Latest News

Kids - gets hands on and creative this half term . . .

A fun competition, great prizes, exhibitions and activities are set to keep children occupied at the Severn Valley Railway this half-term holiday.

Children can enter our Half Term Quiz, to draw and colour a steam train, find the railway-themed words in the grid and complete names of some of the stations, places and attractions along the line.

Prizes include an Annual Family Pass to the Railway, worth £95, and family tickets.

The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley will be packed with a range of family-friendly activities – the brand new Great Train Robbery exhibition will suit inquisitive minds of all ages.  Budding young postmen can help sort the mail in the Royal Mail carriage, while adults can learn about all the detail of one of the 20th century’s most infamous crimes.

What’s more visitors can climb up onto an engine and feel what it’s like to sit in the driver’s seat in one of the full-size locomotives on display at The Engine House, whilst youngsters can let off steam on the railway-themed outdoor play area.

The SVR’s resident locomotives will be in steam throughout the holiday to take passengers along the famous line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, offering chances for families to hop on and off along the route.

 

Half term holidays - some ideas for a great day out . . .

Our 'all steam' timetable B operates on most dates throughout the school half term holiday. On May 25th, 26th & 27th and June 1st timetable C is in operation.



Timetable 'B' and 'C' are our peak services when we operate three steam-hauled trains throughout the day. Additionally a diesel operated service is included with timetable 'C'.

So why not bring the family for a great day out. Don't forget our new Annual Family Pass, which at only £95.00 for two adults and up to four children, is just the ticket for many happy returns (must be purchased in advance, conditions apply).



Why not try one of our suggestions below for a great day out.

Suggestion 1: Shown highlighted in the timetable. Take the 10.25am steam departure from Kidderminster arriving at Highley at 11.06am for a leisurely visit to The Engine House. Have a bite to eat in the restaurant or maybe bring a picnic. Catch the 1.43pm steam departure for Bridgnorth arriving at 2.10pm. Here you will have nearly two hours to explore the town (Saturday is market day) before you return to Kidderminster on the 4.05pm steam departure, arriving at Kidderminster at 5.15pm. A wonderful way to spend a day!
 Timetable B
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Kidderminster 10.25 11.40
1.00
2.20
3.35
4.50
  Bewdley 10.39 11.54
1.15
2.34
3.49
5.04
  Arley 10.55 12.10
1.32 2.51
4.06
5.20
  Highley - The Engine House
11.06 12.21
1.43 3.02
4.17
5.31
  Hampton Loade 11.17 12.32
1.54 3.13
4.28
5.42
  Bridgnorth 11.32 12.47
2.10
3.28
4.43
5.57

steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Bridgnorth 10.55 12.15 1.35
2.55
4.05
5.25
  Hampton Loade 11.16 12.33 1.53
3.13 4.26 5.42
  Highley - The Engine House
11.27 12.44 2.04 3.24 4.37 5.52
  Arley 11.38 12.56 2.15 3.35 4.48 6.02
  Bewdley 11.54 1.13 2.32 3.51
5.04
6.16
  Kidderminster 12.05 1.24 2.43
4.02 5.15
6.27












Suggestion 2: Shown highlighted in the timetable. Take the 11.40am mid-morning steam departure from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth arriving at 12.47pm. Take a leisurely 2 hour visit to the town with maybe a picnic in the lovely Castle Grounds and a ride on the exciting cliff railway. Then catch the 2.55pm steam departure for Highley, arriving at 3.24pm for a visit to The Engine House. Here you will have two hours to explore the exhibits and maybe take afternoon tea in the 'Flag & Whistle Food Stop' before you return to Kidderminster on the 5.52pm steam departure form Highley, arriving at Kidderminster at 6.27pm . A wonderful way to spend a day!

 Timetable B
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Kidderminster 10.25 11.40
1.00
2.20
3.35
4.50
  Bewdley 10.39 11.54
1.15
2.34
3.49
5.04
  Arley 10.55 12.10
1.32 2.51
4.06
5.20
  Highley - The Engine House
11.06 12.21
1.43 3.02
4.17
5.31
  Hampton Loade 11.17 12.32
1.54 3.13
4.28
5.42
  Bridgnorth 11.32 12.47
2.10
3.28
4.43
5.57

steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Bridgnorth 10.55 12.15 1.35
2.55
4.05
5.25
  Hampton Loade 11.16 12.33 1.53
3.13 4.26 5.42
  Highley - The Engine House
11.27 12.44 2.04 3.24 4.37 5.52
  Arley 11.38 12.56 2.15 3.35 4.48 6.02
  Bewdley 11.54 1.13 2.32 3.51
5.04
6.16
  Kidderminster 12.05 1.24 2.43
4.02 5.15
6.27










Suggestion 3:
Shown highlighted in the timetable. Take the 10.55am steam departure from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster arriving at 12.05pm. Here you could visit Kidderminster Railway Museum, take a ride on the Coalyard Miniature Railway (additional charge) or take a short walk to the new Kidderminster Carpet Museum.Then catch the 2.20pm steam departure for Highley, arriving at 3.02pm for a visit to The Engine House. Here you will have two hours to explore the exhibits and maybe take afternoon tea in the 'Flag & Whistle Food Stop' before you return to Bridgnorth on the 5.31pm steam departure arriving at Bridgnorth at 5.57pm .
A wonderful way to spend a day!

 Timetable B
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Kidderminster 10.25 11.40
1.00
2.20
3.35
4.50
  Bewdley 10.39 11.54
1.15
2.34
3.49
5.04
  Arley 10.55 12.10
1.32 2.51
4.06
5.20
  Highley - The Engine House
11.06 12.21
1.43 3.02
4.17
5.31
  Hampton Loade 11.17 12.32
1.54 3.13
4.28
5.42
  Bridgnorth 11.32 12.47
2.10
3.28
4.43
5.57

steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
steam
  Bridgnorth 10.55 12.15 1.35
2.55
4.05
5.25
  Hampton Loade 11.16 12.33 1.53
3.13 4.26 5.42
  Highley - The Engine House
11.27 12.44 2.04 3.24 4.37 5.52
  Arley 11.38 12.56 2.15 3.35 4.48 6.02
  Bewdley  11.54  1.13  2.32  3.51  5.04  6.16
  Kidderminster  12.05 1.24
 2.43  4.02  5.15 6.27

Class 37 locomotive No. 37109 - in use in June.

Class 37 diesel locomotive No. 37109 arrived on the railway on Tuesday 21st May and will remain with us for the Diesel Enthusiasts Gala on October 3rd, 4th & 5th.

The locomotive, normally based on the East Lancashire Railway, is owned by a SVR and Diesel Traction Group member.

It is planned for it to be in use Mon 3rd - Fri 7th June [table A], Sat 10th August [table C] and Mon 9th - Fri 13th Sept [table A].

No. 37109 will be a useful addition to our diesel fleet during the busy summer months.

PHOTO BY MATT ROBINSON.

Footplate Experience - an ideal gift for Christmas . . .

Our popular Footplate Experience Courses operate on selected dates throughout the year.

We are pleased to announce some additional dates that have recently been added to the programme as follows:


Steam Supreme - Autumn Specials - £595.00

  • Friday 23rd August & Friday 25th October.
  • Locomotive No. 34053 'Sir Keith Park' requested.
  • Lunch included.
  • Four guests included.
Intermediate Footplate Experience - £395.00
  • Saturday 27th July.
  • Saturday 19th October.
  • Friday 25th October.
Introductory Footplate Experience - £295.00 (peak)
  • Saturday 17th August.
  • Saturday 12th October.

Introductory Footplate Experience Christmas Specials - £250.00

  • Friday 27th December.
  • Friday 3rd January.


PHOTO BY LEWIS MADDOX

Footplate Experience - 'The Flying Scotswoman' - Ladies Day - July 28th . . .

Why not book a place on 'The Flying Scotswoman', for a short Footplate Experience from Bewdley to Kidderminster or reverse.

Although particularly intended for the lady in your life, men and couples are also welcome to book places on this special occasion.

  • Ladies, why not try your hand at driving and firing one of our full size steam locomotives between Bewdley and Kidderminster or reverse.
  • Up to four guests may travel with you in the carriage attached to the locomotive for the return journey between Bewdley and Kidderminster.
  • Experience the thrill of steaming through Bewdley tunnel and whistling past the Safari Park.
  • Attractive certificate for all lady drivers.
  • Don't forget to bring your camera.
£50.00 per person (including up to 4 guests)



Lunch & Sticky Pudding - our mouth-watering service for Bank Holiday Mondays . . .

Our new 'Lunch & Sticky Pudding' service operates on all Bank Holiday Mondays throughout the season.

This service operates on:

May 27th & August 26th.

Travel in the comfort of our Observation Saloons and enjoy 'Lunch & Sticky Pudding' on the move on the following departure:

Bridgnorth - 12.40pm.

Ideal for small groups of up to 10 people.

The Observation Saloon also serves cream teas on the following departures:

Kidderminster - 10.35am and 2.15pm.

Bridgnorth - 4.35pm.

 Prices ('Freedom of the Line' tickets will also be required)

   Pre-book & save

Purchased on the day

 Lunch & Sticky Pudding Service

£25.00

£27.50
 Cream Tea Service

£5.00

 Â£6.00

Advance booking is strong advised. Seats may be available on the day on a 'first come, first served' basis.

It's a Murder Mystery - check availability . . .

Join us for an evening of mystery and suspense and enjoy a delicious three course meal whilst the plot unfolds before your eyes!

Dine in fine style as you travel through the magnificent Severn Valley on board an authentic steam-hauled train. Experience the camaraderie and shock of fellow passengers as murder takes place before your very eyes!


You are invited to assist as we bring the guilty to justice!


Seats on Murder Mystery trains can now be booked online. Should the train of your choice not be listed please call Restaurant Car Services to check.








All Murder Mystery trains depart at 7.30pm from Kidderminster station.

Updated: March 26th.


 Date Plot
 Notes
 Saturday 25th May
Spring into Murder
Fully booked
 Saturday 8th June
Murder with a Kiss
Fully booked
 Friday 19th July
The Line to Murder
Fully booked
 Thursday 8th August
The Great Train Robbery Anniversary
 Seats available
 Saturday 17th August
The Bridgnorth Bruiser
Fully booked
 Saturday 14th September
Whistle for Murder
Seats available
 Saturday 26th October
A Haunting Murder
Seats available
 Saturday 16th November
The Naked Truth!
Seats available
 Saturday 23rd November
Lunch with Miss Marple
Seats available
 Saturday 30th November
The Final Trip to Murder
Seats available























PHOTO BY LEWIS MADDOX

Making the most of our website. . .

A missing word, a typing error or even a spelling mistake. All these things can happen in any written document. Here at the Severn Valley Railway we want our website to be as accurate, up-to-date and useful as possible, but we accept that errors may occur.

If you spot an error here or you would like to suggest a change or an improvement, you now have the facility to do so. Just click on the button below.

Our webmaster will arrange for changes to be made and suggestions for improvements will be considered. Please remember, however, that there may be good reasons for not making certain changes or for a delay in implementing them.

So if we have said 'meat' instead of 'meet' or 'hear' instead of 'here' or perhaps even spelt Bridgnorth with an 'e', we would love to hear from you!

Your web browser

Your web browser is the piece of software that opens each time you join the internet. You will have heard of 'Internet Explorer', and it is quite likely that it is this browser that is installed on your computer. This is not the only one but it is the most popular.

No matter which web browser you decide to use, it is important that it is kept up-to-date. You will not be able to view the SVR and other modern websites properly if you are using an old version of your browser software. Old and outdated browser versions also have security issues.

Are you having problems seeing everything on the website?

If you are, and some images look like a grey rectangle with an X in the corner, it may be that you are using an out-of-date browser.

If you use Windows 8, the latest version of the four most popular browsers, Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 19, Google Chrome 25 and Safari 5, all show images correctly.

If you use Windows XP, the latest version of Internet Explorer available is version 8, which does have problems displaying some images; however you CAN use the latest version of Firefox, Chrome and Safari, and it would be a good idea to use one of these instead.

Where do I go to obtain updates for my browser?

Click on one of the following links and follow the on-screen instructions. This software is free.

Internet Explorer 9

Mozilla Firefox 20

Google Chrome 25

Safari 5

We strongly recommend that you always have up-to-date security software installed on your computer before downloading any files from the internet.

Locomotives in use week ending May 31st

We expect that the following locomotives will be in use on the dates indicated.

Please note that for operational reasons, this plan is subject to change at short notice and may also include the substitution of a diesel locomotive if no steam locomotive is available.

This information is usually updated on Thursday or Friday of each week.

Proposed locomotives
Date Timetable Train Number Locomotive Notes
Saturday 25th May
C CN1 5164


C
CS1 D821 (diesel as scheduled)
C
CS2 34053
also on theme train
C
CS3 1501
  C FE
7812  
Sunday 26th May
C CN1 5164


C CS1 D1062
(diesel as scheduled)

C CS2 34053


C CS3 7812

  C CS4 1501  
Monday 27th May
C CN1 5164


C CS1 50035
(diesel as scheduled)
  C CS2 7812  
  C CS3 34053  
Tuesday 28th May B BN1 5164


B BS1 34053

  B BS2 7812  
  B
charter
1501
 
Wednesday 29th May
B BN1 5164


B BS1 7812

  B BS2 1501  
Thursday 30th May
B BN1 5164


B BS1 7812

  B BS2 1501  
Friday 31st May
B BN1
5164


B BS1
34053

  B BS2 1501  
  B FE
7812  
Key to Train Number: C [Timetable] - N [North - starts Bridgnorth] or S [South - starts Kidderminster]
- 1, 2 etc. [1st, 2nd departure etc.]    FE - Footplate Experience

Locomotives normally available for use
Locomotive No. Notes

1501 available for traffic


2857 Washout and brick arch repairs

4566 available for traffic
 
5164
available for traffic.


5643 arrived at Bridgnorth by road 22/5/13
   
7812 available for traffic.    
34053
available for traffic
   
43106 Intermediate overhaul - new drag box & boiler retube
   

Timetable Key
Train Number Departing from

Departing from

Notes
Timetable B





BN1 Bridgnorth 10.55 2.55 Kidderminster 1.00 4.50
BS1 Kidderminster 10.25 2.20 Bridgnorth 12.15 4.05
BS2 Kidderminster 11.40 3.35 Bridgnorth 1.35 5.25
Timetable C





CN1 Bridgnorth 11.10 2.55 Kidderminster 12.45 4.50
CS1 Kidderminster 9.55 1.30 Bridgnorth 11.55 3.40 Diesel-operated
CS2 Kidderminster 10.35 2.15 Bridgnorth 12.40 4.35
CS3 Kidderminster 11.15 3.00 Bridgnorth 1.25 5.25
CS4 Kidderminster 12.00
Bridgnorth 2.10
normally Sundays only - for diners

Locomotive Fleet - updated May 22nd

The Severn Valley Railway is home to an important collection of steam and heritage diesel locomotives.

Not all locomotives are in service at any one time, but the following comprehensive list provides an indication of the current status of each locomotive usually resident on the line.

The SVR does not guarantee that a particular locomotive will be available to view on the day of your visit, however, operational locomotives and their expected usage are listed in a separate news item which is updated every Friday.

  Operational locomotives (see "Locomotives in use week ending..." item for latest info)
No. Name Origin Class Wheel arrangement Notes
1501
  GWR/BR
1500
0-6-0PT

2857
GWR 2800 2-8-0
4566
GWR 4500 2-6-2T
5164
GWR 5101 2-6-2T
5643   GWR
5600 0-6-2T  arrived 22/5/13 - on hire for rest of 2013.
7812 Erlestoke Manor GWR Manor 4-6-0
34053 Sir Keith Park SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2
43106
LMS/BR Ivatt 4 2-6-0
  Non-operational locomotives on display at The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at Highley
No. Name Origin Class Wheel arrangement Notes
600 Gordon WD
2-10-0
686
The Lady
Armaghdale
Hunslet
0-6-0T
4930 Hagley Hall GWR Hall 4-6-0
7325
GWR 4300 2-6-0
46443
LMS/BR Ivatt 2 2-6-0
47383
LMS 3F (Jinty)
0-6-0T
48773
LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0
80079
BR Standard 4 2-6-4T
  Non-operational locomotives in storage or in course of restoration
No. Name Origin Class Wheel arrangement Notes
813
Port Talbot
Railway

0-6-0ST Overhaul progressing at Bridgnorth
2047 Warwickshire Manning Wardle
0-6-0ST At Bridgnorth for assessment
4150
GWR 5101 2-6-2T Restoration progressing at Bewdley
5764
GWR 5700 0-6-0PT In store
6634
GWR 5600 0-6-2T in store at Bridgnorth pending resumption of restoration.
7714
GWR 5700 0-6-0PT Restoration progressing at Bridgnorth
7802 Bradley Manor GWR Manor 4-6-0 Restoration progressing at Tyseley [frames]
     and Bridgnorth [boiler]
7819 Hinton Manor GWR Manor 4-6-0 On display at Designer Outlet Shopping Centre, Swindon
34027 Taw Valley SR West Country 4-6-2 Restoration at an advanced stage at Bridgnorth;
42968
  LMS
Stanier 5 [Mogul]
2-6-0
withdrawn for 10-year overhaul; in store at Bridgnorth.
45110
LMS Stanier 5 4-6-0 On display at Barrow Hill pending restoration
75069
BR Standard 4 4-6-0 Restoration started at Bridgnorth Feb 2013.
  The following diesel locomotives are currently resident on the line
No. Name Origin Class Wheel arrangement Notes
 281269 Silver Spoon
 Ruston 165DM 0-4-0 Operational - carries D2960
 319290    Ruston 165DM 0-4-0 Operational - carries D2957
 418596    Ruston 165DE
0-4-0 Operational - carries D2961 [at Bridgnorth]
D3022
BR 08 0-6-0
D3201
BR 08 0-6-0
D3586
BR 08 0-6-0 operational - Bridgnorth-based
D3802
BR 08 0-6-0 In store at Kidderminster
08896
BR 08 0-6-0 For parts retrieval
09012
Dick Hardy
BR
09
0-6-0
arrived at Kidder 22/2/13
12099
BR 11 0-6-0 Operational
D8188
BR 20 Bo-Bo to Washwood Heath 7/12/12 for maintenance
D8059
BR 20 Bo-Bo returned from Washwood Heath 18/5/13
20177
BR 20 Bo-Bo For parts retrieval
D5410
BR 27 Bo-Bo In store
D7029
BR 35 B-B Restoration progressing at Kidderminster
37109

BR 37 Co-Co arrived 21/5/13; staying for Diesel Gala
37906   BR 37
Co-Co  
D821 Greyhound BR 42 B-B Operational
50031 Hood BR 50 Co-Co Operational
50035 Ark Royal BR 50 Co-Co Operational - carries number 50135.
50044 Exeter BR 50 Co-Co to Brush Factory at Loughborough for repairs 15/5/13
50049 Defiance BR 50 Co-Co out of traffic -  leaking cylinder liners 12/7/12
D1013 Western Ranger BR 52 C-C Overhaul progressing at Bridgnorth
D1062 Western Courier BR 52 C-C Operational
51941
BR 108 DMU
Operational
50933
BR 108 DMU
Operational
52064
BR 108 DMU
Operational
56208
BR 108 DMU
Operational
59250   BR 108 DMU Operational

Diesel locomotive operating dates . . .

During the summer months we operate timetable C on Saturdays, certain Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

A diesel locomotive, in addition to our normal steam service, operates as follows:

Departures


 Kidderminster
09.55 am
1.30 pm
 Bridgnorth
11.55 am 3.40 pm



There is also a diesel loco in operation when we operate table A as follows:


Departures

 Kidderminster
11.40 am
 Bridgnorth
3.20 pm



Proposed locomotives are listed below. This list is regularly updated but is subject to change, for operational reasons, at short notice.


Diesel locomotives are also used to operate our Diesel Footplate Experience courses which take place on certain Sundays. These trains are not available for public use. The locomotive used on these services will usually be the same one operating on the preceding Saturday.


 Date Timetable
Proposed
locomotive
 Sat May 25th
 C D821
 Sun May 26th
C
D1062
 Mon May 27th
 C 50035
 Sat June 1st
 C D8059
 Mon June 3rd - Fri June 7th
 A 37109
 Sat June 8th
 C D1062
 Mon June 10th - Fri June 14th
 A D1062
 Sat June 15th
 C D821
 Mon June 17th - Fri June 21st  A D821
 Sat June 22nd
 C 50XXX
 Mon June 24th - Fri June 28th  A 50XXX
 Sat July 13th
 C 20XXX
 Sat July 20th
 C to be confirmed
 Sat July 27th
 C D821
 Sat August 3rd
 C 50XXX
 Sat August 10th
 C 37109
 Sat August 17th
 C D1062
 Sat August 24th
 C D821
 Sun August 25th
 C to be confirmed
 Mon August 26th
 C  20XXX
 Sat August 31st
 C 50XXX
 Sat September 7th
 C to be confirmed
 Mon Sept 9th - Fri Sept 13th
 A 37109
 Sat September 14th
 C 20XXX
 Mon Sept 16th - Thur Sept 19th  A 20XXX
 Mon Sept 23rd - Fri Sept 27th  A D821
 Mon Sep 30th - Wed 2nd Oct
 A  visitor







Our Diesel Enthusiasts Gala

takes place on

October 3rd, 4th & 5th.


Diesel-only operation

on all three days.





Our photographers acknowledged

The Severn Valley Railway is grateful for the use of photographs and other pictorial material freely supplied by the following enthusiasts and photographers.


These pictures may appear here on our website or in various SVR publications.


We are indebted to:


Jed Bennett, Paul Chancellor, Jason Houlders, Ray Jones, Scott Lewis, Lewis Maddox, John Oates, Paul Pearson, Malcolm Ranieri, Neil Scott & Bob Sweet
- for the reproduction of photographs.

We are also grateful to the many photographers who provide material from time to time and for which we have no record of ownership.


If you regularly take photographs of our trains and stations and would like your work considered for publication please contact our Visitor Services Department.


If you have supplied pictorial material that is not acknowledged here, please let us know.


PHOTO BY LEWIS MADDOX