Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway runs for 16 miles from Kidderminster in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire.

Steam trains operate along this superbly restored branch line every weekend of the year and in 2007, daily from 5 May to 30 October plus local school holidays in February, Easter and October. The Railway boasts one of the largest collections of working steam locomotives and coaches, including some rolling stock which is over 80 years old.

Special events have always played an important role in Severn Valley Railway calendar and 2007 is no exception.

Firm favourites like 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and Santa make return visits, whilst the 1940's Weekend and Classic Car and Bike Day ensure that all groups will find something of interest.

It surprises some to find out that the Railway only has three weekend events aimed mainly at the enthusiast. These include the Autumn Steam Gala in September, which remains one of the UK's foremost events of its kind.

The hugely successful 1940's weekend is on two consecutive weekends at the end of June and the beginning of July. There is also the opportunity to provide further educational facilities on the week in between, as World War II is currently part of the National Curriculum.

Anyone with an interest in cars and motorcycles of years gone by will be interested in the Classic Car and Bike Day in early October. There are displays at all of the stations.

'Thomas' visits the railway on 2 weekends in Mid-May and 2 weekends at the beginning of September. Also paying a visit are some of Thomas's friends like 'Duck', 'Devious Diesel' and 'Toad'. There are attractions at each of the stations including scenes from the stories being re-enacted at Kidderminster. The magic of 'Thomas' is definitely alive and well.

'Severn Valley in bloom' is scheduled for the end of July. Bridgnorth stations is part of the town's entry in 'Britain in Bloom' and this event features all of the station gardens and flower displays all along the line.

The railway also offers a wide variety of catering facilities ranging from the buffets at the main stations, a trolley service on the trains through to the ever-popular luncheon trains. These trains operate on most Sundays and some Wednesdays throughout the year and offer a choice of menu depending on which departure is booked.

Additionally, the SVR has wine and dine theme trains during the Summer months with the Murder Mystery theme as popular as ever. Advance booking is required for the luncheon trains and theme evenings.

The beautiful valley of the River Severn is best seen from the train, or by alighting at one of the intermediate stations you can enjoy a walk along the riverside paths. Leaflets describing the walks are available from SVR stations for just 20p each.

It surprises many visitors when they learn that all of the 'front line' staff at the Severn Valley Railway are volunteers. Indeed the railway was entirely volunteer-run in its early years, but now with the SVR being one of the leading tourist attractions in the area, it demands a nucleus of full time staff as well.

Operating steam-hauled trains on some 240 days in the year puts a strain on the human resources but whatever the reason for your visit, you are assured of a warm welcome.

You will find that one visit on the Severn Valley Railway is never enough.