Facilities & Guided Tour

The centre of operations for the Avon Valley Railway is at Bitton, an original Midland Railway station painstakingly restored by volunteer members. Like many country stations of that era, Bitton had its own goods shed, which now acts as our loco shed and maintenance depot. However, Bitton's original size has meant that a lot of necessary facilities have had to be squeezed into a small space, in a way that caters for modern visitors and yet still keeps the flavour of a local station in the heyday of steam.

We believe we've done pretty well - you'll find a fabulous buffet, serving hot food, drinks, ices and a range of legendary home-made cakes. On either side of the station, you'll find picnic areas, so that you can sit down and eat in comfort, and still keep an eye on the trains! To cater for the many cyclists who visit us by way of the famous Bristol-Bath railway path, we have cycle-racks where bicycles may be securely locked and kept safe while you swap leg-power for steam-power! Like the buffet, our shop is housed in a painstakingly converted part of the original station building and you'll find a selection of memorabilia, souvenirs, videos, books and toys to take home with you, once your day out is over.

And if you're bored with shopping, (or you've run out of money), you may find our special static carriages provide the answer: one is set aside for 'Bitton Bargains' - an Aladdin's Cave of all kinds of bric-a-brac, railway magazines, toys, games, and other inexpensive second-hand items. The other is home to the Bitton Bears, a group of travelling teddy-bears that somehow got left behind when Santa visited the railway one Christmas past. They live here now, comfortable in their coach, quite happy to have the children tapping on the glass and pulling inquisitive faces through the windows at them. You can read more about the Bitton Bears at our members' Semaphore website.

If you come by car, we have parking spaces for around fifty cars (though on some special event days we use an off-site parking area and provide regular shuttle buses to and from the station). And for the convenience of passengers and visitors alike, of course, we have public conveniences, maintained and cleaned by volunteers to a high standard. We have ramps to all platforms for people using wheelchairs (in fact, we have no steps or steep grades anywhere, so everyone can take it easy, young or old!)

Dogs are welcome at Bitton too (providing they are kept under control, on a lead, and not allowed to make a mess), we always keep a bowl of fresh water handy for those thirsty canine moments!

All around the station site you'll find things of interest - our yard contains many locomotives, carriages and wagons rescued from the scrap-merchant's cutting torch. Some may not look like it, but they're all in various stages of restoration, repair, or just waiting for their next duty - and all are loved by someone who cares for them, even if one or two don't look that lovely right now. Restoration is a long, arduous and expensive business, and many years may pass before what looks like a rusting hulk finally emerges as a pristine mainline marvel! And sometimes only your custom and support can help speed the process along! So come and see us, discover our hidden treasures, and most of all have fun!

last updated: andy stone, Mon 27th Dec 2004