Two large “Welcome to Sheringham” signs at the town’s railway station have given a boost to tourism and accessible travel at the Norfolk seaside resort of Sheringham.

The signs have been erected on the station platform at Sheringham as part of an ongoing initiative by the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership

They were unveiled earlier this month by Bittern Line Chair David Pearce and Secretary, Chris Mitchell, Paul Raymond from Experience Sheringham, and Alan Neville from train operator Greater Anglia.

They show both the Bittern Line and Deep History Coast logos and an ‘alight here for the North Norfolk Railway’ message, with the town’s name in extra-large print to assist those with impaired vision and conditions such as dementia.

A large version of the Sheringham town map has also been installed, showing the town’s various attractions and amenities and is the first in a series of panels to be installed around the town.

2022/23 saw over 230,000 people used the station.

The map features major landmarks, community facilities and tourist attractions, with the initial design being funded by the Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership, and the Sheringham Museum.

The Bittern Line provided funding for the version at the station, and they distribute thousands of free paper copies at various locations every year.

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In recent years the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership has upgraded station signage along the line, including at Cromer and North Walsham where the signs highlight the town’s status as a historic market town.

At the coastal end of the line, the signs will feature the Deep History Coast tourism branding and further down the line dual branding will include locations within the Broads National Park.

At stations serving Salhouse and North Walsham maps have been installed as well as improved way-marking for visitors to Hoveton & Wroxham.

The Sheringham Town map project was a collaborative community project to help build a destination brand for Sheringham and highlight the broad range of facilities we have to offer visitors in our vibrant town. What better place for the first sign to be installed than at the railway station where thousands of visitors first experience Sheringham.

Being able to access public transport is very important to enable people to live well with dementia. Clear large signage at the right height can make a huge difference to help those who through their condition could become anxious or confused in managing journeys. This new signage will help those living with dementia and others with a range of disabilities to continue to be independent and connected to their communities for longer.

Liz Withington, Bittern Line Vice Chair

The Bittern Line continues to grow passenger numbers as it provides fast and convenient travel opportunities from the City of Norwich via the Broads National Park to North Norfolk’s stunning Deep History Coast.

We are therefore delighted to continue our efforts in support of tourism and communities along the line and to assist those that may struggle to use public transport.

David Pearce, Bittern Line Chair,

We are very grateful to the Bittern Line Community Rail Partnership for installing these signs. “The new signage at Sheringham provides a wonderful welcome for visitors and helps highlight some of the great landmarks and attractions that can be found on the Bittern Line.

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia Community and Customer Engagement Manager