Full Steam Ahead for Summer
Summer time is family fun time, and we enjoy having big and little guests from near and far who come to discover all the great things there are to do and see in our part of the world.
One of the firm favourites for a day out with the kids (or, it has to be said, a romantic meal for two come the evening) is just a short distance away from our farm – The Avon Valley Heritage Railway at Bitton.
If you’ve never experienced a heritage railway before you’ll be charmed by this glimpse into the golden age of steam travel. And if you have visited other heritage railways in the UK (170 operational ones at the latest count according to the Heritage Railway Association) then you’ll find this one particularly interesting.
Railway Nostalgia and a Jolly Journey
The Avon Valley Railway dates back to 1869, when it was built by the Midland Railway as a vital link between Birmingham and the South Coast, connecting with the Somerset & Dorset Railway. Less than a century later it was hit with the infamous “Beeching Cuts” closures which axed countless branch lines, including the Avon Valley Railway.
Thanks to the passion of a group of volunteers determined not to let the spirit of steam die, a small section (three miles) of the Avon Valley Railway has been reborn (opened in its current form in 2004) after a slow, arduous and frustrating restoration project that has been beset with legal and financial difficulties.
Now you can ride the restored railway north through the countryside from the diligently refurbished Victorian Bitton station house to Oldland Common where the train reverses direction and then heads south, back past Bitton, to stop at Avon Riverside (for a picnic if you feel so inclined) after traversing the bridge across the river.
Passengers can leave the train at Avon Riverside for a scenic boat trip on the River Avon. This is timetabled to link up with the railway service in both directions.
The return journey is a repeat, in reverse, and in total there and back covers six miles of track.
Locomotives and Luxury Dining
Besides the novelty of the old-style clickery-clack train journey itself you can soak up the atmosphere (and a delicious coffee with homemade cake) at the Bitton Station building, where the buffet is tempting, the gift shop enticing, and the staff only too pleased to bring you up to speed on the history of the place.
You can also explore the rolling stock – a collection of meticulously restored old steam locomotives and some vintage diesel engines. The kids can let off steam in the playground before you step on board for your “choo-choo” adventure.
The standard Avon Valley train journey is pleasant enough, but if you plan in advance you may be lucky enough to make sure your visit co-incides with one of the scheduled “specials” that this enterprising charity railway group puts on throughout the year.
For example, you could book for:
- A Dining Train – a luxurious first-class dining experience aboard the Bitton Belle with a delicious three-course meal prepared by a talented chef.
- First Class Tea – Elegant traditional cream teas served as you chug through the scenery.
- Themed Events – all aboard for experiences like Thomas the Tank Engine™ days, murder mystery evenings, and a teddy bears’ picnic.
- Footplate Rides – for the physically fit and daring, to stand in the cab and see what it takes to drive a train.
Check the Avon Valley Railway website to check for timetables, upcoming events and “specials” and buy tickets online.
Where is Avon Valley Heritage Railway?
Bitton Station, home of the Avon Valley Heritage Railway, is less than five miles from Tog Hill Farm, accessed from Bath Road, Bitton (BS30 6HD).
There is plenty of free parking on site, and the fares are very reasonable – children under five travel free. Dogs are welcome on most of the train trips (except for certain themed events), and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
The Avon Valley Railway is just one of the many and varied attractions within easy reach of our comfortable, characterful guest house and Shepherd’s Hut at Toghill House Farm, which is one of the reasons that we are such a popular place to stay as a base for exploring anywhere from the Cotswolds to beautiful Bath and North East Somerset, as well as the bright lights and maritime legacy of Bristol. Book a double, twin or family room today.