Trains along the North Norfolk coast Bittern Line to and from West Runton are going to be increased to one train an hour as of the December timetable changes in 2025.

Due to the growing popularity of the line, the North Norfolk coast has been slowly growing into an all year-round destination rather than seeing the usual seasonal up take of visitors in the summer months.

The popularity of West Runton as destination has also grown, with the quaint coastal village becoming popular for hikers and backpackers along the coastal paths, and the town’s locality to nature reserves offering specular views as well as including some endangered species of animals.

As it stands, the one train an hour timetable is currently in operation from Monday – Saturday, with a train every two hours on Sunday.

With the Norfolk Coast growing in popularity, locals and stakeholders have been encouraging Greater Anglia to run one train an hour on Sundays as well in order to double capacity and travel options for visitors to the area at weekends.

Greater Anglia has responded, and the Hourly Sunday service will commence just in time for the Christmas travel period from Sunday, 14 December 2025.

The news is also welcomed by the Bittern Line Rail Community Partnership. Set up in 1997, they have been promoting the line and highlighting the unique attractions along the line and campaigning for better rail services over the past 28 years.

“We are pleased to be able to confirm that from this December West Runton will benefit from an hourly service on Sundays, giving it an hourly service seven days a week. Wherever practical, we try to develop and improve services in line with local needs, so we’re glad that we can provide this enhancement, which follows local feedback about service aspirations.

We will keep on working to build the success of the Bittern Line. The progressive improvements we have made over the last 30 years have helped increase passenger numbers on the line from around 200,000 journeys a year in 1994 to over 700,000 now.”

Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs for Greater Anglia