Bressingham

Ever since we moved here back in 2020 we've been saying that we fancied a trip to Bressingham.  It is the garden of the late Alan Bloom who was a horticulturist and steam engine enthusiast, and who threw the gardens of his home open to the public and also created a steam museum.  At around 50 miles away we'd never really got around to going but as they have a steam gala on this weekend, I thought it was a good opportunity.

We weren't disappointed.  Lots of things to see; there are four different railways around the site; a narrow gauge 'garden railway' which was the first, two other circular narrow gauge lines and a standard gauge track.  These traction engines were on display near the entrance along with a steam powered fairground organ, and all four railways were in full operation and rides were included in the price of the ticket.

As there was so much to see I've added a few extras.  The inside of the 'Dads Army' museum, the garden railway with the engine named after Alan Bloom himself, a couple of the engines providing the rides, and 'Black Prince', which is normally resident on the North Norfolk Railway and has featured in my blips several times.  It needs a complete overhaul so has been moved to Bressingham to spend a couple of years on display while funds are raised.

Of course, we also had a look around the gardens which were lovely, so the final extra was taken walking around there.  And as our 'Gardeners World 2 for 1' card was valid, we saved almost double the price of buying the magazine to get the card which is still valid until next April!