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Conditions of Carriage and Terms & Conditions

These conditions apply to all visits on and to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), including The Engine House. By visiting the SVR, you agree to be bound by them.

Summer Free Return off terms and conditions 2026

Tickets for Train Services

  • All tickets are issued subject to payment of the relevant published fare.

  • Every passenger travelling on SVR services must hold a valid ticket or other authorised travel permit for their entire journey.

  • Purchase of Freedom of the Line, Short Journey or Day Rover tickets does not guarantee a seat.

  • Tickets are non-transferable and must not be resold.

  • Tickets are valid for Standard Class only. Travel in First Class (where available) requires payment of the appropriate supplement.

Purchasing Tickets

  • Tickets may be purchased:

    • Online in advance via svr.co.uk (a £2 booking fee applies to all pre-booked tickets),

    • At SVR station booking offices, or

    • On board from SVR Travelling Ticket Inspectors (TTIs).

  • Online bookings receive an email confirmation and e-tickets.

  • E-tickets may be scanned on board or exchanged for printed tickets at a booking office on the day of travel.

  • Tickets purchased online are valid only for the date(s) and service(s) specified, are non-transferable, and are non-refundable.

Prices and Offers

  • Ticket prices are subject to change at any time.

  • SVR reserves the right to introduce discounts or special offers, which cannot be applied retrospectively to tickets already purchased.

Timetabled Services

  • The issue of a ticket does not guarantee that a specific service will run or that seating will be available.

  • Tickets are sold online and on a “turn up and go” basis.

  • SVR shall not be liable if a passenger cannot be carried on a standard service due to insufficient accommodation.

  • If Standard Class seating is unavailable, the Train TTI may authorise use of First Class seating without charge. Unless authorised, the First Class supplement remains payable.

  • Unless a ticket specifies a departure time, or states otherwise, tickets may be used on any scheduled standard daily service on the day(s) for which they are valid.

Service Alterations

For safety or operational reasons, SVR may:

  • Suspend or stop the sale of tickets,

  • Dispatch trains before the arrival of connecting services,

  • Withdraw services from stations, or

  • Cancel or discontinue train services.

  • Where this occurs, SVR will take all reasonable steps to help passengers complete their journeys.

  • While every effort is made to operate services as advertised, SVR does not guarantee departure or arrival times and reserves the right to alter or suspend services without notice. No liability is accepted for loss, inconvenience, or delay.

Gift Vouchers

  • Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

  • Vouchers may only be redeemed online when purchasing tickets in advance and cannot be used at station booking offices.

  • Vouchers may be extended once for an additional three months on payment of a £10 administration fee by emailing [email protected].

Locomotives and Traction

  • Every effort is made to operate services using the advertised locomotives; however, traction is subject to availability and may change without notice.

  • Published locomotive allocations are indicative only.

  • SVR accepts no liability for disappointment or inconvenience arising from changes to motive power.

Steam Locomotive Operation

  • Steam locomotives may emit cinders, ash, or oily residue. SVR cannot accept responsibility for damage to clothing, vehicles, or personal belongings.

  • Steam locomotives may also generate high noise levels during normal operation. While reasonable efforts are made to control noise, SVR cannot be held responsible for noise levels.

Discounts

  • Discounted tickets are only available on production of the correct proof or identification as detailed on the SVR website.

  • If valid proof is not produced, the full applicable fare will be charged.

Travel Beyond Destination

  • Passengers travelling beyond the station shown on their ticket must pay the difference between the ticket held and the appropriate fare for the journey actually made.

Special Events

  • Day Rover tickets may only be available during special events where revised fares apply, unless otherwise stated.

  • If a time-specific pre-booked service is cancelled by SVR due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund (including booking fee) will be issued. No further liability is accepted.

  • Attractions are subject to availability and may be altered or withdrawn without notice.

  • Higher fares may be payable for certain journeys during Galas and Special Events.

Visitors’ Responsibilities

  • Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the railway and travelling on trains.

  • Passengers should check tickets and any change immediately after purchase; SVR cannot accept liability for errors not reported promptly.

  • Tickets must be retained and produced on request. Failure to do so may result in treatment as travelling without a ticket.

  • Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable and respectful manner at all times. The Severn Valley Railway reserves the right to refuse admission, require any individual or group to leave the railway, or take appropriate action where behaviour is deemed disruptive, unsafe, or offensive. All passengers must treat SVR staff, volunteers, and fellow visitors with courtesy and respect at all times. SVR reserves the right to refuse travel or entry to anyone who is intoxicated, disorderly, or behaving abusively. No refund or compensation will be payable in such cases. SVR safety guidance.
  • Late arrival for a booked train does not entitle the passenger to a refund. Where possible, staff will try to accommodate passengers on a later service.

  • No refunds or replacements will be offered where passengers are unable to travel due to weather, illness, or circumstances outside SVR’s control, provided services operated.

  • Unused tickets are not refundable, and the cost of returning tickets is the passenger’s responsibility.

  • Appropriate clothing (including tops and footwear) must be worn at all times.

Smoking and Vaping

  • Smoking and vaping (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited in all buildings, enclosed spaces, trains, and across the entire SVR estate.

  • By purchasing a ticket, passengers agree to comply with railway byelaws.

Personal Transport Devices

  • E-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles, and hoverboards are not permitted on SVR trains or premises.

Flying of Drones

  • The use of drones is prohibited anywhere on the Severn Valley Railway without prior written permission, whether operating from, or in close proximity to our land or infrastructure. This includes taking off or landing from our land, buildings, platforms, or trains.

  • You can request permission to fly a drone for professional purposes, e.g. filming, by emailing us at [email protected]. This process can take several weeks, so please contact us in good time if you wish to film at the railway using a drone.

  • You will be expected to provide evidence of competency and appropriate authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Overseas qualifications must be validated for UK use.

Dogs and Animals

  • Dogs are charged at £5 per dog, per day.

  • Dogs are not permitted in First Class accommodation or catering vehicles, except assistance dogs.

  • Dogs must remain on the floor, be kept on a lead at all times, and be under strict control.

  • Dogs must remain with paws on the floor (unless small enough to sit fully on laps) and are not permitted in First Class compartments.

  • Disruptive dogs may be refused travel or required to leave SVR premises.

  • Large dogs obstructing aisles may be required to travel in the guard’s van.

  • Owners must clean up after their dogs immediately.

  • Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted on Santa Trains, Enchanted Express, Ghost Trains, Scream Trains, or Carol Trains. Restrictions may apply to other services.

  • No other animals are permitted on SVR trains.

Refunds and Compensation

  • Refunds, changes, or exchanges are not available except where expressly stated.

  • SVR operates heritage equipment and infrastructure, and a degree of delay is inherent in providing an authentic heritage experience.

  • SVR’s primary purpose is heritage travel, not guaranteed adherence to modern railway timetables.

Complaints Procedure

At the Severn Valley Railway, we strive to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all visitors. If something goes wrong or you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your visit, we want to hear from you.

How to complain:

  • In person: speak to a member of staff or the Duty Manager at The Engine House.
  • Online: use our contact form or email us directly.
  • By post: write to Severn Valley Railway, 1 Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR

What we do:

  • Acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days.
  • Investigate and provide a response within 10–15 working days.
  • Offer explanations, apologies, or corrective actions where appropriate.

If you are not satisfied with the response, you can request a review by a Senior Leader. Their decision will be final.

We handle all complaints confidentially and fairly, using feedback to continually improve your experience on the railway.

Car Parking

  • Car parking at SVR stations is subject to availability and payment of displayed charges.

  • SVR car parks are not secure or supervised. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.

Accessibility

  • All SVR trains include wheelchair-accessible accommodation.

  • Wheelchairs and mobility scooters must not exceed 700mm wide x 1200mm long.

  • Ramps support a combined maximum load of 350kg (user plus chair/aid).

  • Accessible coaches include disabled toilets.

  • Ramps are carried on board, and assistance is available at all stations—please ask staff or volunteers for help.

Safeguarding Statement 

The SVR provides family-friendly experiences that welcome children and young people. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where all children can enjoy their visit in a safe and secure setting, free from risk of harm or abuse.

The SVR does not knowingly permit any individual to visit its railway, events, or facilities who is a convicted child sex offender, subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, or subject to a Sexual Risk Order, Child Abduction Notice, or any other restrictions or requirements intended to safeguard the welfare and protection of children.

The SVR reserves the right to refuse admission, remove from its premises, or ban from future entry – without refund – any person (and, where appropriate, members of their party) whose behaviour or presence may affect the safety or enjoyment of other visitors or staff, or who may otherwise undermine the Railway’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

 © Severn Valley Railway 2026 – Trademarks, Images and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Severn Valley Railway Society Limited 1 Comberton Place, Kidderminster, DY10 1QR. 

Registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.  Registration No 9742