Discover the festive charm of Norwich and the Norfolk coast, with heritage rail journeys, wonderful wildlife and seasonal experiences

This fantastic Christmas holiday begins as you arrive in Norwich and meet the Tour Manager at our hotel. Enjoy a warm, seasonal welcome with a glass of mulled wine upon arrival. After checking in, you're free to settle in or begin exploring this historic city.

Local Christmas markets, light displays and beautifully decorated centuries-old buildings set the scene for this festive getaway. With a medieval centre, Norwich is dominated by its 900-year-old castle and spectacular cathedral.

Returning to the hotel this evening, we get to know each other better over our first dinner together.

Your discovery of this beautiful corner of England begins with a guided tour of Norwich this morning. The city has a long history stretching back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons and the flourishing trade of the medieval period when Norwich was second in importance only to London. From the piercing spire of the Norman cathedral to one of the country's oldest theatres, our explorations uncover a city steeped in history, filled with medieval buildings and characterful crooked houses. At Christmastime, the city takes on an even more magical quality, with fairy lights and festive decorations brightening up the streets.

This afternoon, we enjoy our first heritage rail journey as we ride the nostalgic Bure Valley Railway* from Aylsham to Brampton. Aboard the route's steam-hauled Festive Express, we meander alongside the River Bure through gentle countryside, enjoying seasonal treats as we admire the views.

Returning to Norwich later, we have dinner at the hotel this evening.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy a relaxing day with plenty of time to unwind and celebrate the festivities today.

This afternoon, we sit down to a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, followed by time to spend as you please in the city of Norwich. You could enjoy a walk along the River Wensum or wander the ancient streets around the city's castle. With more Tudor buildings than London, this city has much to recommend it. Along with its magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral built in 1096, Norwich is a pleasing jumble of historic and modern architecture. Its attractive streets and open squares reveal medieval churches and public gardens seemingly at every turn.

Our festive celebrations continue this evening, with a Christmas buffet served at our hotel.

Our day begins with breakfast, before we are transferred by coach to Horsey beach. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is renowned as a great place to see grey seals - especially during the winter months when seal pups are born. As it is breeding season, there is likely to be many adult and juvenile seals to view, but we give them the space they require and enjoy sweeping panoramas of the beach and these charming animals.

Continuing along the Norfolk coast, we arrive in the traditional seaside town of Cromer. Here, we sit down to savour a lunch of fish and chips with great vistas from the top of West Cliff. Wandering down to the Grade II-listed Victorian pier that stretches nearly 500 feet out to sea, we enter the Pavilion Theatre - one of the last end-of-pier theatres in the world. Inside, we take our seats for a nostalgic experience, watching the iconic Cromer Pier Christmas Show, a popular variety performance full of festive cheer.

Later, we return to Norwich for dinner at our hotel.

Heading to Sheringham after breakfast, we embark on another nostalgic rail journey at this beautiful time of year.

The North Norfolk Railway's* mince pie special adds a seasonal touch to this scenic line. Boarding historic carriages and hauled by a steam train, we can admire the views of the 'Poppy Line' while savouring a mince pie and mulled cider. On arrival in Holt, there's time to explore this attractive Georgian town of flint-brick buildings and narrow lanes. You can follow the Owl Trail plaques in the pavement to see many of the town's best sights.

After, we travel to Holkham Hall for an unforgettable experience, a tour of the candlelit interiors. This 18th-century stately home is set within acres of parkland and overlooks an expansive pond. Entering this grand, Palladian Hall, we are guided through elegant rooms bedecked in traditional festive decorations, twinkling with the flickering of candlelight. After this wonderful tour - a perfect ending to our time in Norfolk - we return to our hotel for our final dinner together.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Visiting Norfolk at Christmas has allowed us to enjoy the much-loved traditions of the season in wonderfully nostalgic destinations. From the festive lights of Norwich and enjoying seasonal treats on heritage rail journeys to the candlelit visit to Holkham Hall and seeing seals on Horsey beach, we have experienced special moments throughout.

After breakfast at our hotel this morning, your Christmas holiday draws to a close and you can make your way home or continue exploring this beautiful corner of England independently.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Running for nine miles through the picturesque Norfolk countryside, the route travels between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads', with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Throughout, passengers can savour views of the picturesque countryside as the heritage railway follows the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture, stopping occasionally at small country villages.

The surviving section of the North Norfolk Railway was originally built by the Eastern & Midlands Railway. Trains began to run in 1887, and the route saw very little change for its first half century, before it closed in 1964. Residents believed that the idyllic scenery of the Norfolk Broads would ensure that many visitors would also use the line and, in 1976, it reopened as a heritage line and proved very popular. Soon, it was given the nickname the Poppy Line, thanks to the many flowers the line passes on its scenic route - and this pretty line continues to go from strength to strength.

Located a short walk from the railway station, this 3-Star hotel provides great access to Norwich city centre. Facilities include a lounge, bar and restaurant, while there is also a health and fitness club on site. Air-conditioned guest rooms are well-appointed and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.