Avon Valley Railway

About the museum

The Avon Valley Railway occupies part of a line opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through route between Birmingham and the south coast. It later connected with the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway at Bath Green Park, bringing holiday trains from the Midlands to the south-west. The route was closed in the late 1960s during the Beeching cuts, partly because the Great Western Railway already linked Bristol and Bath.

The line was taken over by volunteers, who restored Bitton station to its Victorian character and re-laid three miles of track. The railway has been collecting locomotives since the early 1970s, and its fleet includes steam and diesel engines such as Fowler 4F No. 44123, the Avonside tank engine Edwin Hulse and the Class 31 diesel Calder Hall Power Station.

Visitors can ride a heritage train from Bitton to Oldland Common and on to Avon Riverside, watch the locomotive run round its train at each terminus, and look round a small museum area about the history of the line. The station has a buffet and a gift shop, and the railway runs special events such as dining trains, Santa specials and half-term days.

Highlights

• Steam and diesel-hauled train rides on a three-mile line
• Restored Victorian station at Bitton
• Small museum area on the history of the line
• Locomotive collection including Fowler 4F No. 44123
• Dining trains and seasonal special events

Admission & discounts

Prices are for the standard Full Line Return in 2026; special events have their own prices. Entry to the station site, ticket office, buffet and gift shop is free. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Season tickets are sold online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A modified guard's brake-van carriage with a ramp and a spacious wheelchair area is used for wheelchair users. The platforms have ramps to street level. A disabled toilet is in the buffet. An access statement can be downloaded from the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family events include Magic Train, Chocolate Sundays, Santa Specials and October half-term days. Children's birthday parties are offered with reserved seats on a train ride; package details are being redesigned. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

Getting there & parking

The railway is on the A431 about halfway between Bristol and Bath, about 1 mile north of Keynsham. Cycle racks are on the lawn beside the station building, in the lower car park and next to the Buffet.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Buffet serves hot and cold food and drinks, with indoor seating in a 1950s carriage and a platform terrace. A railway-themed gift shop is open on operating days. Dogs are welcome on the station site and trains on most days.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 48 guests.

Static dining carriages on the platform seat up to 48; first-class dining carriages can also be hired on operating days. Suitable for birthdays, wedding receptions, anniversaries and business events.

Plan your visit