RETURNING STEAM TO THE AVON VALLEY 2020 TIMETABLE

CHILD FARES REDUCED IN 2020

www.avonvalleyrailway.org Find us just off the A431 between Bristol and Bath: BS30 6HD WELCOME TO THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY

Opened in 1869 by the CHILD FARES REDUCED Midland Railway as a route IN 2020! between the Midlands and the Children can now travel for less this South Coast the Avon Valley year as we’ve reduced our individual Railway was later linked to child train fare prices. Our great value the iconic Somerset & Dorset family tickets are also still available 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 Lear n 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).

DAY ROVER TICKETS Our 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 DAYS Adults £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 (2 adults and 4 children) 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! TRAIN TIMETABLES 2020

TIMETABLE A TIMETABLE B Runs certain ( Steam or Diesel) days only* (Diesel Railcar) Bitton dep 11.00 12.15 13.30 14.45 16.00 Bitton dep 11.00 11.45 12.30 13.15 14.00 14.45 15.30 Oldland arr 11.05 12.20 13.35 14.50 16.05 Oldland arr 11.05 11.50 12.35 13.20 14.05 14.50 15.35 Oldland dep 11.17 12.32 13.47 15.02 16.17 Oldland dep 11.10 11.55 12.40 13.25 14.10 14.55 15.40 Bitton arr 11.22 12.37 13.52 15.07 16.22 Bitton arr 11.15 12.00 12.45 13.30 14.15 15.00 15.45 Bitton dep 11.35 12.50 14.05 15.20 16.35 Bitton dep 11.20 12.05 12.50 13.35 14.20 15.05 15.50 Avon Riverside arr 11.43 12.58 14.13 15.28 16.43 Avon Riverside arr 11.27 12.12 12.57 13.42 14.27 15.12 15.57 Avon Riverside dep 11.55 13.10 14.25 15.40 16.55 Avon Riverside dep 11.32 12.17 13.02 13.47 14.32 15.17 16.02 Bitton arr 12.02 13.17 14.32 15.47 17.02 Bitton arr 11.39 12.24 13.09 13.54 14.39 15.24 16.09 *Does not run: TIMETABLE C Weds 13 May, 10 & 24 June, 8 & 22 July and 9 & 23 Sept or Two Train Running (Steam and Diesel Railcar) Sats 18 Apr, 16 May, 20 Jun, 18 Jul and STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM 31 Oct Bitton dep 11.00 11.50 12.15 13.05 13.30 14.20 14.45 15.35 16.00 TIMETABLE D 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 Special timetable and Bitton arr 11.22 12.13 12.37 13.28 13.52 14.43 15.07 15.58 16.22 fares apply 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 Please call or visit our website Avon Riverside dep 11.55 12.40 13.10 13.55 14.25 15.10 15.40 16.25 16.55 for more details. Bitton arr 12.02 12.47 13.17 14.02 14.32 15.17 15.47 16.32 17.02

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

M M M M 13 M 25 M T T 18 T T T T W 1 W 19 W W 8 15 29 W 13 27 W 10 24 T T 20 T T T 28 T F F F F 10 F 8 F S S 15 22 S 21 S 4 11 18 25 S 9 16 23 30 S 13 20 27 S S 16 23 S 22 S 5 12 19 26 S 3 10 17 24 31 S 7 14 21 28

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

M M 31 M M M M 7 T T T T 27 T T 22 W 8 22 29 W 5 12 19 26 W 9 23 W 28 W W 23 T T 6 13 20 27 T T 29 T T 24 F F F F F F 1 S 11 18 25 S 1 8 15 22 29 S 12 19 26 S 17 24 31 S 28 S 5 12 19 26 S 5 12 19 26 S 2 9 16 23 30 S 6 13 20 27 S 4 11 18 25 S 1 29 S 6 13 20

KEY Heritage Diesel Railcar operation Diesel operation Steam operation Two Trains Running Special Events

Every effort will be made to provide the advertised services and locomotives, but unforeseen circumstances may entail alterations or cancellations at short notice AVON VALLEY RAILWAY EVENTS 2020 (All events subject to change or cancellation without prior notice). * TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC ‘RSH’ 7151 FUNDRAISING DAY BRICK EXPRESS 12 & 13 SEPTEMBER 7 JUNE Another chance for children to travel 21 MARCH if they bring their Teddy Bear. KIDS Jump onboard the Brick Express and FREE Join us for an intensive train service FOR A ® Plus magic shows, balloon modelling SEPTEMBER try your hand at building with Lego 2036 with all profits in aid of the restoration QUID Bricks as you travel the line. and giant bubbles! IN 2020 MARCH of our ‘RSH’ 7151 locomotive. More IN 2020 What will you be inspired to build? details at www.avonvalleyrailway.org 5824 1940s WEEKEND Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org 19 & 20 SEPTEMBER LOCAL RESIDENTS WEEKEND TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Turn back the clock as we remember the importance of the

1940 4 & 5 APRIL 27 & 28 JUNE SEPTEMBER railways in the War effort Join us for the start of the 2020 season FREE train travel for children

0143 and travel for half price if you live in a who bring their Teddy Bear.

BS or BA postcode. Bring proof of ID. june Plus magic shows, balloon 2025 april modelling and giant bubbles! CHOCOLATE SUNDAYS

CHOCOLATE TRAIN 4 & 11 OCTOBER HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Alongside our usual passenger services see our Fry’s Sentinel locomotive in

10 – 13 APRIL 1924 26 AUGUST action and take a ride in its Brake Van. Join us this Easter weekend as we Join Chapterhouse Theatre for a OCTOBER celebrate the return to steam of the

1924 performance of Sir Arthur Conan old Fry’s chocolate factory steam Doyle’s classic tale. Tickets on sale 1861

APRIL locomotive from Keynsham. at www.avonvalleyrailway.org WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND AUGUST FREE Fry’s chocolate for every child! 31 OCTOBER 11am & 2.45pm Get your wands at the ready and help in the FARMYARD FRIENDS GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND search for the missing magic as you join the Grand Old School of Wizardry! Board the 29 – 31 AUGUST 1997 18 & 19 APRIL steam train, meet the characters and enjoy the

Grandparents travel for half price October Help us celebrate the arrival when accompanied by at least one adventure. For children 5+. of Spring and meet a donkey, Shetland pony, 1351 Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

paying child. Bring them along for 2035

APRIL sheep, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs! august a fun day out! * Lego, the LEGO logo, the brick and knob configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or MODEL RAILWAY WEEKEND endorse this event.

25 & 26 APRIL MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBER Admire model railway layouts WITH THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY from members of the Avon Valley Railway and the local 1957 Join the Avon Valley Railway APRIL community. this festive season for a ride on one of our steam-hauled trains TH 17 BITTON BEER FESTIVAL and enjoy a special visit from 5 & 6 JUNE Father Christmas! Enjoy a wide selection of real Each child receives a quality gift.

ales from around the country 1098

JUNE DECEMBER

Tickets available from July at www.avonvalleyrailway.org A FIRST CLASS DINING EXPERIENCE

THE PINES EXPRESS BRUNCH The Pines Express was the Manchester to Enjoy a set menu of orange juice, cooked Bournemouth long-distance service that ran breakfast and tea or coffee followed by daily through Bitton between 1910 and 1962. Come and re-live this experience with our two a danish pastry. and three course Sunday Dining Trains. The perfect way to start to your day! You’ll embark at Bitton Station before the Trains depart at 11am on the following weekends and Bank whistle sounds and the train gently pulls away. Holidays: 13 Apr, 8 & 25 May & 31 Aug In the kitchen the chef busily prepares your £19 per adult and £14 per child (to include Day Rover train fare) 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 BITTON BELLE occasion. These trains are usually steam hauled and depart at 12.15pm. Following the success of our Pines Express dining trains join NEW us for a more exclusive evening of gourmet dining on the forfor 2020 THREE COURSE PINES EXPRESS £40 per adult and £32 per child move. Enjoy a four course menu featuring the ‘Best of British’ A delicious three course meal with coffee and mints prepared by our Head Chef Chris Carter. Trains depart: 22 Mar (Mothers’ Day) & 21 Jun (Fathers’ Day) Guests arrive 6.30pm, train departs promptly at 6.45pm.

TWO COURSE PINES EXPRESS £34 per adult and £28 per child 30 May A delicious two course meal with coffee and mints MURDER MYSTERY Trains depart: 5 Apr, 3 May, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 6 Sept & 4 Oct Gather on the platform to hear the plot unfold, On both of these services the on-board bar will be open serving a then board the train to quiz the suspects as selection of wine, beers and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. you enjoy your 2 course meal. Then, once For your comfort and safety smoking is not permitted on the train. Parents are reminded, for the benefit back at Bitton it’s your turn to reveal who of the serving staff and other guests, that children should remain seated at all times during the meal. you believe committed the crime. LUNCHTIME FISH & CHIPS Our exclusive Murder Mystery trains depart on: Enjoy Fish & Chips served onboard as you travel the line. (Lights, Camera, Murder!), Served at 12:15pm. £25 per adult and £19 per child 18 Apr 16 May (Golden Age of the Detective) , 10 Apr (Good Friday) 9 & 23 May & 29 Aug 20 Jun (Murder by Illusion) 18 Jul (Brief Encounter) 19 Sept (Mums’ Army - 1940s Theme), AFTERNOON HIGH TEA 31 Oct (Murder on the Disorientated Express). Enjoy a welcoming glass of Prosecco followed by a High Tea of Prices are £46 per person finger sandwiches, scones with jam & cream Guests arrive from 6.30pm, train departs promptly at 6.45pm. and a selection of dainty cakes and pastries. Plus tea or coffee. Some elements of the MINCE PIE SPECIALS murder mystery event £25 per adult and £19 per child are enacted on the 26 DEC & 1 JAN

After the indulgence of Christmas JAN

Served on the 2:45pm train on Bank station platform, why not take the family for a relaxing - so it is advisable to 2631 Holiday Mondays: trip and join us for a glass of sherry wear warm clothing. and a mince pie 13 Apr, 8 & 25 May, 31 Aug & DEC 7 Dec (Festive) PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL OUR DINING TRAINS DRIVER EXPERIENCE DAYS SEASON TICKETS During 2020 we are running If you or your family enjoy travelling on our trains why not take a series of courses to give advantage of our special Season Ticket prices? you the chance of a lifetime Valid for 12 months from the date of issue on all of our standard to drive a steam or diesel operating days (Timetables A, B & C). locomotive. Courses last from just a couple of hours to a full Adults £35.00 day and begin at £160. Visit Over 60s £30.00 our website for more details Children (5 – 14) £27.50 and to make a booking. Family £97.50 (2 adults and 4 children) STEAM TASTER Price £295 Driving and Firing a Steam Locomotive under guidance of qualified MEMBERSHIP 1 instructors. 2 /2 hour experience. 1 Join the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust to support our work Dates: 14 & 15 Mar, 1 May, 5 Jun, 5 Sept & 3 Oct and help ensure that future generations can enjoy the sound and DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE & COACHES Price £295 smell of steam. You’ll receive discounted train travel and our Driving and acting as secondman on our resident BR Class 31 diesel locomotives, hauling passenger carriages. Act as Shunter and Guard. members magazines ‘Semaphore’ and ‘Ground Signal’ during the 2 Refreshments (including lunch) provided. Full day experience. year. Pick up a leaflet or ask for more details Date: 10 Oct GROUP AND SCHOOL VISITS DIESEL MULTIPLE UNIT (DMU) Price £160 Drive and act as secondman on our resident Class 107 two-car Diesel Bring your group or society and travel back in time to the 3 Multiple Unit (DMU). 3 hour experience. days of steam. Make your visit even more special by booking Dates: 6 Jun & 4 Jul & 4 Sept a delicious cream tea served on the train as you travel the Numbers are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment line or combined with a boat trip around Bristol’s historic Harbourside. Generous discounts are available to groups of 20 or more. VOLUNTEERING NEW VOLUNTEER DAYS School visits are also very welcome and a range of activities Volunteers are essential to the Check our website to find out can be offered to link with National Curriculum topics. running of the Avon Valley when our next recruitment Please contact the Booking Office for more details. day is. We’d love to have

Railway and we’re always looking 2020 you onboard! 1230 for more people to join us. You’ll become part of a friendly team CELEBRATIONS AND PRIVATE HIRE dedicated to the restoration, upkeep Make your special event First Class by hiring our carriages to and operation of our railway. You’ll entertain your guests in the atmosphere of a bygone age. It’s gain new skills, meet new people and an idyllic backdrop for special birthdays, wedding receptions or help create lasting memories for our anniversaries and corporate events. visitors. We have many roles to suit a wide CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES range of interests and abilities. Some Give your child a birthday party to remember of these require little previous experience (just a friendly, welcoming with reserved seating for up to 16, 32 or approach) whilst others, such as our Operations roles, require a 64 people in one of our 1950s railway regular commitment as they involve challenging and comprehensive carriages. Trains depart at either 11.00am or training. Visit our website where you can find out more details about 2.45pm and parties last for about two hours. the roles available, contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator at volunteers@ Adults: £8.50, Children: £5.50. Hot or cold avonvalleyrailway.org or come along to one of our New Volunteers Days. food boxes are available from the Buffet. HOW TO FIND US BY 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.

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

Sat Nav ref: BS30 6HD

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES Birmingham 1hr 40mins Gloucester 50mins Swindon 50mins Cardiff 1hr London 2hr 20mins Taunton 1hr 15mins

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.

CONTACT US Avon Valley Railway Like - Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road www.facebook.com/AVRBitton Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD Follow - Tel: 0117 932 5538 www.twitter.com/AVRBitton W: www.avonvalleyrailway.org Watch - E: [email protected] www.youtube.com/AVRBitton Images © Avon Valley Railway/GeorgeImages © Avon Valley Aldridge/Sam Bilner/Corwin Bainbridge/Rich Skuse 2020