Severn Valley Railway is a full-size standard-gauge railway line running regular steam-hauled passenger trains for the benefit of visitors and enthusiasts alike between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of 16 miles.

The journey is full of interest, for the route follows closely the meandering course of the River Severn for most of the way on its journey between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. One highlight of the trip is the crossing of the River Severn by means of the Victoria Bridge - a massive 200-foot single span, high above the water which, incidentally, features in the film 'The Thirty-nine Steps'.

There being few roads in the Severn Valley, some of the views are only visible from the Railway. The scenery is varied and largely unspoiled, punctuated by the quaint 'olde worlde' charm of country stations, each one giving ready access to local villages and riverside walks.

A remarkable feature of the Railway is that it is very largely run by unpaid volunteers, with a paid staff of around 70 people responsible for administration and commercial activities, plus regular track and rolling stock maintenance. At weekends throughout the year, some 200 volunteers appear on the Railway to perform many tasks, including repairing and repainting stations, reconstruction of viaducts and bridges, and rebuilding locomotives and rolling stock not to mention the operation of the trains! Many of the trades involved require training. This is provided by professionals who give their time free of charge. The volunteer atmosphere is friendly, and more people are always needed.

Leave the train at Highley for a visit to The Engine House, the exciting Visitor Centre. This stunning new building houses their reserve collection of steam locomotives, along with railway themed exhibitions, a well stocked gift shop and Buffer's Café Restaurant, with its stunning balcony views across the Severn Valley.

This is a great place to break your journey for a bite to eat and to watch the trains go by.

If you've had fun on your family day out to Severn Valley Railway, tell us about it your visit, so other people will know it's a great place to go as well.

http://www.svr.co.uk