www.avonvalleyrailway.org

RETURNING STEAM TO THE AVON VALLEY

2018 TIMETABLE

Find us just off the A431 between Bristol and Bath: BS30 6HD

WELCOME TO THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a direct route between Birmingham and the South Coast the Avon Valley Railway was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960’s the line was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Today, 40 years on, three miles of track has been re-laid, locomotives and carriages restored, and the sound of steam can once again be heard along the Avon Valley between Bristol and Bath.

WHAT TO SEE ON YOUR VISIT

t See our beautifully restored Victorian station at Bitton

t Take a ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our steam or diesel locomotives

t 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)

t Learn more about the history of the line in our small museum area

t Enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in our station buffet (open daily)

t Pick up a railway-themed souvenir in our gift shop (open on our operating days)

NEW FAMILY EVENTS FOR 2018

See ‘Boys & Their Toys’ on our model

railway weekend, enjoy ‘A Grand Day Out’

with Wallace & Gromit, jump onboard

the ‘Brick Express’ for building fun, and

get your wands at the ready for our

‘Wizard Adventure’ weekend.

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Every effort will be made to provide the advertised services and locomotives, but unforeseen circumstances may entail alterations or cancellations at short notice

JANUARY

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TIMETABLE A( Steam or Diesel)

Bitton dep 11.00 12.15 13.30 14.45 16.00

Oldland arr 11.05 12.20 13.35 14.50 16.05

Oldland dep 11.17 12.32 13.47 15.02 16.17

Bitton arr 11.22 12.37 13.52 15.07 16.22

Bitton dep 11.35 12.50 14.05 15.20 16.35

Avon Riverside arr 11.43 12.58 14.13 15.28 16.43

Avon Riverside dep 11.55 13.10 14.25 15.40 16.55

Bitton arr 12.02 13.17 14.32 15.47 17.02

TIMETABLE B(Diesel Railcar)

Bitton dep 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00

Oldland arr 11.05 12.05 13.05 14.05 15.05 16.05

Oldland dep 11.15 12.15 13.15 14.15 15.15 16.15

Bitton arr 11.20 12.20 13.20 14.20 15.20 16.20

Bitton dep 11.25 12.25 13.25 14.25 15.25 16.25

Avon Riverside arr 11.32 12.32 13.32 14.32 15.32 16.32

Avon Riverside dep 11.40 12.40 13.40 14.40 15.40 16.40

Bitton arr 11.50 12.50 13.50 14.50 15.50 16.50

TIMETABLE C

Special timetable

and fares apply

Please call orvisit our websitefor more details.

TIMETABLE DTwo Train Running (Steam and Diesel Railcar)

STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM

Bitton dep 11.00 11.50 12.15 13.05 13.30 14.20 14.45 15.35 16.00

Oldland arr 11.05 11.55 12.20 13.10 13.35 14.25 14.50 15.40 16.05

Oldland dep 11.17 12.08 12.32 13.23 13.47 14.38 15.02 15.53 16.17

Bitton arr 11.22 12.13 12.37 13.28 13.52 14.43 15.07 15.58 16.22

Bitton dep 11.35 12.20 12.50 13.35 14.05 14.50 15.20 16.05 16.35

Avon Riverside arr 11.43 12.27 12.58 13.42 14.13 14.57 15.28 16.12 16.43

Avon Riverside dep 11.55 12.40 13.10 13.55 14.25 15.10 15.40 16.25 16.55

Bitton arr 12.02 12.47 13.17 14.02 14.32 15.17 15.47 16.32 17.02

Diesel operationHeritage Diesel Railcar operation Two Trains RunningSteam operationKEY Special Events

TRAIN TIMETABLES 2018

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(All events subject to change or cancellation without prior notice).

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY EVENTS 2018

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HEASTER EGG TRAIL

30 MARCH – 2 APRIL

Join our Easter Egg Trail and see if you can find them all!

* Advance tickets for these events available atwww.avonvalleyrailway.org

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15TH BITTON BEER FESTIVAL

1 & 2 JUNEEnjoy a wide selection of real ales from around the country

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DIESEL GALA

14 & 15 APRILSee a variety of diesel locomotives hauling passenger and freight trains

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BOYS AND THEIR TOYS

28 & 29 APRIL

Enjoy a weekend of model

railways from the members of

the Avon Valley Railway

* Lego, the LEGO logo, the brick and knob configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this event.

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MIDSUMMER WINE FESTIVAL

21 JUNEJoin our wine festival and

taste a selection of the best English wines and cheese

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TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

30 JUNE & 1 JULYFREE train travel for children

who bring their Teddy Bear plus a family teddy bear trail

and craft activities

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VINTAGE TRANSPORT DAY

29 JULYA special weekend celebrating

our rich road, rail and river transport heritage.

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ST SHERLOCK HOLMES

15 AUGUSTJoin Chapterhouse Theatre for a unique

open-air performance of Sir Arthur

Conan Doyle’s classic tale.

Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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Grandparents travel for half price when accompanied by at least one paying child. Bring them

along for a fun day out!

GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND

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RAILWAYANA VALUATION DAY

9 SEPTEMBERHave you ever wondered if that

old lamp or station sign is worth

something? Bring it along and find out

MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBER

WITH THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY

Join the Avon Valley Railway

this festive season for a ride on

one of our steam-hauled trains

and enjoy a special visit from

Father Christmas!

Each child receives a quality gift.

Tickets available from July at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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BER TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

15 & 16 SEPTEMBERAnother chance for children to travel

FREE if they bring their Teddy Bear. Plus a family teddy bear trail and craft activities

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BER 1940s WEEKEND

22 & 23 SEPTEMBERTurn back the clock as we

remember the importance of the railways in the War effort

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BRICK EXPRESS

9 & 10 JUNEJump onboard the Brick Express

and try your hand at building with the world’s

favourite construction toy, as you travel the line.

What will you build? Admire the latest creations

from Bristol’s master-builder Tom Poulsom!

Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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END OF SEASON EVENT

Join us to commemorate 100 years of the end of the First World War.

More details at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND27 & 28 OCTOBER 11am & 2.45pm

Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of

Wizardry! Board the steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the adventure. For children 5+.

Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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A FIRST CLASS DINING EXPERIENCETHE PINES EXPRESS The Pines Express was the Manchester to Bournemouth long-distance service that ran daily through Bitton between 1910 and 1967. Come and re-live this experience with our two and three course Sunday Dining Trains.

You’ll embark at Bitton Station before the whistle sounds and the train gently pulls away. In the kitchen the chef busily prepares your meal with the finest local ingredients while

you relax and watch the rolling Avon Valley countryside pass by. The journey consists of a number of six mile round trips and you should allow approximately three hours for the occasion. These trains are usually steam hauled and depart at 12.15pm.

THREE COURSE PINES EXPRESS £39 per adult and £29 per child

A delicious three course meal with coffee and mints

Trains depart: 11 Mar (Mothers’ Day) & 17 Jun (Fathers’ Day)

TWO COURSE PINES EXPRESS £31 per adult and £25 per child

A delicious two course meal with coffee and mints

Trains depart: 1 Apr, 6 May, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 2 Sept & 7 Oct

On both of these services the on-board bar will be open serving a selection of wine, beers and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

For your comfort and safety smoking is not permitted on the train. Parents are reminded, for the benefit of the serving staff and other guests, that children should remain seated at all times during the meal.

EVENING DINING TRAINSEnjoy a relaxing evening onboard one of our informal evening dining trains this summer. For 2018 these will, as far as possible, be hauled by one of our resident steam locomotives (although heritage diesel locomotives may also be used if required). The train departs at 6.45pm and the journey lasts a couple of hours. Our onboard bar will be available. £20 per adult and £15 per child.

Fish and Chips (followed by ice cream): 1 Aug

Pie and Pint: 8 Aug

Curry Evening (followed by ice cream): 22 Aug

PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL OUR DINING TRAINS

AFTERNOON HIGH TEA

Enjoy a welcoming glass of Prosecco

followed by a High Tea of finger sandwiches,

scones with jam & cream and a selection of

dainty cakes and pastries. Plus tea or coffee.

£21 per adult and £16 per child

Served on the 2:45pm train on Bank Holiday

Mondays: 2 Apr, 7 & 28 May & 27 Aug

BRUNCH

Enjoy a set menu of orange juice, bacon, sausage, egg & mushroom bap, danish pastry and tea or coffee.The perfect way to start to your day!Trains depart at 11am on the following weekends and Bank Holidays: 2, 14 & 15 (Diesel Gala) Apr, 7 & 28 May & 27 Aug£18 per adult and £13 per child (to include Day Rover train fare)

MURDER MYSTERYGather on the platform to hear the plot unfold, then board the train to quiz the suspects as you enjoy your 2 course meal. Then, once back at Bitton it’s your turn to reveal who you believe committed the crime.

Our exclusive Murder Mystery trains depart on: 21 Apr (Great Gatsby), 1 Sept (Clue-doh!), 22 Sept (1940s) 27 Oct (Sherlock Holmes). Prices are £45 per person

Guests arrive from 6.30pm, train departs promptly at 6.45pm.Some elements of the murder mystery event are enacted on the station platform, so it is advisable to wear warm clothing.

LUNCHTIME FISH & CHIPS Enjoy Fish & Chips served onboard as you travel the line

£20 per adult and £15 per child

30 Mar (Good Friday), 26 May & 25 Aug (Diesel hauled)

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N 26, 29 & 30 DEC & 1 JANAfter the indulgence of Christmas

why not take the family for a relaxing

trip and join us for a glass of sherry

and a mince pie

SHERRY & MINCE PIE SPECIALS

DAY ROVER TICKETSOur Day Rover tickets give unlimited train fares on the day of your visit. On certain days we run both steam and diesel trains and tickets are valid on both services.

STEAM DAYS DIESEL DAYSAdults £8.00 £7.00

Over 60s £7.00 £6.00

Children (5 – 14) £6.00 £5.00

Children under 5 FREE FREE

Family £23.50 £20.00

For safety reasons all children under the age of 14 travelling on the train must be accompanied by a fare paying adult. Tickets provide unlimited travel on the day of issue except for special events (Timetable C).

Entrance to the station site is FREE!

(souvenir platform tickets available for just 50p)

SEASON TICKETSIf you or your family enjoy travelling on our trains why not take advantage of our special Season Ticket prices?

Valid for 12 months from the date of issue on all of our standard operating days (Timetables A, B & D).

Adults £35.00

Over 60s £30.00

Children (5 – 14) £27.50

Family £97.50

GROUP AND SCHOOL VISITSBring your group or society and travel back in time to the days of steam. Make your visit even more special by booking a delicious cream tea served on the train as you travel the line or combined with a boat trip around Bristol’s historic Harbourside. Generous discounts are available to groups of 20 or more.

School visits are also very welcome and a range of activities can be offered to link with National Curriculum topics. Please contact the Booking Office for more details.

TRAIN FARES

(2 adults and 4 children)

(2 adults and 4 children)

MEMBERSHIPJoin the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust to support our work and help ensure that future generations can enjoy the sound and smell of steam. You’ll receive discounted train travel and our members magazines ‘Semaphore’ and ‘Ground Signal’ during the year. Pick up a leaflet or ask for more details.

VOLUNTEERINGVolunteers are essential to the running of the Avon Valley Railway and we always welcome additional help. We have opportunities onboard our trains, in our restoration workshop, on the permanent way, in the ticket office and shop or with our on-train catering or raffle ticket selling. Pick up a leaflet or ask for more details. We’re also holding our annual Volunteers Day on 22 April for anyone interested in finding out more.

DRIVER EXPERIENCE DAYSDuring 2018 we are running a series of courses to give you the chance of a lifetime to drive a steam or diesel locomotive. Courses last from just a couple of hours to a full day and begin at £250. Please visit our website or pick up a Driver Experience Days leaflet for more details.

CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIESGive your child a birthday party to remember with reserved seating for up to 16, 32 or 64 people in one of our 1950s railway carriages. Trains depart at either 11.00am or 2.45pm and parties last for about two hours. Adults: £7.50, Children: £5.50. Hot or cold food boxes are available from the Buffet.

CELEBRATIONS AND PRIVATE HIREMake your special event First Class by hiring our carriages to entertain your guests in the atmosphere of a bygone age. It’s an idyllic backdrop for special birthdays, wedding receptions or anniversaries and corporate events.

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NEW VOLUNTEERS DAY

22 APRILCome along and find out more

about how you could help

NOWAVAILABLE TO BUYONLINE

HOW TO FIND USBY BIKE - from Bristol or Bath join the Bristol and Bath Railway Path (route 4 of the National Cycle Network) direct to Bitton Station. A cycle parking area is provided.

BY BUS - bus services operate between Bristol and Bath. For further information telephone ‘Travel Line’ on 0871 2002233.

BY CAR - Bitton Station is situated midway between Bristol and Bath on the A431 road, one mile from Keynsham. Car parking at Bitton is free.

BY RAIL - the nearest mainline station is at Keynsham. For National Rail enquiries please telephone 0845 7484950.

CATERING - a wide selection of hot and cold food and drink, delicious cakes, sweets and ice cream are available from Bitton Station Buffet which is open daily from 9am (excluding Christmas Day).

SOUVENIR SHOP - open on all days trains are running, offering a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts for all ages.

WHEELCHAIRS - a number of wheelchairs can be accommodated in a specially converted carriage. Please let us know in advance so we can assist.

Birmingham 1hr 40mins

Cardiff 1hr

Gloucester 50mins

London 2hr 20mins

Swindon 50mins

Taunton 1hr 15mins

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES

Avon Valley RailwayBitton Railway Station, Bath Road

Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD

Tel: 0117 932 5538W: www.avonvalleyrailway.orgE: info@avonvalleyrailway.org

Like -www.facebook.com/AVRBitton

Follow -www.twitter.com/AVRBitton

Watch -www.youtube.com/AVRBitton

CONTACT US

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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyrghtThe Map Centre Licensed Partner Licence No.: 10001998

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