Opening Times

MNR is open between March and October, weekends, Wednesdays from through to October and Thursdays from June through to October [check website before travelling]

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

MNR principally provides customers with a 35 minute train ride each way between industrial Dereham and market town Wymondham in Norfolk, running through idyllic rural and agricultural countryside, dotted with tree brakes and farmsteads. Wild and farm animals are in evidence. Railway operations can be witnessed at first hand. Rolling stock and diesel locos are "heritage" some going back to c.1965. During the summer season 4th June to August Bank Holiday Monday, steam locomotives should be in use most operating days. Both Wymondham and Dereham have heritage buildings where other educational heritage aspects can be explored. Chartered trains or Group bookings can have a "commentator" running with them at no cost.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

From a "learning perspective" MNR is an example of restoration of a derelict railway by volunteers, entirely financed by donations, repayable loans and a few grants. It is a multidisciplinary enterprise which is a viable business based entirely on unpaid volunteers who deploy a wide range of skills, technical, functional and interpersonal, to achieve a successful operation. Principally people from practical back grounds support the railway aspects, eg engineers, but also agricultural skills are required to keep the countryside from invading, commercial skills to ensure that income exceeds costs, catering, marketing and accounting abilities are also required.

What are the activities?

Pupils' practical participation in railway matters is forbidden by the rules of the ORR/HMRI/HSE.

What is the age range of the activities?

School age upward

Sample programme of the activities:

There is a small artefacts museum at Dereham and display unit in the buffet. Principal activity is a return train ride.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

Sustenance is optional, we do have a c.50 catering operation at Dereham; previous arrangement is advisable.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Pupils are safe on our trains [providing they don't start opening doors in transit] and platforms [providing they remain within public access areas]

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We are regulated by the ORR/HMRI and obey HSE requirments and work to the Network Rail rule book.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

No but, please ask--we do have at least two retired teacher volunteers.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

c.50 seat catering at Dereham, basic menu. Shop.

Is specific clothing required?

No

Do you have first aid on site?

Unsure. Stations and all trains carry first aid boxes as per ORR/Network Rail rules.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No

Additional information.

Website is http://www.mnr.org.uk