Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the Severn Valley
THE Severn Valley Railway is set to throw open many more of its doors to passengers as the 2022 season begins.
The April 2/3 Open House Weekend will give visitors an opportunity to explore areas that are rarely accessible to the public.
A variety of unique experiences will put the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the SVR on show – including tours of signalboxes at Kidderminster and Bewdley, visits to the locomotive boiler shop and machine shop at Bridgnorth, and cab tours of one of the line’s diesel locomotives, plus an interactive demonstration by resident stonemason Philip Chatfield at The Engine House Visitor Centre.
A four-train service will ensure visitors can stop off at all stations, and Highley will be hosting short brake van rides for a back-to-basics experience inside one of the SVR’s more functional vehicles.
Furthermore, the SVR has partnered with local company Wyvern Omnibus to transport visitors to its ‘hidden gem’ station at Eardington Halt, with its unrivalled selection of heritage lamps and an original 19th century station building.
Brass bands will welcome ticketholders to Kidderminster station, and the SVR’s award-winning pubs and refreshment rooms will be open throughout both days of the event.
SVR’s head of visitor experience, Michael Dunn, said: “The return of the Open House Weekend is the ideal way to start our 2022 calendar by offering a behind-the-scenes look at the railway. We are hoping visitors will be inspired and amazed to see how we make everything work.
“The opportunity to go backstage at an operational railway really is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Tickets for the Open House Weekend are available at online at svr.co.uk or by telephoning 01562 757900.