Join the acclaimed historian at the Royal Family’s Norfolk retreat, plus enjoy wonderful scenic journeys by rail and paddle steamer

Famous for its wide skies, glorious coastline, serene rivers and crimson-red poppy fields, Norfolk is the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view. It's somewhere life moves at a slower pace: even the Royal Family come here to unwind. Add in the nostalgic pleasure of travelling along heritage railways and you have all ingredients of an unforgettable trip. There are no fewer than three different railway journeys and a cruise on a paddle steamer included on this wonderful short break, with ample time to explore delightful Norfolk destinations such as Wroxham, Horning and Cromer.

However, what turns this five-day tour from special to extraordinary is the chance to meet and hear from the brilliant historian Lucy Worsley. Fascinating, incisive and always entertaining, Lucy will give an exclusive talk to readers at the hotel, before joining you on a visit to the Royal Family's famous country retreat.

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Your expert guide

Lucy Worsley OBE
Historian, author, TV presenter and curator

Lucy Worsley OBE is one of Britain's leading historians and is chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces. She has written a number of books, including Courtiers: A Secret History Of The Georgian Court, If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History Of Your Home and a biography of Agatha Christie.

Lucy has presented a number of history shows including Six Wives With Lucy Worsley, Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors and Lucy Worsley On The Mystery Queen which followed in the footsteps of Christie in Egypt. She is also the winner of a Specialist Factual Bafta for the documentary Suffragettes With Lucy Worsley.

Price includes

  • Four nights' half board accommodation at Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
  • Talk, Q&A and Sandringham tour with Lucy Worsley
  • Coach transfers for excursions
  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager
  • Steam train journeys on the Bure Valley Railway and the Poppy Line
  • Journey aboard the Bittern Line
  • Cruise on the broads aboard the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat

Availability

From
Mon, Mon, Apr 21, 2025
To
Fri, Fri, Apr 25, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£995*

* From price based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit required. Single supplement: £180. Please note: we cannot guarantee that all rail journeys will be steam hauled. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by TS Tours Ltd acting as agent for Shearings Travel Limited. Bookings conditions of both companies apply.

Norwich (NRW)
From
Mon, Mon, May 19, 2025
To
Fri, Fri, May 23, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£1,029*

* From price based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit required. Single supplement: £180. Please note: we cannot guarantee that all rail journeys will be steam hauled. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by TS Tours Ltd acting as agent for Shearings Travel Limited. Bookings conditions of both companies apply.

Norwich (NRW)
Call now to book 0330 037 4741
Quote ref: LEGNORFOLKWORSLEY
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Norfolk
    Norwich, United Kingdom

    Make your own way to the Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club, where you meet your Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Bure Valley Railway and Mississippi Paddle Boat
    Aylsham, United Kingdom

    This morning we board our coach and travel to the market town of Aylsham to join the Bure Valley Railway. This delightful route takes in some of the most unspoilt countryside as it crosses 17 bridges and passes through idyllic villages to reach Wroxham, known as the 'capital of the Norfolk Broads'. You have some free time here before we travel to the pretty village of Horning and board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for a cruise on the Broads. The route takes us along the Bure river, passing thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk reed beds, with an excellent commentary which also points out the water birds.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    The Bittern Line, the Poppy Line and Cromer
    Cromer, United Kingdom

    Today we board the coach and head for Holt. On arrival we have some time to explore this pretty little town before heading to the station to board the North Norfolk Railway, which is affectionately known as the Poppy line. Our train journey travels from Holt to Sheringham. On arrival there is plenty of time to explore this lovely coastal town before we board the coach for the seaside resort of Cromer. There is time to have a meander around Cromer and take in the scenery, before heading to Cromer station. Here we board the Bittern Line for a relaxing train journey back to Norwich, on arrival your coach transfers you back to your hotel for dinner this evening.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Sandringham with Lucy Worsley
    Sandringham, United Kingdom

    This morning at our hotel we enjoy an exclusive talk and Q&A with historian Dr Lucy Worsley. Lucy will also be joining us on our afternoon excursion to Sandringham Estate where you can explore the house, which has knowledgeable guides on hand in each room. There will also be time to admire the beautiful grounds and gardens before we return to the hotel by coach.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Depart
    Norwich, United Kingdom

    After a leisurely breakfast, it's time to check out of the hotel and even take the opportunity to explore some more of Norfolk before making your own way home.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

Sprowston Manor Golf & Country Club

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Sprowston Manor Golf & Country Club, United Kingdom

Idyllic countryside location close to Norwich.

The four-star Sprowston Manor Hotel is housed within a stately 16th-century English manor. Some rooms offer views of the beautifully landscaped surrounding grounds. There is an on-site spa with sauna, steam room and heated indoor pool, as well as a fitness suite and golf course. The hotel boasts 24-hour room service and a friendly concierge service. It is the perfect base from which to explore the wonderful county of Norfolk.

Brought to you by

TS Tours as agent for Shearings
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours as agent for Shearings
TS Tours is acting as agent for Shearings Travel Limited, which provides coach holidays to european and worldwide destinations. TS Tours Ltd specialises in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people.

For general information, click here.

To view TS Tours as agent for Shearings’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

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Availability

From
Mon, Mon, Apr 21, 2025
To
Fri, Fri, Apr 25, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£995*

* From price based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit required. Single supplement: £180. Please note: we cannot guarantee that all rail journeys will be steam hauled. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by TS Tours Ltd acting as agent for Shearings Travel Limited. Bookings conditions of both companies apply.

Norwich (NRW)
From
Mon, Mon, May 19, 2025
To
Fri, Fri, May 23, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£1,029*

* From price based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit required. Single supplement: £180. Please note: we cannot guarantee that all rail journeys will be steam hauled. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events and the overall itinerary may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by TS Tours Ltd acting as agent for Shearings Travel Limited. Bookings conditions of both companies apply.

Norwich (NRW)
Call now to book 0330 037 4741
Quote ref: LEGNORFOLKWORSLEY