the vibe is relaxed, with plenty of mince pies and mulled cider on offer.
Itâs also easy to reach: the Forum is a short walk from Norwich station. Go by train, browse the stalls, and feel good knowing youâve supported local artisans while reducing your carbon footprint.
Lowestoft Christmas Lights & âChristmas Laneâ, Sat 29 Nov
Lowestoft holds its Christmas Lights switchâon on Saturday 29 November. The town lights up at 2 p.m., while over at Oulton Broad, a street dubbed âChristmas Laneâ bursts into life at 6:30 p.m. with synchronised music and dazzling displays. This twoâpart celebration means you can enjoy both the town centre decorations and the riverside extravaganza in one day.
The train from Haddiscoe to Lowestoft takes about 16â18 minutes, and there are stops at Oulton Broad North for those heading straight to Christmas Lane. Get there early, grab a hot chocolate, and marvel at the technicolour lights.
Winter Wonderland Norwich, 14 NovâŻââŻ4 Jan
A new addition to the Norfolk calendar, Winter Wonderland Norwich transforms the Norfolk Showground from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The site promises free admission, a real ice rink, thrilling fairground rides, a Mistletoe Lane Christmas Market and entertainment like Santaâs Enchanted Grotto and the Observation Wheel. Thereâs even a Grinchyâs Grotto for adults only.
Winter Wonderland is located just west of Norwich and is about 20 minutes from Norwich rail station by taxi or bus. You can combine it with a trip to the beer festival or lights switchâon: arrive by train, then hop on a bus or taxi and enjoy an evening of skating, food and festive fun.
Nature Walks & Wildlife
Guided Winter Wildlife Walks at Carlton Marshes, 17 Nov & other dates
On 17 November and selected dates throughout winter, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust leads guided winter wildlife walks at Carlton Marshes Reserve. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will spot wintering ducks, herons and maybe even an otter. After the walk you can warm up in the reserveâs cafĂ©, which serves coffee and homemade cakes.
Getting there is straightforward: take the train to Oulton Broad North, then enjoy a 15âminute walk to the reserve. Itâs a gentle way to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.
Seal Watching & Coastal Walks
Winter isnât just about festivals and markets, itâs also the best time to see wildlife. Great Yarmouth is the gateway to expansive beaches and, further along the coast, Horsey Gap hosts one of the UKâs largest colonies of grey seals. More than 3,000 pups were born here in the 2024/25 season, and the seals give birth on the sands from late October to early February. Visitors must stay on the dunes and follow local guidance, but the sight of mothers and pups is unforgettable.
You can hop off the train at Great Yarmouth for a brisk beach walk or take a short drive from the park to Horsey Gap.
Conclusion
The Wherry Line turns autumn and winter into an adventure. By staying at Priory Farm Caravan Park and using the train, you can sample beer festivals, dance at Halloween parties, watch fireworks, enjoy BAFTAâworthy films, shop at festive markets, skate at Winter Wonderland and explore wild marshes, all without touching a steering wheel. Hourly train services from Haddiscoe station mean youâre never far from your next experience.
Our adultsâonly caravan park offers peace and quiet after a busy day, along with modern facilities and warm hospitality.
Ready to enjoy a carâfree holiday? Book your stay today and let the Wherry Line be your ticket to seasonal fun.