Mince Pie Special — Bure Valley Railway

The Bure Valley Railway runs its Mince Pie Special every day of a short run between Christmas and the new year, which the operator presents as a festive steam tradition and the perfect way to enjoy the relaxed days between Christmas, New Year and beyond. Passengers travel by steam through the wintry Norfolk countryside, on a ride the operator puts at 45 minutes each way, and the operator promotes festive decorations along the way.

On returning to Aylsham Station, every passenger receives a complimentary warm mince pie from the Whistlestop Café. Trains can be boarded at either of the railway's two terminal stations, Aylsham and Wroxham, and the booking system sells the Mince Pie Special separately for each. The ticket sold is a Return/Rover fare that gives unlimited travel all day.

The operator advises pre-booking. It describes the railway as dog friendly, with free parking and toilets at both stations and level access to the stations and carriages.

A 45-minute steam ride each way through the Norfolk countryside, festive decorations and a complimentary warm mince pie from the Whistlestop Café on return to Aylsham Station. A Return/Rover ticket gives unlimited travel all day. Dogs are welcome on the trains.

Trains can be boarded at Aylsham Station (Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6BW) or Wroxham Station (NR12 8UU), both with free parking and toilets and baby changing facilities; there are no toilets on the trains or at the request halts. The operator advises pre-booking and says to check its timetable for Mince Pie Special travel times. Space for pushchairs on the trains is limited, so collapsible buggies are recommended. Dogs are welcome for a small additional charge and need their own ticket. The stations are flat and on one level, each train has a saloon coach with double doors, and guards can help with ramps; the operator advises booking in advance if you need one. You can bring your own food to eat on the train or in the picnic areas outside.