As firm family favourite of ours, each September we “Steam Back To The Forties”, travelling between Sheringham and Holt on the historic Poppy Line in our vintage attire, soaking in the atmosphere (and with any luck, some sunshine)! It might not sound like a fun day out for kids, but I think you’d be surprised by how much the younger generations do enjoy it!
Why do we love it so much?
Admittedly, it is my mother’s passion first and foremost. She books the weekend off work every year without fail and keeps everything crossed for good weather! For the last 2 years we have joined her with our son (aged 3 and 4 at the time), and we have all had a blast! We all enjoy getting dressed up in our retro finery, listening to the musical acts, enjoying delicious food, browsing the stalls and attempting to fill up our ration books with stamps!
What is there for kids?
If the ice cream, hot dogs, music and train rides weren’t enough, there is so much else put on by exhibitors and collectors that children can enjoy. The Scouts pitch traditional tents and play games like they did in the 40s and 50s, you can pretend to put out fires with a hose, sound the air-raid sirens and marvel over the model railway at Holt station. There is also a perfectly preserved bungalow next to the platform which is open to visitors, dressed as it would have been way back when ration books were still an everyday essential. On the trader stalls you can pick up reasonably priced vintage toys for genuine pocket money prices – Teddy loved finding a miniature ‘Cruella Devill’ car!
Where is it?
The main ticketed event runs on the Poppy Line, between Sheringham and Holt via Kelling. There are displays, entertainment, refreshments and stalls at each station, however the bulk of the stalls and entertainment is in Holt. We usually start in Sheringham, then get the train to Holt and back. There is also a number of vintage buses that run between the stations too as the train can only handle so many passengers! The train ride is optional, so if you prefer to only visit Holt, you can pay just to enter the station and adjoining field to admire the stalls, displays etc., but for most, the steam and diesel locomotives are a ‘must-do’ part of the experience.
If you just want to sample the atmosphere without buying a ticket, I recommend visiting Sheringham town on the weekend of the event. This is of course free of charge, and you will find all of the local shops and businesses have got in to the spirit of wartime Britain. Expect photo opportunities on the high street, taped-up windows, ration stations, lots of people in costume and 1940s-themed entertainment long into the evening. The town really comes to life every year, with more to see and do each time you visit.
When is it?
Typically it’s the third weekend in September, so this year it will be Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st September 2025.
Book Tickets Online
The best way to get a ticket is directly through the railway line’s website at nnrailway.co.uk . Tickets go on sale almost immediately after the last event, so there’s plenty of time to secure your spot in advance.
Top Tips:
- Book tickets in advance (the earlier the better if you want to save money with an ‘early bird’ ticket).
- Get there early. The trains later in the day fill up fast, so plan ahead to secure your seat.
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What is your favourite decade from the 1900s? Would you be right at home at a vintage weekend? Let us know in the comments!
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