Series of summer activities planned for Severn Valley Railway

The SVR’s heritage steam trains will be ready to go full steam ahead and take visitors from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth and will stop off to explore any of the SVR’s six historic stations.

You’ll be able to enjoy The Engine House at Highley, which is full of interactive exhibits, from full-size steam locomotives and a travelling Post Office. There’s also a royal carriage and an engine that a camel was unfortunate enough to collide with.

And there is also its exhibition, Floods of 2007 – 10 Years On, which features images, information and stories about summer storms which devastated the railway. There will be other summer activities on Wednesdays for children at The Engine House throughout August and kids will be able to join in on the summer quiz for the chance to win sweets.

They can also have their faces painted and enter the Name the Teddy competition, take part in outdoor games including skittles and Connect Four and complete craft and colouring activities.

On August 2 and 9, families can see canine visitors from the Greyhounds Trust, who will be popping in to meet visitors, while feathered friends will be in attendance on August 16, as the RSPB and Owl Rescue visit, along with several rescue owls. Hedgehog rescue will also be bringing in some of their rescued hedgehogs and selling items to raise funds.

Camille, from Melting Pot in Bewdley, will be visiting, to help children paint their very own pottery item, which she will then post back to them once glazed and fired on August 30.

The Coalyard Miniature Railway at Kidderminster and the Paddock Garden miniature railway at Hampton Loade will also be in operation on selected dates.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “There’s lots to see and do for everyone this summer, from our activity Wednesdays to our brand new exhibition.

“There is so much to explore in and around each of our stations, including some fantastic picnic spots, not to mention our Engine House Visitor Centre which is home to no less than eight steam locomotives and some fantastic family-friendly activities.”

For information on all the SVR’s events and to book tickets, call 01562 757900, see svr.co.uk or visit the Severn Valley Railway Families page on Facebook.