The Magnificent Severn Valley Railway for Groups

Here in the UK we are blessed with so many great different regions which offer so much in the way of scenic splendour, and all backed by a wealth of different attractions providing visitors with an insight into a destination's rich past and history.

With that in mind, if it is a tranquil setting you and your group are seeking and one which will engage the mind and refresh the senses, then start planning to explore the towns, places and attractions that cling to the mighty River Severn and make up delightful Severn Valley.

Inevitably where the River Severn is involved, one of the wider region's most renowned attractions springs to mind - the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. For here along the most spectacular stretch of the Severn are six square miles that changed the world, with the world's first iron bridge as the focal point. Ten fascinating museums tell the story of Ironbridge and visitors can experience the all-new Blists Hill Victorian Town, meet a host of colourful characters and explore the shops on the new Canal Street

As well as Ironbridge, one of the most famous and recognised of visitor attractions along the Severn is the fabulous Severn Valley Railway (SVR). What better way to discover and enjoy the rural beauty of the Severn Valley than here. There is sixteen miles of glorious countryside to marvel at, and with seven station-stops including Bridgnorth, Hampton Loade, Highley, Arley, Bewdley and Kidderminster, it is a journey and experience you and your group will not forget.

For four decades the (SVR) has been a prominent figure in British railway preservation and it has become a hugely popular visitor attraction for groups.

By climbing aboard the SVR, you are taking a journey back in time as one of the vintage steam-hauled trains meanders its way from Kidderminster - famous in the past for its carpet industry, to the ancient riverside town of Bewdley with its quaint quayside, its gardens and lovely Georgian architecture.

From there it is onto Arley, a timeless village next to the River Severn; through to Highley from where you will be able to visit The Engine House Visitor Centre, containing the reserve collection of steam locomotive. Next up it is through to Hampton Loade before reaching the northern terminus and Shropshire's proverbial gem of a medieval market town at Bridgnorth.

The journey along the SVR is one full of interest and natural beauty, particularly as the route closely follows the meandering course of the River Severn for most of the way between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. As there are few roads in the Severn Valley, some of the stunning views are only visible from the Railway, one highlight being the crossing of the Severn over the Victoria Bridge - a massive 200-foot single span.

Group travel on the SVR is available for pre-booked groups of fifteen or more adults and senior citizens travelling together, departing either from Kidderminster or Bridgnorth. Travelling as a pre-booked group not only provides a discount on ticket prices but also includes reserved seating on the trains.