While in Wells-next-the-Sea, a lovely seaside town in Norfolk, UK, we visited the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway and spotted the 'Lifeboat Horse' by artist Rachael Long. The statue pays homage to all the horses that pulled the town’s lifeboat. The statue is taken into storage during the winter months to protect it from the elements.
According to one of the guidebooks, the light railway was started by Lieutenant Commander Roy Wallace Francis. In 1979, driven by his love of railways, Francis worked on what was the part of the old Great Eastern Railway between Wells-next-the-Sea and Walsingham bringing it back to good condition. After completion, the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway was officially formed and opened in 1982.
We enjoyed the thirty minute train ride which took us between Wells-next-the-Sea and Walsingham. The volunteers work really hard running the train.
There is also a second hand bookshop in one of the onsite carriages.
Lots of weeds to feed the bees!
While you are travelling on the miniature railway you might see various wildlife such as hares and various birds from the train. There is a chance to write on the blackboard what you have spotted. There is usually some wag who will write something humorous down, such as 'station master', 'cat' and ' Susan Calman' who is a Scottish comedian, television presenter and writer. 😁
It was an enjoyable visit, the staff and volunteers were very friendly and you were made welcome. You had the option of sitting in an enclosed/semi-enclosed and open carriage. As the signs says, have a lovely day!
