Norwich Railway Station, Norwich

Norwich Railway Station, located on Thorpe Road in Norwich, is a striking Grade II-listed building that serves as the northern terminus of the Great Eastern Main Line. Formerly known as Norwich Thorpe, the station is 114 miles and 77 chains (185 km) from London Liverpool Street and is a gateway to the cathedral city of Norwich. Designed by William Ashbee in collaboration with chief engineer John Wilson and constructed by Sir Samuel Morton Peto in 1886, this architectural gem stands out as one of Simon Jenkins's "100 best railway stations," earning a prestigious four-star rating, the only one in East Anglia.

The station's exterior is a showcase of Victorian elegance, built from red brick and stucco with slate and lead roofing. Its central dome features a decorated and pedimented clock front adorned with ball finials and a lantern topped with a tall finial. The façade’s five bays are defined by double pilasters, with the central bay crowned by a grand entrance portico framed by wide and narrow arches. The two-story building, elevated on a rise, commands attention with its symmetrical grandeur and classical ornamentation.

Inside, the booking hall dazzles with its "Versailles ballroom" vibe, complete with intricate plasterwork ceilings, pilasters, and a richly decorated frieze cornice. The recent restoration has revived these features, accentuating them with a thoughtful paint scheme that underscores the hall's historic opulence. The platforms maintain this visual splendor, with cast-iron columns supporting decorative brackets and arches, a testament to the craftsmanship of Barnard, Bishop & Barnards, a local foundry.

Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the historic charm. The station boasts six platforms, including a dock platform for specialized use, and features a glass-enclosed Customer Information Point on the concourse. Greater Anglia manages the station and operates most services, with East Midlands Railway providing connections to Liverpool Lime Street via Nottingham, Sheffield, and Manchester Piccadilly. Notably, the station is served by new Swiss-built trains, offering a contemporary travel experience.