South West - Somerset

 Start your day at Bitton where you will buy your tickets for travel in our 150 year old ticket office. Admire the station buildings and our award-winning floral displays as you wait for your train to arrive. Then board your heritage carriage and listen out for the guard as he blows his whistle before the train gently pulls away.

Your journey takes you on a six mile round trip through the scenic Avon Valley. You’ll head first up to Oldland Common at the northern end of the line, then return to Bitton before heading south to Avon Riverside. Here you can enjoy a picnic by the river or take a walk along the bank, catching a later train back to Bitton. Alternatively you can walk back alongside the track on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

Once back at Bitton you can enjoy refreshments in our station buffet. We’re open daily from 9am and serve breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, either on the platform or in one of our static carriages. We also have a souvenir shop selling railway-themed gifts for you to browse. All profits from the shop and buffet help maintain the railway.

In addition to our normal operating calendar we hold many special events during the year. Visit our website to find out what’s happening soon.

For a truly memorable occasion why not book your seat on one of our special dining trains? We hold our Steam n Cuisine events throughout the year together with summer evening Fish & Chip, Pie n Pint and Curry specials. For a more chilling evening, dare you ride our Murder Mystery train and find out Whodunnit?

EVENTS 2018 at Avon Valley Railway

9 & 10 JUNE
‘BRICK EXPRESS’
Jump onboard the Brick Express and try your hand at building with the world’s favourite construction toy as you travel the line.  What will you build?  Admire the latest creations from Bristol’s master-builder Tom Poulsom!

MIDSUMMER WINE FESTIVAL
21 JUNE
Join our wine festival and taste a selection of the best English wines and cheese.

30 JUNE & 1 JULY
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
FREE train travel for children who bring their Teddy Bear plus a family teddy bear trail and craft activities

29 JULY
VINTAGE TRANSPORT DAY
A special weekend celebrating our rich road and rail transport heritage.  Organised in conjunction with the Bristol Vintage Bus Group.

15 AUGUST
SHERLOCK HOLMES OPEN AIR THEATRE
Join Chapterhouse Theatre for a unique performance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale.

25 – 27 AUGUST
GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND
Grandparents travel for half price when accompanied by at least one paying child.  Bring them along for a fun day out!

9 SEPTEMBER
RAILWAYANA VALUATION DAY
Have you ever wondered if that old lamp or station sign is worth something.  Bring it along and find out.

15 & 16 SEPTEMBER
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
Another chance for children to travel FREE if they bring their Teddy Bear.  Plus a family teddy bear trail and craft activities

22 & 23 SEPTEMBER
1940s WEEKEND
Turn back the clock as we remember the importance of the railways in the War effort.

27 & 28 OCTOBER
WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND
Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of Wizardry!  Board the steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the adventure!  For children 5+

DECEMBER
SANTA STEAM SPECIALS
Meet Father Christmas aboard his steam train.  Each child receives a quality gift

26, 29 & 30 DECEMBER & 1 JAN
SHERRY & MINCE PIE SPECIALS
After the indulgence of Christmas why not take the family for a relaxing trip and join us for a glass of sherry and a mince pie.