Our journey on the heritage Avon Valley Railway takes us along the surviving section of the Mangotsfield and Bath Branch Line, travelling through the region's charming scenery on a preserved train. The line runs for three miles between Oldland Common and the station at Avon Riverside, but for practical purposes our journey begins at Bitton, the intermediate station. On leaving the station, the train travels northwards, passing through the charming countryside that climbs away from the River Avon. Here the noise of the steam trains echoing around the lower valley creates an atmospheric sound.
The Avon Valley Railway then reaches a flatter terrain, passing through the outer region of Oakland Common. Before long the railway runs into a wooded area, where country trails and winding paths run in view of the tracks. Our train then arrives at the line's northern terminus, Oakland Common. On arrival the locomotive is uncoupled from the train and runs around to the other end for the return journey. This part is especially popular with rail enthusiasts. We then re-board the train and travel back to Bitton, from where we continue southwards. This stretch takes us through lush green fields and into the idyllic rural scenery sloping down to the river.
The final stretch of our journey takes us along the valley and then across the river itself before arriving at Avon Riverside Station. Again, the engine joins the other end of the train before returning to Bitton.
Celebrate the holidays in the charming rural English county of Wiltshire, based at a traditional hotel in the cathedral city of Salisbury, with everything taken care of. This seasonal vacation features an exclusive Christmas Eve festive steam train journey into scenic countryside, an illuminating evening at the Longleat Festival of Light, visits...