2011 Timetable & Information. Book on-line at. The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1BG Telephone:

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1 The Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1BG Telephone: A wonderful way to spend a day! Project Part-Financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund Large print copies of SVR leaflets are available on request. Railway locomotives sometimes release cinders and other oily deposits to the atmosphere. The Severn Valley Railway regrets that it cannot take responsibility for damage to visitors clothing, vehicles or other personal belongings caused by these occurrences. Whilst every effort will be made to maintain services, the Company does not guarantee that trains will depart or arrive at the times stated and reserves the right to alter or suspend any train without notice. No liability for any loss, inconvenience or delay can be accepted. Cover illustration from an original painting by John Austin. New events in 2011! See pages 10 & Timetable & Information Book on-line at B

2 Welcome! Bridgnorth Daniels Mill 4 1 /2 miles Dudmaston Hall Bridgnorth Cliff Railway We are often asked When is the best time to visit the Severn Valley Railway? and this is always a difficult question to answer! 2 In the springtime the embankments are covered with wild flowers and the views across the River Severn are spectacular before the trees are in full leaf. In the summer the flowers in the countryside and in the gardens at our stations are a riot of colour. In the autumn rich hues are everywhere as the trees prepare to shed their leaves. In the winter those frosty mornings give the landscape that glistening magical feel. So whenever you choose to have a day out with the Severn Valley Railway we can truly say that it really is a wonderful way to spend a day! Pre-book & save! Most of our train tickets can now be purchased in advance at reduced prices. We call this Pre-book & save. Ordering your tickets in this way is fast and convenient and, with on-line booking, can be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the comfort of your own home. Pre-ordering your tickets, using your debit/credit card, not only avoids the possibility of a queue when you arrive at one of our stations but also means that you can go straight to your chosen train to select your seats. Pre-book & save in one of the following ways: On-line, using the Ticket Office section of our website at By telephone on (Mon Fri, 9.00am 5.00pm) Tickets must be purchased at least five working days in advance of your selected date of travel booking fee applies. Santa Specials and Santa Heralds are excluded from this offer. Register for our on-line newsletter to get the latest information about events and special offers! 2 1 /4 miles 2 miles Northwood Halt (request stop) 3 3 /4 miles Hampton Loade Country Park Halt (request stop) Highley (for The Engine House) Victoria Bridge Arley Arley Aboretum Bewdley 3 1 /2 miles Visitor Centre Highley Kidderminster 3

3 4 Some ideas to get you thinking! Travelling on the Severn Valley Railway is an excellent way to see all that the Severn Valley has to offer. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your day. You won t do it all, so you really will have to come back again! Agood place to start your day. The motorway system is less than 30 minutes away and national rail connections to Birmingham and Worcester are a mere 50 metres from our station. Kidderminster Railway Museum (free admission) is next to our concourse and alongside is the Coalyard Miniature Railway which operates at weekends. Parking is good although you may need to park a little further away on special event days. Here the Railway meets up with the River Severn for the first time and follows it all the way to Bridgnorth. This lovely Georgian town is a 10-minute walk from the station. Take a walk by the side of the river on the north and south quays or perhaps visit the fascinating Bewdley Town Museum. Also, don t miss the tranquil Jubilee Gardens, just behind the museum and Bewdley s best kept secret. Allow at least 11/2 hours but you could linger all day! Bewdley Tourist Information: You are out in the Worcestershire countryside now. The silence is deafening! This is the place for a picnic either at the station, where there are a number of excellent spots, or by the river which is just 200 metres down the lane. A footbridge will take you over the river to the village and, after a short walk, you will arrive at Arley Arboretum which is open to the public (additional charge). Allow at least 1 hour, longer if you choose to visit the Arboretum. This is Shropshire and it s hard to know where to start! There is the Severn Valley Country Park with lots of opportunity for walking and cycling (we carry cycles on our trains at the discretion of the train crew). Route 45 cycleway passes through the Country Park. A walk across the valley, via a footbridge, will take you to the Country Park Visitor Centre at Alveley. The Engine House, our Visitor Centre, is only 250 metres from the station and is a must for a visit. See the fascinating exhibitions about the SVR and wonder at the size of our reserve collection of steam locomotives and other railway vehicles on display. This is a place for all the family with its children s play area, gift shop and restaurant. The views are stunning from the restaurant balcony. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit particularly if you have a meal in mind! Like Arley, Hampton Loade is a wonderful location for a picnic. Take a ride on the unique current powered passenger foot ferry across the river, the last in England, which gives you the opportunity to walk to the Dudmaston Estate, part of the National Trust. Dudmaston Hall is a 17th century mansion with lovely gardens and woodland. Operating and opening times vary please check (additional charge). Allow at least 1 hour for your visit, longer if you choose to visit Dudmaston Hall. Local Information: Ferry: Dudmaston Hall: The northern end of the line, Bridgnorth was once a thriving port and the town is just a short walk from our station. With its High Town and Low Town, connected by the steepest inland cliff railway in Britain and the winding Cartway, Bridgnorth is a fascinating place to explore. Saturday sees a bustling street market and there are also gift shops and a choice of places to eat. The castle grounds, with its stunning views, are good for a picnic. The remains of the castle which leans at an angle greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a wonder in itself. See what Oliver Cromwell s forces did to it! Allow at least 2 hours for your visit but you could spend all day here. Bridgnorth Tourist Information:

4 6 Your Freedom of the Line Kidderminster to Bridgnorth return train ticket includes admission to The Engine House! Set in the heart of the Severn Valley, and just a short walk from Highley station, The Engine House Visitor Centre gives you an insight into some of the fascinating behind the scenes aspects of life on the Severn Valley Railway. The Engine House is the home of our reserve collection of up to eight full size steam locomotives which are displayed in a variety of exciting formats. This changing display is complemented by a collection of other railway vehicles, including a royal carriage used by King George VI. Facilities include Railway themed exhibitions and displays Stunning balcony views across the River Severn and the Severn Valley Buffers Café Restaurant for a light bite or a full meal Well stocked gift shop Outdoor children s play and activity area Pre-booked group visits catered for with guided tours if required Pre-booked educational visits and events Full access for those with mobility difficulties A great place to break your journey for a bite to eat and to watch the trains go by! Admission Adults 5.00/Free* Seniors 4.00/Free* Children (4 to 15 years) 3.00/Free* Family (2 adults + 4 children) 14.00/Free* SVR members 3.00 (on production of membership card) /Free* * With a valid full line return, Kidderminster to Bridgnorth Freedom of the Line, day rover ticket. When Timetable A is in operation holders of Bridgnorth Highley return tickets will also be admitted to The Engine House free of charge. Opening times The Engine House is open on days when trains are operating: Timetable A 10.45am pm Timetable B 10.45am pm Timetable C 10.45am pm Timetable D 10.45am pm Special Events - please see event information for opening hours. 7 You should allow at least two hours for this visit especially if you intend to use the restaurant. Parking at Highley is limited to disabled badge holders only. Other visitors by road must use the Severn Valley Country Park car park in Station Road approximately 250 metres from the entrance. Dogs, excluding assistance dogs, are not admitted. Smoking is not permitted at The Engine House. See the King George VI Royal Carriage.

5 8 Calendar & Timetables January April July October February May August November Special events. Special timetables and revised fares may apply. The Engine House Opening Hours Timetable A 10.45am pm Timetable B 10.45am pm Timetable C 10.45am pm March June September December Jan 2 Jan No service on these dates. Timetable D 10.45am pm Special Events - please see event information for opening hours. Timetable A am noon pm pm am pm pm pm Timetable B am am pm pm pm pm pm Kidderminster Bewdley Arley Highley Hampton Loade Bridgnorth am pm pm pm pm pm pm Bridgnorth Hampton Loade Highley Arley Bewdley Kidderminster A dining service is available on most Sundays and certain Bank Holiday Mondays. Please see our Dining Brochure for details. Advance booking is essential for dining. The 12.15pm departure from Kidderminster and the 2.15pm Bridgnorth departure operates on 7 and 8 May and then every Sunday when Timetable B is in use. Timetable C am am am noon pm pm pm pm pm pm Kidderminster Bewdley Arley * Highley Hampton Loade * Bridgnorth am am am pm pm pm pm pm pm pm Sundays only Bridgnorth Hampton Loade * Highley Arley * Bewdley Kidderminster A dining service is available on most Sundays and certain Bank Holiday Mondays. Please see our Dining Brochure for details. Advance booking is essential for dining. Evening Scenic Rail Cruise operates on certain summer Saturdays only. For dates please refer to page 13 of this brochure. Operated by a diesel locomotive on Saturdays and on 28 & 29 August and 9 October. Steam operated on 30 April. Stops by request only * Sundays only 9 Bridgnorth Highley Hampton Loade Hampton Loade Highley Bridgnorth Due to engineering work, trains operate between Bridgnorth, Hampton Loade and Highley only. A dining service is available on Sundays only. Advance booking is essential for dining. Northwood & Country Park Halts There are also two request halts: Northwood, between Bewdley and Arley, and Country Park Halt between Highley and Hampton Loade. Passengers who wish to alight at either halt should inform the guard when joining the train. To join a train at either halt, passengers should give a signal to the driver by facing the approaching train with a horizontally raised arm. Trains will only stop during the hours of daylight. Timetable D am pm pm pm am noon pm pm Kidderminster Bridgnorth Bewdley Hampton Loade Arley Highley Highley Arley Hampton Loade Bewdley Bridgnorth Kidderminster A dining service is available on Sunday only. Please see our Dining Brochure for details. Advance booking is essential for dining.

6 10 Special Events Classic Transport Day February 19 Timetable A Normal fares Displays of classic road transport at Bridgnorth and Highley. Postman Pat s Special Mission April 22, 23, 24 & 25 Special timetable Normal fares Postman Pat, together with Jess his cat, make guest appearances at our Visitor Centre throughout the weekend. Postman Pat 2011 Woodland Animations Limited. Original writer John Cunliffe. Lic. Royal Mail Group plc Members & Shareholders Weekend May 7 & 8 Timetable B Normal fares A special weekend for our members and shareholders. Additional attractions open to all visitors. Land Rover Line Up! May 15 Timetable B Normal fares If you thought that you knew everything about Land Rovers, think again! The owners will be more than happy to share their passion for these vehicles with you. The Sounds of the 1960s May 20, 21 & 22 Special timetable Revised fares Now in a new three day format. Visiting steam and diesel locomotives, tribute bands on our stage at Kidderminster and displays at our other stations. Come as you are or in the clothes of the day. Were you a mod or a rocker or just one of the pretty things? 1940s Weekends June 25 & 26, July 2 & 3 Special timetable Revised fares We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this light-hearted journey back to wartime Britain. Severn Valley in Bloom July 23 & 24 Timetable C (Sat), B (Sun) Normal fares + additional charge for the Dance Train. The Severn Valley at its summertime best! On Saturday only, The Rosie Kay Dance Company invites you on board for the Great Train Dance, taking you on a magical mystery journey. Funded by Dancing for the Games, which is part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands and is inspired by London Peep Behind the Scenes! September 3 & 4 Normal fares + additional charge for admission to our workshops Timetable C (Sat), B (Sun) Peep Behind the Scenes provides an insight into all the hard work that goes into keeping the SVR and its steam trains running. On the Buses September 18 Normal fares Timetable B Ideal for those who enjoy things mechanical or for those of us who just like to reminisce. Our bus rally, based at Bewdley station, has now become a firm favourite in the calendar. Autumn Steam Gala September 23, 24 & 25 Revised fares Special timetable Visiting steam locomotives and a very frequent service of trains. Something for all railway enthusiasts. Sponsored by Morris Lubricants. Diesel Enthusiasts Gala October 6, 7 & 8 Revised fares Special timetable Our three day diesel traction event is back with a roar! Diesel only operation on all three days. Classic Car & Bike Day October 9 Normal fares Timetable C A fascinating collection of historic cars and motorcycles at stations along the line. Take the Ghost Train October Normal fares Timetable B Our new event for families at Halloween! With ghostly goings on and spooky goody bags. Why not take one of our evening Ghost Trains out into the dark if you dare! Remembrance Day Service November 13 Normal fares Timetable D We remember those who gave their all in wartime with a special service at Kidderminster station. Santa Steam Specials December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 & 24 Revised fares Special timetable A firm favourite with families who return year after year! Travel from Kidderminster to visit Santa in his grotto at Arley. Presents for all fare paying children. Santa Heralds December 21, 22 & 23 Revised fares Special timetable Travel in the company of Father Christmas on our train from Kidderminster to Highley. 11 Seaside Special Festive Season Service August 27, 28 & 29 Normal fares Timetable C Buckets and spades at the ready as the seaside comes to the Midlands for this bank holiday weekend. Punch & Judy, magic shows, children s rides and even a beach makes this event a great day out for the children. December & January Normal fares Special timetable With the Christmas festivities over why not blow the cobwebs clean away with an exciting steam train journey along the Severn Valley.

7 Fancy a bite to eat? Other Services On train Restaurant Car Dining Most of our trains have a trolley service of hot and cold drinks and light snacks at additional cost. Kidderminster The King & Castle Popular with our locals which tells you something! Serves a range of cask ales and hearty hot and cold meals. The Valley Suite Our comfortable licensed restaurant close to the station platforms. Good food and drink available to eat in or take away. Arrive early, as it s a great place for breakfast at the start of your day. Our luncheon trains operate from Kidderminster and Bridgnorth on Sundays and certain weekdays in the main season. ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. For information and to book call: Evening Scenic Rail Cruise Travel on our diesel train from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth with a full bar service and Fish n Chip Supper option. Operates on Saturday evening departing Kidderminster at 7.00pm on May 7, 14, & 28; June 4, 11 & 18; July 9, 16, 23 & 30; August 6, 13, 20 & 27; and September 3, 10 & 17. For information call: Bewdley The Station Refreshment Room Serves hot and cold meals, snacks and beverages to eat in or take away. Arley, Highley & Hampton Loade Station Kiosks Each serves a limited range of hot and cold food and drinks. Usually open at weekends only. Opening times vary with the season. The Engine House Visitor Centre - Highley Buffers Café Restaurant Just a short walk from the station. This is a great place for a light bite or a full meal. Chef s specials available daily from 12 noon. Great views across the Severn Valley. Fully licensed. Please ask about our restaurant voucher scheme for frequent visitors: Adults each; Children each (4 to 15 years). The Snack on Track quick food outlet adjacent to the entrance is open on busy special event days. Bridgnorth The Railwayman s Arms Right on the platform and full of atmosphere, a great place to meet for a glass or two from a selection of real ales. Also serves a range of pub snacks. Station Buffet Serves hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks to eat in or take away. Special Trains & Corporate Hospitality You can hire a train for groups of up to 350 people for weddings, business functions and celebrations. Subject to dates, these special trains can be arranged to coincide with catering options at The Valley Suite at Kidderminster and at The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley. To discuss your requirements and to request a brochure call: Group Travel Discounted travel is available for pre-booked adult groups of 15 or more. For information and to book: Footplate Experience Courses Realise a childhood dream by firing and driving a steam locomotive. Various courses available. An ideal gift for family, friends or yourself! Please call for information, to request a brochure or to book. Education Service We operate a range of events for schools. Our website at has full details of school events for teachers to download. For information and to book: Gift shops Our gift shops at Kidderminster, The Engine House at Highley and Bridgnorth stock a wide range of souvenirs, gifts, books, DVDs and model railway items. Visit our on-line gift shop at 13

8 General Information How to find us Normal Fares Our Freedom of the Line, Kidderminster to Bridgnorth return fare is the best value. This fare allows you to make any combination of journeys during the day and includes admission to The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at Highley. Third Class travel + The Engine House Adults 16.00; Seniors 14.50; Children 8.00 (4 to 15 years) Families (2 adults + 4 children); Under 4 s Free Dogs 2.00 (any journey) Cycles 2.00 (per single journey at the discretion of the Guard) First Class Travel Most of our trains have first class seating. If you would like to travel first class please find a seat and the Ticket Inspector will upgrade you on payment of a single journey supplement of Fares for shorter journeys are available on request. These fares DO NOT include admission to The Engine House. Admission charges to The Engine House are: Adults 5.00; Seniors 4.00; Children (4 to 15 years) 3.00 Families (2 adults + 4 children) 14.00; Under 4 s Free Dogs Not admitted (assistance dogs excepted). Special Events with Pre-book & save Some of our special events have revised fares in operation. Please see our Special Events section for full details. Pre-book & save discount fares are available for most of these events. Pre-book & save tickets are available for purchase up to five working days before the event either at our on-line ticket office or by calling ticket sales on Please have your credit/debit card ready when booking in advance. 14 On-line Booking Most train tickets can be booked in advance at Facilities for the Less Able The Severn Valley Railway is pleased to welcome visitors with disabilities. Some of our trains have specially adapted carriages for those with mobility problems. Ramps, which permit access for wheelchairs to our trains, are available at all the stations mentioned in this brochure. Please note, however, that due to the age and design of our dining carriages it is NOT possible for wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchairs whilst dining. On dining services wheelchairs may be stored in the Guard s Van. Parking Pay & display parking is available at Kidderminster, Bewdley (in 2011) and Bridgnorth. Parking is very limited at other stations. Parent & Toddler Baby changing facilities are available at all stations and at The Engine House. Dogs Dogs may travel on our trains but are not admitted to The Engine House Visitor Centre (assistance dogs excepted). Smoking Smoking is not permitted on our trains, in our stations, or in our catering outlets, public houses and visitor centre. Please look out for advisory signs. Why not become an SVR Volunteer? Please contact Peter or Barry on or visit Kidderminster By road: Kidderminster Station (DY10 1QX) is situated on Comberton Hill, the A448 Kidderminster Bromsgrove road, and is signposted from Kidderminster ring road. The SVR is signposted from the M42 westbound. From the M5 southbound leave at J3 and take the A456 to Kidderminster. From the M5 northbound leave at J6 and take the A449 to Kidderminster. Look out for the brown tourist signs and the little white engine! By train: Kidderminster (SVR) is adjacent to Kidderminster main line station. Frequent services from Birmingham Snow Hill, Worcester, Malvern, Leamington Spa and Solihull call at Kidderminster. From Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street, change at Smethwick Galton Bridge for local services to Kidderminster. Bewdley By road: Bewdley Station (DY12 1BG) is situated just off the Bewdley bypass, the A456 Kidderminster Leominster road. From the M5 northbound leave at J6 and take the A449 towards Kidderminster turning off onto the A4025 through Stourport-on-Severn. Bridgnorth By road: By road: Bridgnorth Station (WV16 5DT) is situated in Hollybush Road. Take the A442 from the M54 and Telford. From Wolverhampton use the A 454. From the M6 southbound use J13 and travel via Wolverhampton (this option can avoid congestion on the Midland motorway links). 15