Welcome to the Avon Valley Railway

The Avon Valley Railway is more than just a train ride, offering a whole new experience for some or a nostalgic memory for others. It's a real treat for the whole family! Steam trains are running every Sunday until the end of October, and a diesel service is also running on Saturday 11th September and Saturday 2nd October. Full details of our 2010 running days can be found on our TIMETABLE PAGE Forthcoming Special Events include our Teddy Bears Picnic on Sunday 19th September, our End of Season Gala on 24 October and our Ghost Train on 31st October. Bookings for our ever-popular FATHER CHRISTMAS trains in December are now being taken. With over 10,000 happy visitors last year you will need to book early to ensure seats on the train of your choice. We regret that due to circumstances beyond our control there will be NO public boat services for the remainder of 2010. The children will love a DAY OUT WITH THOMAS in May whilst FATHER CHRISTMAS visits us during December. And why not treat them to a BIRTHDAY PARTY on the train, available on most days when trains are running. You can learn how to DRIVE A STEAM ENGINE or join us for our REAL ALE FESTIVAL in June each year. There's also a chance to admire a wide selection of VINTAGE BUSES at our August Bus Rally. Relax and enjoy either a TWO COURSE or a THREE COURSE MEAL on board one of our Luncheon Dining Trains, or test your investigativells on one of our popular MURDER MYSTERY events. The AVR now offers a six mile return train ride along the former Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park branch of the old Midland Railway, and the chance to see the River Avon valley from an aspect that cars cannot reach. Based at Bitton Station, midway between Bristol and Bath, this former Midland Railway station has been painstakingly restored from a derelict state to provide visitors with refreshment and toilet facilities, a railway shop, a pleasant garden, and outdoor seating.

latest news aug 30th  second bitton beer festival announced aug 30th  fry's sentinel locomotive due at bitton this weekend jul 18th  steam service sunday 18th july

Our 'Avon Riverside' platform, in the heart of the Avon Valley, offers passengers the opportunity to enjoy the many attractions in the area - boat trips, riverside pubs, picnic area, and walks in the beautiful surrounding countryside. All of this information is contained in our full colour timetable/brochure. Why not email or call us to obtain a copy - details of how to do this are provided on the 'contact us' page. In the long term we hope to be able to extend the line to the outskirts of Bath, providing a scenic train ride not just into, but through, the Avon Valley.

If you have any queries regarding the Avon Valley Railway's services or events, please email us. If you`re already a member, or you're wondering what goes on 'behind the scenes' at the AVR, why not check out our special 'News' button on the left hand toolbar. We appreciate your comments and feedback, so if you have anything to tell us about this website, please let us know. Most of all, why not come and visit us in person - you will find a warm welcome and a great day out waiting for you!

last updated: david cole, Wed 1st Sep 2010