Severn Valley Railway will host its Open House Weekend on Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of April and will see members of the public given ‘access all areas' during the special event which will reveal how both staff and volunteers keep the golden era of travel alive.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a step back in time with a journey on the stunning line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.
The weekend will reveal how carriages are made ready for service and how skilled engineers build, maintain and repair steam locomotives. The event will also provide access to off-limits areas.
The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley will also feature a collection of ‘resting' engines alongside the Royal Saloon and travelling post office.
Volunteer guides will also be available to chat and will be glad to share their passion and the hidden stories of the Severn Valley Railway. The weekend will also see attendees given the amazing chance to win a footplate ride by entering a raffle.
The weekend will also give visitors a chance to:
- Look inside the cab of a diesel locomotive
- Look inside one of the railways signal boxes
- Enjoy a brake van ride
The event may also provide visitors with a chance to catch a look at the railways ‘purple loco' which has recently been re-painted in a wartime black livery.
Michael Dunn, head of commercial and visitor services, said:
“Open House Weekend is an absolute must for those who want to discover more about what makes the SVR tick. It's packed with fascinating opportunities to see what really goes into making a heritage railway run. Everything is included in your ticket price, although donations for guided tours and the brake van rides will be very welcome!”
The Open House Weekend will also see Severn Valley Railway services operating its entire length from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth for the first time this season. March has seen services restricted from Kidderminster to Highley due to engineering work.
Why not make a saving of 22% by purchasing tickets in advance when compared to on-the-day prices? All tickets booked online include a voucher for a free return visit.
To find out more about the Open House Weekend or to book tickets, please visit:the Severn Valley Railway website
