Heritage Railways of the Cotswolds & Avon Valley

Make your own way to our hotel, where you meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel by coach to the Didcot Railway Museum.  Here, you’ll have time to browse the unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons and a recreation of Brunel’s broad gauge railway. The rural setting is based around the original 1930’s engine shed.  Later, we travel to the market town of Swindon where you’ll have time to explore the original settlement, known as the Old Town. Wander through the quiet courtyards and enjoy the vibrant mix of traditional shops and pubs alongside modern outlets and stylish cafes. We later continue to the Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon.  The museum is located in a beautifully restored Grade II Listed railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works. The Museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. See famous locomotives, ‘drive’ the train simulator and even work the signals in the interactive signal box.  We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway which runs along the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire border.  It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham and now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds.  We board the train in Cheltenham and follow the line which commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, with outstanding views over to the Malvern Hills and beyond. On arrival in Broadway, you’ll have some free time to wander around this quaint picture postcard village. It is a beautiful and historic village rich in cultural heritage. Broadway has a wide high street lined with chestnut trees and a mixture of period houses and honey-coloured cottages.

Our coach transfers us to Bristol where we board the Bristol Packet Boat ride through the Docks.  Later, we travel by coach to Bitton Station where we join the Avon Valley railway for a memorable journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery along the re-laid Bitton track on restored carriages and locomotives. We also include a traditional English cream tea which is served at your seat.

After breakfast, you are free to check out of our hotel and depart at leisure.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.