www.avonvalleyrailway.org

RETURNING STEAM TO THE AVON VALLEY

2020 TIMETABLE

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

CHILDFARESREDUCED IN 2020

CHILDFARESREDUCED IN 2020

WELCOME TO THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY

Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a route between the Midlands 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.

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).

CHILD FARES REDUCED IN 2020!

Children can now travel for less this

year as we’ve reduced our individual

child train fare prices. Our great value

family tickets are also still available

(2 adults and 4 children)

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 £9.00 £8.00

Over 60s £8.00 £7.00

Children (5 – 14) £6.00 £5.00

Children under 5 FREE FREE

Family £27.00 £23.50

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 D).

Entrance to the station site is FREE!

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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

TIMETABLE B(Diesel Railcar)

Bitton dep 11.00 11.45 12.30 13.15 14.00 14.45 15.30

Oldland arr 11.05 11.50 12.35 13.20 14.05 14.50 15.35

Oldland dep 11.10 11.55 12.40 13.25 14.10 14.55 15.40

Bitton arr 11.15 12.00 12.45 13.30 14.15 15.00 15.45

Bitton dep 11.20 12.05 12.50 13.35 14.20 15.05 15.50

Avon Riverside arr 11.27 12.12 12.57 13.42 14.27 15.12 15.57

Avon Riverside dep 11.32 12.17 13.02 13.47 14.32 15.17 16.02

Bitton arr 11.39 12.24 13.09 13.54 14.39 15.24 16.09

TIMETABLE D

Special timetable and fares apply

Please call or visit our websitefor more details.

TIMETABLE CTwo 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 2020

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*Does not run: Weds 13 May, 10 & 24 June, 8 & 22 July and 9 & 23 Sept or Sats 18 Apr, 16 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul and

31 Oct

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

Runs certain days only*

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‘RSH’ 7151 FUNDRAISING DAY

21 MARCHJoin us for an intensive train service

with all profits in aid of the restoration

of our ‘RSH’ 7151 locomotive. More

details at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY EVENTS 2020

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LOCAL RESIDENTS WEEKEND

4 & 5 APRIL

Join us for the start of the 2020 season

and travel for half price if you live in a

BS or BA postcode. Bring proof of ID.

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TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

27 & 28 JUNEFREE train travel for children who bring their Teddy Bear. Plus magic shows, balloon

modelling and giant bubbles!

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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

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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TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

12 & 13 SEPTEMBERAnother chance for children to travel FREE if they bring their Teddy Bear.

Plus magic shows, balloon modelling and giant bubbles!

1940

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BER 1940s WEEKEND

19 & 20 SEPTEMBERTurn back the clock as we

remember the importance of the railways in the War effort

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Help us celebrate the arrival of Spring and meet a donkey, Shetland pony,

sheep, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs!

FARMYARD FRIENDS

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CHOCOLATE TRAIN

10 – 13 APRILJoin us this Easter weekend as we

celebrate the return to steam of the

old Fry’s chocolate factory steam

locomotive from Keynsham.

FREE Fry’s chocolate for every child!

* 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.

BRICK EXPRESS

7 JUNEJump onboard the Brick Express and

try your hand at building with Lego®

Bricks as you travel the line.

What will you be inspired to build?

Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

KIDSQUID IN 2020

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KIDSQUID IN 2020

FOR A

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MODEL RAILWAY WEEKEND

25 & 26 APRILAdmire model railway layouts from members of the Avon Valley Railway and the local

community.

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HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

26 AUGUSTJoin Chapterhouse Theatre for a

performance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale. Tickets on sale

at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

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CHOCOLATE SUNDAYS

4 & 11 OCTOBERAlongside our usual passenger services

see our Fry’s Sentinel locomotive in

action and take a ride in its Brake Van.

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WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND31 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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17TH BITTON BEER FESTIVAL

5 & 6 JUNEEnjoy a wide selection of real

ales from around the country

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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 1962. 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 £40 per adult and £32 per child

A delicious three course meal with coffee and mints

Trains depart: 22 Mar (Mothers’ Day) & 21 Jun (Fathers’ Day)

TWO COURSE PINES EXPRESS £34 per adult and £28 per child

A delicious two course meal with coffee and mints

Trains depart: 5 Apr, 3 May, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 6 Sept & 4 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.

LUNCHTIME FISH & CHIPS Enjoy Fish & Chips served onboard as you travel the line. Served at 12:15pm. £25 per adult and £19 per child

10 Apr (Good Friday), 9 & 23 May & 29 Aug

BITTON BELLEFollowing the success of our Pines Express dining trains join us for a more exclusive evening of gourmet dining on the move. Enjoy a four course menu featuring the ‘Best of British’ prepared by our Head Chef Chris Carter.

Guests arrive 6.30pm, train departs promptly at 6.45pm.

30 May

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.

£25 per adult and £19 per child

Served on the 2:45pm train on Bank

Holiday Mondays:

13 Apr, 8 & 25 May, 31 Aug &

7 Dec (Festive)

BRUNCH

Enjoy a set menu of orange juice, cooked breakfast and tea or coffee followed by a danish pastry. The perfect way to start to your day!Trains depart at 11am on the following weekends and Bank Holidays: 13 Apr, 8 & 25 May & 31 Aug£19 per adult and £14 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: 18 Apr (Lights, Camera, Murder!), 16 May (Golden Age of the Detective)20 Jun (Murder by Illusion)18 Jul (Brief Encounter) 19 Sept (Mums’ Army - 1940s Theme), 31 Oct (Murder on the Disorientated Express). Prices are £46 per personGuests arrive from 6.30pm, train departs promptly at 6.45pm.

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N 26 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

MINCE PIE SPECIALSSome elements of the murder mystery event are enacted on the station platform, so it is advisable to wear warm clothing.

NEW2020

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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

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.

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.

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: £8.50, Children: £5.50. Hot or cold food boxes are available from the Buffet.

(2 adults and 4 children)

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 & C).

Adults £35.00

Over 60s £30.00

Children (5 – 14) £27.50

Family £97.50

DRIVER EXPERIENCE DAYS

Numbers are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment

1 STEAM TASTER Price £295Driving and Firing a Steam Locomotive under guidance of qualified instructors. 21/2 hour experience. Dates: 14 & 15 Mar, 1 May, 5 Jun, 5 Sept & 3 Oct

2DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE & COACHES Price £295 Driving and acting as secondman on our resident BR Class 31 diesel locomotives, hauling passenger carriages. Act as Shunter and Guard. Refreshments (including lunch) provided. Full day experience.

Date: 10 Oct

3 DIESEL MULTIPLE UNIT (DMU) Price £160Drive and act as secondman on our resident Class 107 two-car Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). 3 hour experience.

Dates: 6 Jun & 4 Jul & 4 Sept

During 2020 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 £160. Visit our website for more details and to make a booking.

VOLUNTEERINGVolunteers are essential to the running of the Avon Valley Railway and we’re always looking for more people to join us. You’ll become part of a friendly team dedicated to the restoration, upkeep and operation of our railway. You’ll gain new skills, meet new people and help create lasting memories for our visitors.

We have many roles to suit a wide range of interests and abilities. Some of these require little previous experience (just a friendly, welcoming approach) whilst others, such as our Operations roles, require a regular commitment as they involve challenging and comprehensive training. Visit our website where you can find out more details about the roles available, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator at volunteers@avonvalleyrailway.org or come along to one of our New Volunteers Days.

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NEW VOLUNTEER DAYS

Check our website to find out when our next recruitment day is. We’d love to have

you onboard! 1230

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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