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 16–18 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 you’re done exploring, it’s easy to hop back on a train and return to a warm caravan at our adults‑only park.
This season there’s plenty to enjoy. From beer festivals and Halloween parties to film screenings, bonfire night fireworks, Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland and guided nature walks, there’s always something happening along the line. Here’s your complete guide to autumn and winter fun, all easily reachable by rail.
Beer & Ale Festivals
Norwich Beer Festival & Ale Trail, 17 Oct – 2 Nov
For serious beer lovers, the Norwich Beer Festival & Ale Trail is unmissable. This 17‑day event moves between venues, kicking off with a launch at Redwell Brewery Taproom (17–19 Oct) and continuing at The Waterfront (27–29 Oct) and Castle Social (30 Oct–1 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 city’s cobbled streets and still get home safely. If you fancy a quieter tipple, there’s also a “Pub Fringe” 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 4–5‑minute train ride from Haddiscoe.
If you prefer spooky history over parties, head to Norwich for Ghost Walks. These guided tours explore some of the city’s 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 15‑minute walk from Norwich station. It’s 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 there’s a BBQ, including vegetarian and gluten‑free options, plus glow sticks for sale. Donations help fund next year’s display. The event takes place on the village hall field and has a friendly, community feel.
Getting there couldn’t be easier: the train from Haddiscoe to Reedham takes about 4 minutes, and from the station it’s 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, 3–16 Nov
Running from 3 to 16 November, the Norwich Film Festival is a BAFTA‑qualifying 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. It’s a friendly and accessible festival that celebrates storytelling and new talent.
The venues are 15–20 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 Switch‑On, Thu 20 Nov (4–8 p.m.)
Norwich goes into full festive mode on Thursday 20 November when the city’s 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 15‑minute 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 you’re ready.
Festive Fair at The Forum, 27–30 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 it’s 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.
It’s also easy to reach: the Forum is a short walk from Norwich station. Go by train, browse the stalls, and feel good knowing you’ve supported local artisans while reducing your carbon footprint.
Lowestoft Christmas Lights & “Christmas Lane”, Sat 29 Nov
Lowestoft holds its Christmas Lights switch‑on on Saturday 29 November. The town lights up at 2 p.m., while over at Oulton Broad, a street dubbed “Christmas Lane” bursts into life at 6:30 p.m. with synchronised music and dazzling displays. This two‑part 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 16–18 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 Nov – 4 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 Santa’s Enchanted Grotto and the Observation Wheel. There’s even a Grinchy’s 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 switch‑on: 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 reserve’s café, which serves coffee and homemade cakes.
Getting there is straightforward: take the train to Oulton Broad North, then enjoy a 15‑minute walk to the reserve. It’s a gentle way to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.
Seal Watching & Coastal Walks
Winter isn’t just about festivals and markets, it’s 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 UK’s 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 BAFTA‑worthy 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 you’re never far from your next experience.
Our adults‑only caravan park offers peace and quiet after a busy day, along with modern facilities and warm hospitality.
Ready to enjoy a car‑free holiday? Book your stay today and let the Wherry Line be your ticket to seasonal fun.