RETURNING STEAM TO THE AVON VALLEY 2018 TIMETABLE

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 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.

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.

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) TRAIN TIMETABLES 2018

TIMETABLE A TIMETABLE B ( Steam or Diesel) (Diesel Railcar) Bitton dep 11.00 12.15 13.30 14.45 16.00 Bitton dep 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00 Oldland arr 11.05 12.20 13.35 14.50 16.05 Oldland arr 11.05 12.05 13.05 14.05 15.05 16.05 Oldland dep 11.17 12.32 13.47 15.02 16.17 Oldland dep 11.15 12.15 13.15 14.15 15.15 16.15 Bitton arr 11.22 12.37 13.52 15.07 16.22 Bitton arr 11.20 12.20 13.20 14.20 15.20 16.20 Bitton dep 11.35 12.50 14.05 15.20 16.35 Bitton dep 11.25 12.25 13.25 14.25 15.25 16.25 Avon Riverside arr 11.43 12.58 14.13 15.28 16.43 Avon Riverside arr 11.32 12.32 13.32 14.32 15.32 16.32 Avon Riverside dep 11.55 13.10 14.25 15.40 16.55 Avon Riverside dep 11.40 12.40 13.40 14.40 15.40 16.40 Bitton arr 12.02 13.17 14.32 15.47 17.02 Bitton arr 11.50 12.50 13.50 14.50 15.50 16.50 TIMETABLE C TIMETABLE D Two Train Running (Steam and Diesel Railcar) Special STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM DIESEL STEAM timetable Bitton dep 11.00 11.50 12.15 13.05 13.30 14.20 14.45 15.35 16.00 and fares apply 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 Please call or Bitton arr 11.22 12.13 12.37 13.28 13.52 14.43 15.07 15.58 16.22 visit our website Bitton dep 11.35 12.20 12.50 13.35 14.05 14.50 15.20 16.05 16.35 for more details. 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

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

M 1 M M M 2 M 7 28 M T T 13 T 27 T 3 T 29 T W W 14 W 28 W 4 W 2 16 30 W 6 13 20 27 T T 15 T 29 T 5 T 31 T F F F 30 F F F S S 10 17 S 24 31 S 14 21 28 S 5 12 19 26 S 9 16 23 30 S S 11 18 S 11 25 S 1 8 15 22 29 S 6 13 20 27 S 3 10 17 24

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

M M 27 M M M M 3 24 T 31 T 7 14 21 T T 30 T T 1 W 4 11 18 25 W 1 8 15 22 W 5 19 W 31 W W 26 T T 2 9 16 23 T T T 1 T F F F F F F S 14 21 28 S 4 11 18 25 S 8 15 22 29 S 13 27 S 3 S 1 8 15 22 29 S 1 8 15 22 29 S 5 12 19 26 S 2 9 16 23 30 S 7 14 21 28 S 4 25 S 2 9 16 23 30

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 2018 (All events subject to change or cancellation without prior notice). EASTER EGG TRAIL RAILWAYANA VALUATION DAY MIDSUMMER WINE FESTIVAL 30 MARCH – 2 APRIL 9 SEPTEMBER 21 JUNE Have you ever wondered if that Join our Easter Egg Trail and old lamp or station sign is worth see if you can find them all! Join our wine festival and

0103 something? Bring it along and find out 0034

MARCH taste a selection of the best june

English wines and cheese SEPTEMBER

0034 DIESEL GALA TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC 14 & 15 APRIL 15 & 16 SEPTEMBER 30 JUNE & 1 JULY Another chance for children to travel See a variety of diesel locomotives FREE train travel for children FREE if they bring their Teddy Bear. Plus hauling passenger and freight trains who bring their Teddy Bear a family teddy bear trail and craft activities

SEPTEMBER 2036 APRIL plus a family teddy bear trail

2031 june

and craft activities 2025 1940s WEEKEND * BOYS AND THEIR TOYS VINTAGE TRANSPORT DAY 22 & 23 SEPTEMBER Turn back the clock as we 28 & 29 APRIL 29 JULY remember the importance of the A special weekend celebrating railways in the War ef 1940 SEPTEMBER fort

Enjoy a weekend of model 0143 our rich road, rail and river railways from the members of transport heritage. 2034 *

april END OF SEASON EVENT the Avon Valley Railway JULY SHERLOCK HOLMES Join us to commemorate 100 years of the end of the First World War.

15 AUGUST More details at 0100 Join Chapterhouse Theatre for a unique www.avonvalleyrailway.org

open-air performance of Sir Arthur 2010 AUGUST Conan Doyle’s classic tale. WIZARD ADVENTURE WEEKEND Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org 27 & 28 OCTOBER 11am & 2.45pm Get your wands at the ready and help in the search for GRANDPARENTS WEEKEND 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+.

October 25 – 27 AUGUST 1997

Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org at sale on Tickets Grandparents travel for half price Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org when accompanied by at least TH * 15 BITTON BEER FESTIVAL one paying child. Bring them * Advance tickets for these events available at 2035

august along for a fun day out! www.avonvalleyrailway.org 1 & 2 JUNE * Enjoy a wide selection of real MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS ONE TO REMEMBER ales from around the country june WITH THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY 1098 * BRICK EXPRESS Join the Avon Valley Railway this festive season for a ride on 9 & 10 JUNE

Jump onboard the Brick Express one of our steam-hauled trains and try your hand at building with the world’s and enjoy a special visit from favourite construction toy, as you travel the line.

June Father Christmas! What will you build? Admire the latest creations

from Bristol’s master-builder Tom Poulsom! Each child receives a quality gift. Tickets on sale at www.avonvalleyrailway.org DECEMBER

* 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. Tickets available from July at www.avonvalleyrailway.org A FIRST CLASS DINING EXPERIENCE BRUNCH THE PINES EXPRESS The Pines Express was the Manchester to Enjoy a set menu of orange juice, Bournemouth long-distance service that ran bacon, sausage, egg & mushroom daily through Bitton between 1910 and 1967. bap, danish pastry and tea or coffee. Come and re-live this experience with our two The perfect way to start to your day! and three course Sunday Dining Trains. Trains depart at 11am on the following weekends and Bank Holidays: You’ll embark at Bitton Station before the 2, 14 & 15 (Diesel Gala) Apr, 7 & 28 May & 27 Aug whistle sounds and the train gently pulls away. £18 per adult and £13 per child (to include Day Rover train fare) 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 EVENING DINING TRAINS journey consists of a number of six mile round trips and you should Enjoy a relaxing evening onboard allow approximately three hours for the occasion. These trains are one of our informal evening dining usually steam hauled and depart at 12.15pm. trains this summer. For 2018 these will, as far as possible, be hauled by THREE COURSE PINES EXPRESS £39 per adult and £29 per child one of our resident steam locomotives A delicious three course meal with coffee and mints (although heritage diesel locomotives may also be used if required). The Trains depart: 11 Mar (Mothers’ Day) & 17 Jun (Fathers’ Day) 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. TWO COURSE PINES EXPRESS £31 per adult and £25 per child Fish and Chips (followed by ice cream): 1 Aug A delicious two course meal with coffee and mints Pie and Pint: 8 Aug Trains depart: 1 Apr, 6 May, 8 Jul, 5 Aug, 2 Sept & 7 Oct Curry Evening (followed by ice cream): 22 Aug 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. MURDER MYSTERY For your comfort and safety smoking is not permitted on the train. Parents are Gather on the platform to hear the plot unfold, then board the train to reminded, for the benefit of the serving staff and other guests, that children should remain seated at all times during the meal. 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. LUNCHTIME FISH & CHIPS NEW forfor Our exclusive Murder Mystery trains depart on: Enjoy Fish & Chips served onboard as you travel the line 2018 21 Apr (Great Gatsby), 1 Sept (Clue-doh!), 22 Sept (1940s) £20 per adult and £15 per child 27 Oct (Sherlock Holmes). Prices are £45 per person 30 Mar (Good Friday), 26 May & 25 Aug (Diesel hauled) 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. AFTERNOON HIGH TEA Enjoy a welcoming glass of Prosecco SHERRY & MINCE PIE SPECIALS followed by a High Tea of finger sandwiches, 26, 29 & 30 DEC & 1 JAN

scones with jam & cream and a selection of After the indulgence of Christmas JAN

- why not take the family for a relaxing

dainty cakes and pastries. Plus tea or coffee. 2631 trip and join us for a glass of sherry £21 per adult and £16 per child and a mince pie Served on the 2:45pm train on Bank Holiday DEC

Mondays: 2 Apr, 7 & 28 May & 27 Aug PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL OUR DINING TRAINS TRAIN FARES

MEMBERSHIP DAY ROVER TICKETS Our Day Rover tickets give unlimited train fares on the day of Join the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust to support our work and your visit. On certain days we run both steam and diesel trains help ensure that future generations can enjoy the sound and smell and tickets are valid on both services. of steam. You’ll receive discounted train travel and our members magazines ‘Semaphore’ and ‘Ground Signal’ during the year. Pick up a STEAM DAYS DIESEL DAYS leaflet or ask for more details. Adults £8.00 £7.00 Over 60s £7.00 £6.00 VOLUNTEERING Children (5 – 14) £6.00 £5.00 Volunteers are essential to the running Children under 5 FREE FREE of the Avon Valley Railway and we Family £23.50 £20.00 always welcome additional help. We (2 adults and 4 children) have opportunities onboard our For safety reasons all children under the age of 14 travelling on trains, in our restoration workshop, the train must be accompanied by a fare paying adult. Tickets on the permanent way, in the ticket provide unlimited travel on the day of issue except for special office and shop or with our on-train events (Timetable C). catering or raffle ticket selling. Pick up NEW VOLUNTEERS DAY a leaflet or ask for more details. We’re Entrance to the station site is FREE! 22 APRIL

also holding our annual Volunteers Come along and find out more (souvenir platform tickets available for just 50p) APRIL Day on 22 April for anyone interested about how you could help 1230 in finding out more. SEASON TICKETS If you or your family enjoy travelling on our trains why not take DRIVER EXPERIENCE DAYS advantage of our special Season Ticket prices? During 2018 we are running a series of courses to give you the chance of Valid for 12 months from the date of issue on all of our standard a lifetime to drive a steam or diesel locomotive. Courses last from just a operating days (Timetables A, B & D). couple of hours to a full day and begin at £250. Please visit our website Adults £35.00 or pick up a Driver Experience Days leaflet for more details. NOW Over 60s £30.00 AVAILABLE Children (5 – 14) £27.50 TO BUY CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES ONLINE Give your child a birthday party to remember Family £97.50 with reserved seating for up to 16, 32 or 64 (2 adults and 4 children) people in one of our 1950s railway carriages. GROUP AND SCHOOL VISITS Trains depart at either 11.00am or 2.45pm Bring your group or society and travel back in time to the days of and parties last for about two hours. Adults: steam. Make your visit even more special by booking a delicious £7.50, Children: £5.50. Hot or cold food cream tea served on the train as you travel the line or combined boxes are available from the Buffet. with a boat trip around Bristol’s historic Harbourside. Generous discounts are available to groups of 20 or more. CELEBRATIONS AND PRIVATE HIRE Make your special event First Class by hiring our carriages to School visits are also very welcome and a range of activities can entertain your guests in the atmosphere of a bygone age. It’s an idyllic be offered to link with National Curriculum topics. Please contact backdrop for special birthdays, wedding receptions or anniversaries the Booking Office for more details. and corporate events. 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 2017