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The Severn Valley Railway is a full-size standard-gauge railway line, running regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of approximately sixteen miles. A remarkable feature of the Railway is that it is very largely run by unpaid volunteers, with a paid staff of around 70 people responsible for administration and commercial activities, plus regular track and rolling stock maintenance. Through the year, volunteers appear on the Railway to perform many tasks, including repairing and repainting stations, reconstruction of viaducts and bridges, and rebuilding locomotives and rolling stock, not to mention operating the trains.
Trains operate most weekends and daily from May to September. The Railway also operates during all local school holidays throughout the year.
Severn Valley Railway stations and stops:
Kidderminster – Terminus station at the southern end of the line. Most passengers join the Railway here with its easy road transport links and the adjacent connection with the national railway network. The station was built in the mid-1980’s by the SVR. Kidderminster Railway Museum, the Coalyard Miniature Railway (operates at weekends) are also located at this station.
Bewdley – Formerly a junction station this is one of the larger stations with it’s three platforms, a great place to just watch the trains go by.
Northwood Holt – a request stop
Arley – Out in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside this station offers tranquility with easy access to the forest and river walks. A footbridge over the River Severn leads you into Arley village where you will find a cafe, shop and an Arboretum.
Country Park Holt – a request stop in Severn Valley Country Park
Highley – This is one of the smallest stations along the line, but it can be one of the busiest as it is the location of The Engine House, SVR’s Visitor & Education Centre which is just a short walk from the station. Unusually, the station only has one platform but its three tracks are a legacy from the days when Highley was a coal-mining area. Despite its industrial past, Highley is a pretty station in the middle of the Severn Valley Country Park
Hampton Loade – Hampton Loade is a little station in a sleepy hamlet whose peace is tranquility is replaced with snap shots of noise and bustle when the on most days trains pass each other here.
Bridgnorth – The terminus at the northern end of the line, Bridgnorth is a popular starting point for visitors from the north and west. The station building is largely original, dating from the opening of the line in 1862 although there have been many changes over the years. The locomotive works is also situated here with viewing of the locomotive yard possible from the station footbridge.
The Engine House: The Visitor Centre at Highley is well worth a visit. It houses the SVR’s reserve collection of steam locomotives in an exhibition setting. There is also a very attractive buffet/restaurant with superb views across the railway and the Severn Valley. There is also a gift-shop.
Special Events: The Railway arranges a series of special events throughout the year which have broad appeal to adult audiences and family groups. The 1940s Weekends and Family Fun weekends are incredibly popular and the ‘Santa’ services are always a winner with families. Railway enthusiasts are also well catered for with a total of three special weekends, two steam and one diesel, spread throughout the year.
For a brief overview of the history of the line please click here.
