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Story & Photography by Manos Angelakis
Riding the Rails
The Severn Valley Railway
The Railway Station
Bewdley
Worchestershire DY12 1BG
Tel: 01299 403816
www.svr.co.uk
 When you are in England, there is an opportunity to enjoy an unusual jaunt that takes you through breathtaking rural scenery.
The Severn Valley Railway, that operates where the Great Western Railway once did, is a heritage railway in Shropshire and Worcestershire, England. The 16-mile (26 km) line runs along the Severn Valley, following the course of the River Severn for much of its route. A cadre of dedicated volunteers operates the railway; some are retired railroad personnel, while others are just steam railroad buffs. Approximately 10 restored steam locomotives are used for the line’s operations, plus there is a number of others awaiting restoration. There is also a number of diesel engines. Their collection of operational antique steam era carriages is constantly growing. In over three decades, the Severn Valley Railway has graduated from relative obscurity to prominence. Perhaps it is British eccentricity, but when railway lines were closing in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, rail enthusiasts started banding together  to buy, restore and operate them as private ventures.
Whether you are a steam train aficionado or a company wanting to offer an unusual journey to prized employees or customers, you can ride in the grand fashion of a bygone era in an observation car, a private carriage, or a dining car. Every year, there is a number of special events, such as the “1940s Weekend”, the “Seaside Special”, the “Diesel Gala”, or the “Santa Steam Special”, amongst others (please check the line’s website in advance of the event) that allow individuals and families to enjoy “riding the rails”.
 We spent a memorable afternoon and evening dinning while riding the railway director’s saloon coach and dining car - a beautifully restored irreplaceable antique - from Bewdley, powered by the 6201 steam engine, also known as the “Princess Elizabeth”. The Princess Elizabeth plays a prominent part in British railroad history. It was built as an express passenger locomotive, and left the Crewe Works of Derby in 1933. For a while, it was one of the fastest engines of the British Isles. I’m not really a railroad aficionado but I enjoyed this little outing very much. It was perhaps because the ride through the countryside was very scenic or because the chef was a retired steam engine engineer – and was rather good in his new career. Or, because the staff of the Severn Valley  Railway that accompanied us in addition to members of the local tourism board, was such an interesting group of people.
I understand that there is a “Corporate Footplate Experience” where for a fee, corporate executives can learn to fire and drive a steam locomotive, while traveling on a return trip along the full 16 miles of the railroad.
I would have liked to have the time to visit the “Engine House” at Highley, the line’s visitor and education center. As I understand it, they have numerous exhibits of railroad memorabilia and a display of locomotives. But it was not to be, as time was very short. Perhaps, during another visit, when I have more time, I will do just that.
© October 2008 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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