Avon Valley Steam Railway

The centre of operations for the Avon Valley Railway is at Bitton, an original Victorian Midland Railway station painstakingly restored by our volunteers. We’ve tried to keep the feel of a local country station whilst providing modern facilities for our visitors. Bitton is also still retains the original goods shed, now an engine shed and our yard which is home to our engines and rolling stock, please note the shed and yard are off limits to the general public.

Your visit is a step back in time and you can

• Visit our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton
• Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives
• Go for a walk alongside the track on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path (the 13 mile off-road route between Bristol and Bath city centres)
• Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area
• Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily)
• Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days)
• Visit our picnic area at Avon Riverside Station and watch our steam & diesel trains trundle across the the girder bridge

Historical
The Station building itself holds the Booking Hall and Booking Office from which you can purchase train tickets and seek further information. The Booking Hall holds many railway artefacts, posters and signs. Along with information about the Avon Valley Railway and the Bristol to Bath Railway line, this room provides a real wealth of information.

Facilities & Access
Cycle racks are provided around the Station to allow bicyles to be securely locked.To the south of the Station, the lower lawn provides yet another area for you to sit and relax and enjoy the sight of the trains passing by. To cater for the many cyclists who visit us by way of the famous Bristol-Bath railway path, we have cycle-racks where bicycles may be securely locked and kept safe while you swap leg-power for steam-power! 2009 also saw the installation of more cycle racks on the cattle dock, near the Buffet.

If you come by car, we have parking spaces for around fifty cars (though on some special event days we use an off-site parking area and provide regular shuttle buses to and from the station).

For the convenience of passengers and visitors alike, of course, we have public conveniences, maintained and cleaned by volunteers to a high standard. These toilets, which were refurbished in 2009, are situated in the Station building and are accessible from the platform.

Being such an old building providing toilets in the original station building which are accessible for disabled people has proven difficult. Therefore, fully equipped disabled toilets are provided within the Buffet building.

Every part of the site is accessible by wheelchair (except main toilets, however disabled toilets are provided in the Buffet). The patio and Buffet is accessed by a very gentle ramp, whilst the Station, including the Booking Office, shop and platform are all on the level.

Dogs are welcome at Bitton too (providing they are kept under control, on a lead, and not allowed to make a mess), we always keep a bowl of fresh water handy for those thirsty canine moments!

Restoration is a long, arduous and expensive business, and many years may pass before what looks like a rusting hulk finally emerges as a pristine mainline marvel! And sometimes only your custom and support can help speed the process along! So come and see us, discover our hidden treasures, and most of all have fun!

Events
The Avon Valley Railway offers a range of special events throughout the year for both families and enthusiasts. These include our popular Teddy Bears’ Picnics, 1940s weekend and Steam Galas.

Our Sunday lunch dining trains give you the chance to experience the glory days of the railway dining car. Join us for our Pines Express two and three course Sunday lunch dining trains on selected dates throughout the year. We also offer more informal mid-week evening dining trains and Murder Mystery events during the summer months.

For enthusiasts, why not realise your dream of driving a steam or diesel locomotive on one of our driver experiences courses. These last from just a few hours to a full day and give you the chance to take the controls on a six-mile round trip of the Avon Valley Railway.