Wells Beach Bus used by 41,000 passengers say Holkham Estate

The Holkham Estate had introduced two buses to replace the Wells Harbour Railway last July.

The loss of the train was felt across Wells after it served the town for 45 years - running along Beach Road up to Pinewoods Holiday Park.

But it appears the replacement Wells Beach Bus service has proved a hit as more than 41,000 passengers used it last year.

Wells Harbour Railway

A spokesperson for Holkham Estate said: “The bus is proving helpful in helping visitors get to and from the town and beach.

“The Leyland Tiger is popular thanks to its vintage charm and good looks, everyone wants a ride.

“Whilst the eco credentials of the new electric bus, now wrapped to match the Leyland Tiger, are a positive step forward and perfect for the colder months of the year.

The electric bus, which replaced the Wells Harbour Railway (photo taken just before the service launched) (Image: Supplied by Holkham Estate)

“It also offers a solution for people with accessibility needs and wheelchair users as it drops to kerb height, and it’s dog friendly too.”

News of the railway's closure back in 2021 triggered an outpouring of sorrow from local people and visitors.

Dozens of pictures, videos and fond memories were shared on a newly-created Facebook page, 'Legacy and Memories of Wells Harbour Railway'.

A petition was also started, calling for Wells Harbour Railway to be saved. It amassed more than 45,000 signatures.

The Leyland Tiger, a vintage bus which operates between Beach Road up to Pinewoods Holiday Park (Image: Holkham Estate)

The Wells Beach Bus launched on July 22 last year and operated for 16 weeks. 

It is said the vintage open-top 1951 Leyland Tiger proved to be very popular, as it embodied the English seaside holiday, while the fully electric Mellor Sigma 7 had those with a fascination of technology and the environment interested.

By the end of the season, over 41,000 passengers used the service from mid-July to the end of October.