Easter fun beckons at the Severn Valley Railway

There’s plenty to amuse visitors of all ages at the Severn Valley Railway during the Easter holiday season, with the railway open from Saturday 23 March through till Thursday 4 April, and some very special attractions taking place on selected days, alongside the excitement of heritage rail travel each day.

On 23 and 24 March, there are just a few pre-bookable slots left to meet everyone’s favourite TV character Bluey at The Engine House, Highley. If you’ve missed out on a place to meet Bluey, not to worry, because there are plenty of other things to amuse the family at The Engine House over the two days, including magic shows, mini golf, interactive exhibits and an outdoor play area.

Over the same weekend, Bridgnorth station is hosting a free mini gala. It’s packed with fascinating railway- and steam-themed attractions, including a display of full-size and miniature traction engines, Wolverhampton & District Model Engineering Society’s ride-on miniature railway, an O gauge model railway static display featuring Bridgnorth station and several SVR-based locomotives, the chance to encounter the replica of Richard Trevithick’s 1808 locomotive ‘Catch Me Who Can’, various historical photographic exhibitions, and on Saturday only, short guided walks with an SVR archivist to uncover the history of Bridgnorth station. Activities run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 23, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 24.

Throughout the Easter season week, young visitors can take part in the SVR’s Easter quiz, cracking clues, solving puzzles and spotting items as they travel along the line. Free trail sheets will be available from the booking office, and everyone who completes the trail will receive a treat!

At the Engine House, Highley, at the mid-point of the 16-mile line, visitors can experience what life is like on the footplate, discover how a steam engine operates and check out the hidden past of Britain’s railways.

“Spring is definitely in the air,” said the SVR’s visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox, “and the SVR’s line is the ideal place to spend quality time with family and friends this Easter.

“We’ve made sure there’s plenty on offer to keep everyone amused, and a great day out is guaranteed. Our volunteers have been putting the final touches to our beautifully kept stations, and polishing the fleet of steam and heritage diesel locomotives that will whisk you away into the Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside. What’s not to love?”

Tickets are available now with Freedom-of-the-Line family tickets starting at just £50, and short journey family tickets starting at £35.

There’s more information, timetables and a details of activities at svr.co.uk.