Kidderminster
Kidderminster is a great place to start your journey on the Severn Valley Railway, where many parts of the station have been preserved such as the spear top fence panels and platform barrows. Kidderminster has a charming period style concourse, booking office, giftshop, luggage carts and decor, with a cafe and museum full of fascinating railway memorabilia. You will be starting your train journey from Kidderminister.
Bewdley Station
At Bewdley Station the railway meets the River Severn and from here follows it all the way to Bridgnorth. The station was very important during the industrial developement of nearby Ironbridge and for the availability of coal at Highley and Alveley, however the station suffered gradual de-industrialisation and was closed in the 1960's. The station was re-opened and restored by the Severn Valley Railway in 1974. The lovely Georgian town is just a 10 minute walk from the station where you can take a walk by the side of the river on the north and south quays or visit the fascinating Bewdley Town Meseum. Also don't miss the tranquil Jubilee Gardens, just behind the museum which are Bewdley's best kept secret.
Arley Station
Located out in the leafy Worcestershire countryside, Arley is a lovely place to stop off and watch the trains go through the station. The station used to be a lot smaller than it is today with the single platform much shorter than the two the station has today. One of the main types of traffic for which Arley was used was fisherman coming for a day's sport on the nearby River Severn and coal traffic from the collieries to the north at Kinlet, Highley and Alveley. A footbridge will take you over the river to the village and a short walk will take you to the Arley Arboretum (additional charge).
Highley Station for The Engine House
Highley railway station was opened to the public on the 1st February 1862 and closed on the 8th September 1963, and is still the only station on the Severn Valley Railway with one platform. The station was formerly very important as the transport hub of a colliery district with four coal mines nearby which were all linked by standard and narrow gauge branch lines, cable inclines and aerial ropeways to the Severn Valley line. Highley station, like many other stations, has won awards for its restoration and continuing level of appearance and is unique in its atmosphere and authenticity. Here we will visit The Engine House which houses a reserve collection of steam locomotives, themed exhibitions and a cafe which is the perfect place to stop and have lunch with stunning balcony views across the Severn Valley.
Hampton Loade Station
If you choose to get off the train here, Hampton Loade offers the opportunity to ride across the river on a unique current powered passenger 'foot ferry' (not included) and to walk to Dudmaston Estate (not included) part of the National Trust.
Bridgnorth Station
Bridgnorth was once a thriving port and the town centre is only a few minutes walk away from the station (over the town footbridge). The station was opened by the original Severn Valley Railway in 1862 and was the main intermediate station between Hartlebury Junction and Shrewsbury, and today the listed station building is the only one on the line in the restrained neo-Jacobean style. With its High Town and Low Town, connected by many sets of steps and by the steepest inland railway in Britain, Bridgnorth is a fascinating place to explore. Along with its bustling Saturday street market, there are gift shops, cafes and the grounds of the ruined castle with remarkable views across the riverside and the station.