Whistlestop Cafe Aylsham

Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6BW, United Kingdom
+44 1263 733858
$$$ Cafe
(40 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled within the charming Aylsham Station, right alongside the scenic Bure Valley Railway, the Whistlestop Café is a delightful spot for both railway enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This quaint café offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, making it the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak up the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

The café boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for families, tourists, and even locals looking for a comforting bite to eat. With air conditioning to keep you cool during warm summer days, along with ample outdoor seating that allows you to watch the trains come and go, it's an experience that blends culinary delight with nostalgia.

The menu at Whistlestop Café may be limited, but the quality is anything but. Customers rave about the generous portions and the exceptional flavor of the offerings. One stand-out dish is the ploughman’s lunch, praised by visitors for its delightful balance of flavors. And if you have a taste for something heartier, the sausage rolls are a must-try—considered the best many have had in years! The homemade fruitcake also receives high accolades, effortlessly comforting in its sweetness.

For those seeking lighter snacks, you'll find superb homemade cakes and savoury snacks such as toasties, omelettes, and jacket potatoes, perfect for a light lunch or a sweet afternoon treat. The homemade treats are not just food; they're an experience—like the gluten-free afternoon tea featuring a delectable selection of cakes, sandwiches, and a perfectly baked scone with clotted cream and jam that will leave anyone guessing they’re on a dietary restriction!

Customer experiences consistently highlight the exceptional service as a key feature of the Whistlestop Café. From the friendly smiles to the efficient service, each visit feels personal and welcoming—so much so that patrons often return just for the delightful ambience as much as the food. Whether you're grabbing a quick snack before your train ride or settling in for a leisurely lunch, the attentive staff ensures your experience is nothing short of fantastic.

In summary, the Whistlestop Café Aylsham is more than just a café; it’s a destination that encapsulates the spirit of the surrounding area while offering comforting cuisine that caters to a variety of tastes. So next time you find yourself near the Bure Valley Railway, make sure to stop by and indulge in a slice of what makes this café a cherished local gem.

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

08:30 AM - 05:00 PM

40 Reviews
Harry Sewell

02 Sep 2025

Stopped here while riding a loop of the Bure Valley Path/Marriott's way and I could not recommend it more! The staff were absolutely lovely/very efficient and the food was fantastic.

Ian Lines

29 Aug 2025

Due to mooring up at Wroxam whilst on our weeks broads holiday, we were limited on our time with the Bure Valley railway. So didn't have time to explore Aylsham, therefore, decided to have lunch at the whistle-stop cafe. Fantastic place. Well laid out and air conditioned. We sat out side. We had the ploughman's lunch. Best sausage roll I've had in many a year. Generous portion of fruitcake to follow. Rich in flavour. All in all very filling and satisfying. Washed down with a Cappuccino. Great value we thought for £25.

Geoff Thomas

23 Aug 2025

Excellent place for a snack lunch or afternoon tea before/after a ride on the Bure Valley Railway - or even if just visiting the station! Superb homemade cakes and savoury snacks like toasties, omelettes and jacket puds. Highly recommended.

Samantha Kettle

09 Aug 2025

Lovely station cafe. Sells hot/cold drinks & hot or cold meals. Limited menu, but generous portions. Lovely to sit by window watching the trains coming in and out of the station. Toilets nearby, plus a souvenir shop next door.

John Gibbins

10 Jul 2025

Great little cafe. I had a cheese toasties and flapjack. Loved it.

Pat W

30 Jun 2025

Enjoyed our snacks and drinks. The cafe was busy due to the gala but didn't wait long for our food.

Debbie Trigg

10 Jun 2025

Loveky cafe, plenty if seating area and very clean. We had homemade sauagerolls and home baked fruit scones with jam and cream, would recommed.

Ben Watson

07 Jun 2025

I had a gluten free afternoon tea and it was delicious great selection of cakes and sandwiches with a delicious scone with clotted cream and jam i would recommend this for anyone who is gluten free . And to top it off the customer service was amazing old fashioned how it should be .

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