Paddington 2 train carriage set to become tourist accommodation in Norfolk village
It featured in the film's climactic ending
Last updated 9th Nov 2022
It features in the final, climactic moments of Paddington 2, as the adventurous bear does battle with the villainous Phoenix Buchanan as they hurtle along on a train.
Now, a vintage railway wagon used in movie sets is to undergo a dramatic change of scenery, as holiday accommodation in a Norfolk village.
Plans to convert the carriage, along with two others, into holiday lets at a site in Baconsthorpe, near Holt, have been lodged with North Norfolk District Council.
The carriage, a 1897 Glasgow T7, was originally built for the Scottish city’s subway, which opened in 1896 and is the fourth oldest underground system in the world and the second oldest in the UK.
In Paddington 2, it was part of a carnival train carrying a hidden fortune sought after by Buchanan, played by Hugh Grant.
Under the plans, it will be installed on land south of New Road, Baconsthorpe, along with two other carriages, five shepherd huts, an accessible timber cabin and an Airstream – an American brand of trailer made of polished aluminium.
A planning statement, submitted to the council, says: “This railway wagon was used in the film Paddington 2 and will be of particular interest to film enthusiasts.”
The applicant hopes the site should be popular with rail, as well as film, buffs.
It is located close to the North Norfolk Railway, which dates back to 1887.
The planning statement says the heritage line provides a valuable economic benefit to the region and that the new site will support trainspotters wishing to stay in the area.
The site is intended to be open between February and December and is accessed via an existing farm gate onto the field.
It will have a designated play area, including swings, slides, football posts, basketball rings, a baseball diamond and croquet sets.
It will employ five members of staff.
The application’s conclusion says: “The approval of planning permission for this scheme would allow the applicant to provide unique tourism accommodation and contribute positively to the local economy.”
A decision on the plans is currently due by January 31.