Great for train lovers (Severn Valley Railway)

Member Name: caravaningqueen

Product:	Severn Valley Railway
Date:	24/01/09 (175 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Family friendly and not too expensive

Disadvantages: Can get busy at peak times

We live approximately five miles away from the Kidderminster station of the Severn Valley Railway and have travelled on their many times.

For up to date information, prices, special events and all other information please visit www.svr.co.uk

***Severn Valley Railway History****
The Severn Valley Railway was used during the nineteenth and twentieth Century (until the 1960s) as a through route for transport. It is a full gauge railway that carried passengers and freight which was mainly of the agricultural kind as well as coal.
Due to the growing popularity of the motor car during the 1950s and nationalisation of the railways in the 1940s this led to the decline of passenger trains. Therefore, together with a decline in coal from Arley led to the closure of the line.... until the preservationists came along and made it into what it is today... a beautiful piece of history which children and adults alike enjoy.

****The Route***
The Severn Valley Railway takes approximately an hour and runs from Kidderminster, through to Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and then onto Bridgnorth. You are able to alight at any of the stations to look around. The stations are often very pretty with lots of flowers and shrubbery, especially during the summer months.

Bewdley - is a thriving old town where you can walk along the river, have a pub lunch and take in the views. There are often boat races along the river too or feed the ducks with the children.

Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade - all run alongside the River Severn so there are some beautiful walks you can take.

Kidderminster - is a busy town with all the usual shops available.

***The Trains****
Are steam trains which have been realistically and beautifully restored and maintained to their original features as much as possible. There are also a couple of diesel trains that run the line also.

Third class is included in the price of your ticket, but you may up grade to first class where there are separate compartments for a small extra charge.

****Railway and Visitor Center***
Is like a museum where there are educational and interactive attractions as well as more engines and trains to visit including a postal train. There is a picnic area outside and a children's play area to keep the children entertained. There is a small extra charge to enter this attraction

***Other Services***
There is an excellent provision of baby facilities, cafes and gift shops throughout the Severn Valley and they are extremely child friendly with separate carriages on the trains for push chairs etc.

***Special Events****
Throughout the year the Severn Valley Railway hold special events which include Thomas the Tank engine days where Thomas and friends come to visit, Santa Specials where the children get to visit Santa and receive a gift. There are also special Sunday Luncheon and Evening Meal trains available, check the website for details.

****Parking****
Is widely available at Kidderminster and Bridgnorth for a small charge

***Verdict***
A very well organised and family friendly attraction, well worth a visit, especially for the boys and fathers who love trains!

Summary: Look out for the special events