Avon Valley Railway Official

A returning event from last year, it's our Vintage Transport Day on Sunday! We'll have lots of vintage vehicles for you to see at Bitton, as well as an intensive service on the railway with three trains in operation!
We'll also have our usual Steam Wednesday and Diesel Saturday for you to enjoy too!
Special fares apply for the Vintage Transport Day.

Bitton Fire & Rescue's fire appliance No. 31101 at Avon Riverside, having put a small fire out utilising the steam heat boiler water tank...

So now we know that LB&SCR A1X Class Terrier No 32678 is our first guest loco for our End of Season Gala on the 10th & 11th of November, courtesy of Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Terrier Trust.
What do you think/want our second guest loco to be?
More details to be announced soon!!
... If you'd like to donate towards the cost of the event, you can Text AVON01 £amount (e.g. AVON01 £5) to 70070.
Photo courtesy of Chris Eden-Green.
See More

Stuck for something to do tomorrow evening?

It's nearly the summer holidays, but we're still hard at work here at Bitton with another three running days for you! In addition to the normal services, Wednesday features a special evening goods train which will be available to the public to ride! Come along and enjoy some refreshments from the Buffet, as well as a ride on one of our trains!
Wednesday evening goods train tickets priced at our usual Steam rate, tickets used during our standard timetable running will not be valid on this train.

The loco department have been busy this week working on RSH 7151 and Avonside 1798.
7151 has had its rear cab spectacle plate (as well as the whole cab briefly) in order to facilitate the extraction of longitudinal stays from the boiler, which will aid access to the boiler barrel through the dome. During this process, the manifold and J Pipe were also removed and placed into storage ready for refurbishment.
With the cab roof back on to protect the backhead of the boiler fro...m the weather, the loco now has a slightly odd appearance!
1798 continues to be worked on in the Goods Shed, with the cab and tank being tweaked to ensure everything fits perfectly before riveting commences. The locos motion is now 95% complete, with the right hand side connecting road, crosshead, and piston rod all now fitted. All that remains is to set the valve timings.
Also in the Goods Shed, work is progressing on the BR Standard Brake Van, which will form part of our Chocolate Train.
So lots of work going on at Bitton, stay tuned for more updates!
See More

Don't forget we have a special goods charter train running on the evening of Wednesday 18th July, with all proceeds going towards the overhaul of RSH 7151!

Due to the prolonged hot weather, we will be running a diesel service today instead of the originally advertised steam service.
Tickets will be priced at our usual diesel rate, rather than our steam rate.

Back to three running days this week, Steam on Wednesday and Sunday, with Diesel on Saturday! Come on down and enjoy a leisurely trip along the Avon Valley!

End Of Season Gala News!!
We are thrilled to announce that 0-6-0T LB&SCR A1X Class Terrier No 32678 is our first confirmed visitor for our End of Season Gala on 10th/11th November!!
This is the first time we have ever had a Terrier visit our railway and the first southern region engine to visit in the last 20 Years. Could it be the first time a Terrier has come to Bristol?
... We extend our thanks to our friends at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Terrier Trust for making this visit possible.
Keep your eyes pealed over the coming months for more news.
If you'd like to donate towards the cost of the event, you can Text AVON01 £amount (e.g. AVON01 £5) to 70070.
Photo courtesy of Chris Eden-Green.
See More

So far you've guessed locos from far and wide as possible visitors for our End of Season Steam Gala on the 10th/11th November.
The top three contenders being 43106, a pannier tank (mainly 1501), or in top place a terrier with most people saying 32678!
So here's another clue, any other guesses? We'll be announcing what it is at 12pm on Friday!
... If you'd like to donate towards the cost of the event you can Text AVON01 £amount (e.g. AVON01 £5) to 70070.
See More

On Wednesday 18th July we will be running a special evening freight service using that days service loco. The freight train will be open to the public for rides.
As an added bonus there will be a diesel hauled private charter running, where two carriages will be open to public use.
Standard fares apply, with all proceeds going towards the overhaul of RSH 7151. Daytime tickets are not valid for the evening event.
... Don't forget we also have RSH 7151 mugs available in the shop at Bitton for £8, which also goes towards the loco's overhaul.
See More

No Diesel running day this week, but we've still got our steam days of Wednesday and Sunday for you to enjoy! And as always, the Buffet is open all week!

Due to two of our three drivers on site today not being very well, we're combining resources and just running the steam service on Timetable A, rather than the advertised Timetable D. Sorry for any disappointment this may cause.

We're nearly ready to announce the first visiting loco for our End of Season Steam Gala on the 10th/11th November. For now, can you guess what it could be?

This week sees the standard Steam running day on Wednesday, and then the weekend brings the first of our ever popular Teddy Bears Picnic events! Normal fares apply for this event, but kids travel free if they bring a teddy bear! You can also take part in our teddy bear trail, crafts, as well as other activities! We'll also be operating two trains over the weekend, so why not make the most of your ticket, and have a trip on both trains during your visit!

With one day to go until our Midsummer Wine Festival, here are the final attendees for this years event.
Coming from a little further afield from Berkshire, Staffordshire, Surrey, and Kent:- - Stanlake Park Vineyard - Halfpenny Green... - Denbies - Chapel Down
We hope to see you tomorrow evening!
Tickets are £15 and are available at https://www.quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrai lway/Online/
Over 18s ONLY.
See More

Time for another preview of those who will be in attendance at the Midsummer Wine Festival!
Staying local this time, we've four attendees from Bath and Gloucestershire:- - Bath Soft Cheese - Bramley Gauge & Gin... - Three Choirs - Compton Green Estate
Be on the look out for our final preview post to see who else will be coming along!
Tickets are £15 and are available at https://www.quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrai lway/Online/
Over 18s ONLY.
See More

It's our standard three running days this week alongside our Buffet opening, but this week we also have the Midsummer Wine Festival on Thursday evening, with over 15 wine producers represented. This is an over 18 event only!
Tickets for the Midsummer Wine Festival are available at https://www.quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrai lway/Online/

For those of you interested attending the Midsummer Wine Festival, here's a preview of who else will be attending next Thursday!
This time it's three vineyards from Devon and Cornwall:- - Sharpham - Yearlstone... - Camel Valley
Be on the look out for more posts to see who else will be coming along!
Tickets are £15 and are available at https://www.quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrai lway/Online/
Over 18s ONLY.
See More

We went today with our 2 year old son and 12 day old daughter. The staff at the station were fabulous! Thank you for being so attentive to our needs.

We had a fabulous time at the Santa special today, there was a great atmosphere and it felt very festive. I would like to in particular thank Father Christmas who was wonderful with our little boy who has additional needs. He allowed extra time for our little boy to reply and sign and didn't rush him at all, a true superstar thank you! Such a great experience.

Took my mum for a high tea for her birthday. Was just lovely. Staff are fabulous and friendly. Mum loved it!

My husband I were given a lovely treat for our birthdays. A ride on the old train with fish and chips, mushy peas and bread and butter with strawberries, ice-cream and a chocolate flake. All very nice and lovely staff. Would recommend�

I love AVR well done to all the fantastic volunteers who keep it going. We always take a picnic, if it's sunny we get off at the stop after the bridge and there's a cute picnic spot near the river and some nice walks. If it's raining we picnic on the train and pretend we're going to Hogwarts � always a favourite to kill a couple of hours x

Had a lovely afternoon at the teddy bears picnic event on Sunday, the children loved it though 2yr old Conor was a little scared of the giant teddy walking around!! Staff were lovely and very helpful. 10/10

Great place, I attended the 1940s event on Sunday 24th September a very nice little event with plenty to see and great photographic opportunities. The Avon Valley Volunteers are helpful & hard working and dedicated to bring joy to all visitors. Recommend the place for a visit . you will not be disappointed

Brilliant Wallace and Gromit day out. Very well organised, friendly staff. Buggy park was well managed. Activities put on for the kids was great and was throughly enjoyed by all. The food buffet seemed expensive but understandable when the costs are high running the trains. Plenty of places to sit with a picnic and there is park area close by.

Amazing my friend and I plus our three little people were on the journey from hell to get to the Santa Train � we phoned ahead to say we would be late and bless them they did hold the train for ten minutes. We still hadn't arrived but they knew we were on our way so they re-routed the journey so we could get on part way through and enjoy the experience. We arrived at the car park the traffic marshalls knew who we were and walkie-talkie our arrival to reception and a lovely gentleman came down to the car park to meet us and escort us up on to the platform and waited with us for a few minutes for the train to arrive at the station. We joined the journey enjoyed lovely biscuits and got to meet Father Christmas we received some great quality gifts that the children loved. We had photos with Santa on the platform and then carried on the train ride back to Bitton. You were all awesome and thank you so much we would have been gutted if we hadn't been able to enjoy the experience outstanding customer service and three happy children �

Went to the Santa special yesterday with my 3 year old she really enjoyed it. But the train should of had Xmas music playing whilst on the train as it wouldn’t of made it more Christmasy but very well organised and Santa played a good part loved having the opportunity to have photos with Santa

Went on the see Santa steam train on sat 10th with a 4 year old and a 2 year old

It was pouring with rain and a pretty grim day weather wise.

We got on the train and found our carriage and settled down

The gifts from Santa for the children were excellent and their faces a picture



All in all a very good day and although it is quite an expensive treat it was really good fun and just a bit different

We've had a lovely day � Treated us to a Groupon deal, and normally there's a catch, but not here- a full day Rover ticket (as many times up and down the railway as we wished!). A nod here to Kyah, the young lad stamping and counting tickets, he was so polite and nice to see someone young working the railway!

The Cafe is good, nicely priced and good food too. We stopped for lunch and a hot drink to warm up in between trips.

Would recommend if you've got train fans in your family!

Wasn't planned out as well. Went for the spooky train...it was decorated in Halloween stuff but nothing happened. no scary stories on the way or anyone dressed up apart from the children. the train wasn't to the timetable. The cafe was a let down by the grumpy lady behind the till. Food was fine. Don't think il be returning in a hurry. Such a shame as there is so much you can do.

For small children is perfect even the train stops more then move.

But we still loved,it’s been something new for us so great and specially kids meet Santa and that was the main point of this visit.

Thank you we have a lovely afternoon

My family and I have been attending the last Two years of Paddington Bear Day. However we made the mistake this year of going to the Wallace and Gromit Day. It was not very good at all. What a shame as we have always enjoyed it. We spent time in the only marquee there which consisted of face painting and balloon modelling. Both of which were very good. However the magician was utterly terrible and couldn t keep a crowd. Old tricks and boring entertainment from him. Sorry! The rocket making was good fun and the launch too as we're the clay models ( even though a little messy in such a dry tent) The large marquee it self was very dusty indeed and seemed rather dirty. What on earth a cheese stall was doing there was rather random and certainly didn't impress my children. Nothing to buy for the children at all except some plastercine and cheap looking toys that had no relevance to the theme of the day. It was such a shame that after that apart from the train ride which was just about empty. That was all the entertainment we got ! No fair ground rides like the past 2 years. No mementos to keep. No Wallace and gromit decorations what so ever..... we spent most of the time queuing and waiting for the face paint and balloon modelling. And yet..... we paid the same price for last year ! What a shame. We got excited to see another marquee near the station and found to our disapointment it was a buggy park ! What on earth has happened to such a lovely event that in the past has been brilliant. We rode an old fashioned bus on the way to Bitton Railway, however we were on a boring city bus on the way back,old fashioned bus never to be seen again..... also dropping us off on a very busy road indeed was a little scary to walk with little children. I understand that there was road works but bit should have been planned better.



Sorry to say but I will not be returning with my family nor will I be recommending it friends. I feel embrassed now that I told some friends to go this weekend.



Very expensive for less entertainment.

I went for the spooky train ride for Halloween with my kids. Think I had a misconception as to what this was about. Think I was under the impression something would be happening on the train Halloween related and not just a decorated train and a simple train ride which stopped more times than was actually moving with lots of waiting around at each station. Didn't really get the point of it other than a simple train ride that had nothing spooky about it .

Took my daughters this weekend, arrived there station well decorated Xmas songs playing thought this was going to be a good day.

stood on platform waiting for train which arrived passengers got off we went to get on train when a member of staff gave us attitude about getting on as had to clean train then once on train very little decorations inside Santa’s helpers which they call elves wasn’t in costume took our girls name cards off us in no discreet manner either and then put sack under our chair again no discretion about it Father Christmas then visited our children ( very poorly dressed santa at that ) and said he would let himself in with a key ( I’m sure santa comes down the chimney?) we then stopped at a platform to take pictures with santa to which we was refused a picture with him which upset my youngest daughter as they said there was not enough time and would have too wait until we got back to the station.

Once returning too the station again queued up and santa couldn’t even be bothered to have his photo taken or even look at the camera totally disgusted by this after travelling for over 2 hours to take this trip I most definitely will not recommend this too anyone as I feel is poorly ran by avon valley railway.

we have done several train rides too see santa and this is by far the worst 1 Star is too much to rate this even!

I have to be honest, it was a terrible experience. I doubt very much that I will ever go again and I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

We were told on the day that it was going to be diesel and not steam (which is acceptable as long as the below is fulfilled)

* I was not made aware of the resulting difference in ticket price. Is this going to be refunded to me?

* We were not given any ticket stubs and were just ushered up to a carriage at the end

* We traveled in the train for only about 20 minutes of the 60 minutes of our trip, most of the trip was waiting around in the carriage

* It was a very hot day on Sunday, there were no refreshments available on board

There were no announcements at all to tell us what was happening, it was literally just sitting around for the majority of the time, a terrible experience



Many of the above things could be remedied easily. I would suggest making it a more theatrical experience, making more of the fact that it is a vintage train. The conductors/porters could engage more with passengers, make random announcements, talk about the history of the railway/trains/area. If you offered refreshments you would make more money and passengers would be more comfortable. If you were short-staffed or there were issues with the trains this wouldn't be such a problem if you communicated this to customers. The gentleman in the ticket office was blinkered and couldn't cope with the queue (he asked the same woman the same questions twice, obviously panicked).



What did we pay for? Hardly any views or distance traveled. No information or mementos. Discomfort. It was seriously disappointing.

Don’t bother booking!! My little girl got given a boy present! Train going back and forwards not very good experience! Children was bored! Never ever again! And will be making a bad review on my own personal Facebook so friends don’t waste there money on this trip!

We went today with our 2 year old son and 12 day old daughter. The staff at the station were fabulous! Thank you for being so attentive to our needs.

We had a fabulous time at the Santa special today, there was a great atmosphere and it felt very festive. I would like to in particular thank Father Christmas who was wonderful with our little boy who has additional needs. He allowed extra time for our little boy to reply and sign and didn't rush him at all, a true superstar thank you! Such a great experience.

Took my mum for a high tea for her birthday. Was just lovely. Staff are fabulous and friendly. Mum loved it!

My husband I were given a lovely treat for our birthdays. A ride on the old train with fish and chips, mushy peas and bread and butter with strawberries, ice-cream and a chocolate flake. All very nice and lovely staff. Would recommend�

I love AVR well done to all the fantastic volunteers who keep it going. We always take a picnic, if it's sunny we get off at the stop after the bridge and there's a cute picnic spot near the river and some nice walks. If it's raining we picnic on the train and pretend we're going to Hogwarts � always a favourite to kill a couple of hours x

Had a lovely afternoon at the teddy bears picnic event on Sunday, the children loved it though 2yr old Conor was a little scared of the giant teddy walking around!! Staff were lovely and very helpful. 10/10

Great place, I attended the 1940s event on Sunday 24th September a very nice little event with plenty to see and great photographic opportunities. The Avon Valley Volunteers are helpful & hard working and dedicated to bring joy to all visitors. Recommend the place for a visit . you will not be disappointed

Brilliant Wallace and Gromit day out. Very well organised, friendly staff. Buggy park was well managed. Activities put on for the kids was great and was throughly enjoyed by all. The food buffet seemed expensive but understandable when the costs are high running the trains. Plenty of places to sit with a picnic and there is park area close by.

Amazing my friend and I plus our three little people were on the journey from hell to get to the Santa Train � we phoned ahead to say we would be late and bless them they did hold the train for ten minutes. We still hadn't arrived but they knew we were on our way so they re-routed the journey so we could get on part way through and enjoy the experience. We arrived at the car park the traffic marshalls knew who we were and walkie-talkie our arrival to reception and a lovely gentleman came down to the car park to meet us and escort us up on to the platform and waited with us for a few minutes for the train to arrive at the station. We joined the journey enjoyed lovely biscuits and got to meet Father Christmas we received some great quality gifts that the children loved. We had photos with Santa on the platform and then carried on the train ride back to Bitton. You were all awesome and thank you so much we would have been gutted if we hadn't been able to enjoy the experience outstanding customer service and three happy children �

Went to the Santa special yesterday with my 3 year old she really enjoyed it. But the train should of had Xmas music playing whilst on the train as it wouldn’t of made it more Christmasy but very well organised and Santa played a good part loved having the opportunity to have photos with Santa

Went on the see Santa steam train on sat 10th with a 4 year old and a 2 year old

It was pouring with rain and a pretty grim day weather wise.

We got on the train and found our carriage and settled down

The gifts from Santa for the children were excellent and their faces a picture



All in all a very good day and although it is quite an expensive treat it was really good fun and just a bit different

We've had a lovely day � Treated us to a Groupon deal, and normally there's a catch, but not here- a full day Rover ticket (as many times up and down the railway as we wished!). A nod here to Kyah, the young lad stamping and counting tickets, he was so polite and nice to see someone young working the railway!

The Cafe is good, nicely priced and good food too. We stopped for lunch and a hot drink to warm up in between trips.

Would recommend if you've got train fans in your family!

Wasn't planned out as well. Went for the spooky train...it was decorated in Halloween stuff but nothing happened. no scary stories on the way or anyone dressed up apart from the children. the train wasn't to the timetable. The cafe was a let down by the grumpy lady behind the till. Food was fine. Don't think il be returning in a hurry. Such a shame as there is so much you can do.

For small children is perfect even the train stops more then move.

But we still loved,it’s been something new for us so great and specially kids meet Santa and that was the main point of this visit.

Thank you we have a lovely afternoon

My family and I have been attending the last Two years of Paddington Bear Day. However we made the mistake this year of going to the Wallace and Gromit Day. It was not very good at all. What a shame as we have always enjoyed it. We spent time in the only marquee there which consisted of face painting and balloon modelling. Both of which were very good. However the magician was utterly terrible and couldn t keep a crowd. Old tricks and boring entertainment from him. Sorry! The rocket making was good fun and the launch too as we're the clay models ( even though a little messy in such a dry tent) The large marquee it self was very dusty indeed and seemed rather dirty. What on earth a cheese stall was doing there was rather random and certainly didn't impress my children. Nothing to buy for the children at all except some plastercine and cheap looking toys that had no relevance to the theme of the day. It was such a shame that after that apart from the train ride which was just about empty. That was all the entertainment we got ! No fair ground rides like the past 2 years. No mementos to keep. No Wallace and gromit decorations what so ever..... we spent most of the time queuing and waiting for the face paint and balloon modelling. And yet..... we paid the same price for last year ! What a shame. We got excited to see another marquee near the station and found to our disapointment it was a buggy park ! What on earth has happened to such a lovely event that in the past has been brilliant. We rode an old fashioned bus on the way to Bitton Railway, however we were on a boring city bus on the way back,old fashioned bus never to be seen again..... also dropping us off on a very busy road indeed was a little scary to walk with little children. I understand that there was road works but bit should have been planned better.



Sorry to say but I will not be returning with my family nor will I be recommending it friends. I feel embrassed now that I told some friends to go this weekend.



Very expensive for less entertainment.

I went for the spooky train ride for Halloween with my kids. Think I had a misconception as to what this was about. Think I was under the impression something would be happening on the train Halloween related and not just a decorated train and a simple train ride which stopped more times than was actually moving with lots of waiting around at each station. Didn't really get the point of it other than a simple train ride that had nothing spooky about it .

Took my daughters this weekend, arrived there station well decorated Xmas songs playing thought this was going to be a good day.

stood on platform waiting for train which arrived passengers got off we went to get on train when a member of staff gave us attitude about getting on as had to clean train then once on train very little decorations inside Santa’s helpers which they call elves wasn’t in costume took our girls name cards off us in no discreet manner either and then put sack under our chair again no discretion about it Father Christmas then visited our children ( very poorly dressed santa at that ) and said he would let himself in with a key ( I’m sure santa comes down the chimney?) we then stopped at a platform to take pictures with santa to which we was refused a picture with him which upset my youngest daughter as they said there was not enough time and would have too wait until we got back to the station.

Once returning too the station again queued up and santa couldn’t even be bothered to have his photo taken or even look at the camera totally disgusted by this after travelling for over 2 hours to take this trip I most definitely will not recommend this too anyone as I feel is poorly ran by avon valley railway.

we have done several train rides too see santa and this is by far the worst 1 Star is too much to rate this even!

I have to be honest, it was a terrible experience. I doubt very much that I will ever go again and I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

We were told on the day that it was going to be diesel and not steam (which is acceptable as long as the below is fulfilled)

* I was not made aware of the resulting difference in ticket price. Is this going to be refunded to me?

* We were not given any ticket stubs and were just ushered up to a carriage at the end

* We traveled in the train for only about 20 minutes of the 60 minutes of our trip, most of the trip was waiting around in the carriage

* It was a very hot day on Sunday, there were no refreshments available on board

There were no announcements at all to tell us what was happening, it was literally just sitting around for the majority of the time, a terrible experience



Many of the above things could be remedied easily. I would suggest making it a more theatrical experience, making more of the fact that it is a vintage train. The conductors/porters could engage more with passengers, make random announcements, talk about the history of the railway/trains/area. If you offered refreshments you would make more money and passengers would be more comfortable. If you were short-staffed or there were issues with the trains this wouldn't be such a problem if you communicated this to customers. The gentleman in the ticket office was blinkered and couldn't cope with the queue (he asked the same woman the same questions twice, obviously panicked).



What did we pay for? Hardly any views or distance traveled. No information or mementos. Discomfort. It was seriously disappointing.

Don’t bother booking!! My little girl got given a boy present! Train going back and forwards not very good experience! Children was bored! Never ever again! And will be making a bad review on my own personal Facebook so friends don’t waste there money on this trip!