Avon Valley Railway
About
Avon Valley is your friendly, local, steam railway and they’re bringing back the sounds and smells of steam to the Avon Valley. Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through route between the Birmingham and the South Coast their line was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960’s the line was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Today, 40 years on, three miles of track has been re-laid, locomotives and carriages restored, and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley.
They run trains on over 120 days each year (mainly at weekends and school holidays) and their station buffet is open every day except Christmas Day. You can see their beautifully restored Victorian station, take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of the steam or diesel locomotives, enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the station buffet and pick up a railway-themed souvenir in the gift shop.
Dogs are welcome on the station site and trains on most days. The only exception are the Santa Steam Specials, some Family events and the dining trains. Avon Valley restrict access to dogs on some family events due to the large numbers of children present, some of whom can be scared by dogs.
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Opening Times
Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
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* Platform opens 10.00- 17 00. Please see website for train timetables and events.
Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction VAQAS
Awards
- Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme (Silver) 2023
- Visit England Code of Practice 2012
Further Information
Other
- Gift Shop
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Train has specially converted area for wheelchair users
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Shop
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
- Picnic Site
Children & Infants
- Facilities for children
Establishment Features
- Available for wedding receptions
- Dog Friendly
- Dogs-Accepted
- Event venue
- Toilets
Key Features
- In countryside
- No Smoking Attraction
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Coach Parking
- On Bus Route
Payment Methods
- Blue Badge Guides admitted free
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates
- TIC Staff Admitted Free
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards children
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
Venue Facilities
- Groups Accepted
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
- Excellent239
- Very Good129
- Average47
- Poor22
- Terrible27
Recent Reviews:
- Carol SWell Chuffed with lunchSaturday, 13th January 2024Our first visit to the Buffet The staff were very welcoming Food ordered and mugs of tea provided ...we were told a 30 minute wait as very busy We didn't mind When the food arrived it was piping... Read full review
- Nicole SCardiff, United KingdomSave your money!Monday, 12th February 2024Thank goodness this was half price for half term at least we were only slightly ripped off for our 10 minute return journey, with views of the rusty train graveyard and local housing estate. At the... Read full review
- C8961PUsophierHenley-on-Thames, United KingdomDisappointingWednesday, 14th February 2024I echo the review below, very disappointing and we were not warned in advance that half of the journey was closed due to flooding until we had already driven 40 minutes to get there, despite them... Read full review