Avon Valley Railway (AVR)
Avon Valley Railway (AVR)
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Bristol and Bath's heritage steam railway, offering a six mile round trip which takes passengers along sections of the old Midland Railway, providing a chance to see the magnificent River Avon Valley from a unique viewpoint.
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- Geoff TDoncaster, United Kingdom119 contributionsSanta Steamer SuccessChristmas with Santa and a train ride. Organisation was excellent on a freezing day. Heaters in the carriages working well. Snow and sun on a great day. Santa put on an excellent performance on the train and on his sled. My compliments to all the staff. CheerxVisited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 18 December 2022
- paige w81 contributionsMurder mystery nigjtJust got back from a murder mystery evening- Death of a Diva. What a fantastic night! The actors were brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Such a laugh and I’m pleased to say we guessed correctly. Only gripe was that I wish we had a little more time to play detective between eating and the time spent on the platform. Main meal was ok, brownies were excellent. Thanks for a great night.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 May 2023
- Andy BChippenham, United Kingdom11 contributionsLet off steam with a cream tea.Easy to book seats if you're early enough as the Cream Tea experience is very popular, and I can now see why! Choice of tea or coffee served with fresh warm scone, with ample strawberry jam and clotted cream. A 6 mile up and down trip with interim stops for engine to turn around. Lovely experience, open views of countryside and very comfortable seats. Highly recommended even if you're not a train spotter!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2023
- Matthew W1 contributionDining experienceI can't review this experience highly enough. The staff, carriage, service and all food was exceptional. It doesn't matter that the journey is only 3 miles and the views weren't always amazing, didn't really notice and what can you expect? It's hardly Venice after all. I would recommend to anybody for a nice relaxing afternoon and lovely food etc. Well done to the whole team, who by the way are doing it in their own time for free.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 August 2023
- MLH00014Tetbury, United Kingdom52 contributionsDelicious Chocolate Afternoon Tea on a Steam TrainI booked a chocolate afternoon tea on a steam train as part of my partners birthday present and we had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon on board Martha! We were greeted with Baileys hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate which was very welcome and delicious. We moved onto pots of tea and then our sandwiches, chocolate chip scones and a delicious selection of cakes. Nothing was too much trouble from what we assumed were volunteer staff, as this is a charity, and we were even offered extra sandwiches, cakes and tea! A really decadent way to spend an afternoon!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
458 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
128
Average
47
Poor
21
Terrible
25
Mike R
10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Went into the cafe today for lunch only to find what we wanted although shown on the menu was not available as the cook did not have time to make it,why not take it off the menu.
Went for a Fireman's breakfast at £8.50 each and were told there would a wait but it would be worth waiting for,not in our opinion.
Waited 45mins for something that certainly was not worth waiting for,cold and no taste to it similar to the 2 like warm cappuccinos we had at £3.25 each,certainly no baristas.
We ate the food because by that time we were at a loss of where else we could go.
Mentioned our concerns to the staff on the way out where we told that if we had said before they would have given us a fresh meal something we thought we were getting having waited 45 mins.
A refund was suggested but a boss/manager got involved who said as we had eaten the meal,something I had already said,he did not feel a refund was appropriate but would ensure we got a hot fresh meal next time we went in.
Having recently had a pub,with a very nice environment, all day breakfast for £6.50 in Witney recently which was tastier and more content I feel thus establishment is overpriced with poor service.
Went for a Fireman's breakfast at £8.50 each and were told there would a wait but it would be worth waiting for,not in our opinion.
Waited 45mins for something that certainly was not worth waiting for,cold and no taste to it similar to the 2 like warm cappuccinos we had at £3.25 each,certainly no baristas.
We ate the food because by that time we were at a loss of where else we could go.
Mentioned our concerns to the staff on the way out where we told that if we had said before they would have given us a fresh meal something we thought we were getting having waited 45 mins.
A refund was suggested but a boss/manager got involved who said as we had eaten the meal,something I had already said,he did not feel a refund was appropriate but would ensure we got a hot fresh meal next time we went in.
Having recently had a pub,with a very nice environment, all day breakfast for £6.50 in Witney recently which was tastier and more content I feel thus establishment is overpriced with poor service.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MLH00014
Tetbury, UK52 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I booked a chocolate afternoon tea on a steam train as part of my partners birthday present and we had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon on board Martha! We were greeted with Baileys hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate which was very welcome and delicious. We moved onto pots of tea and then our sandwiches, chocolate chip scones and a delicious selection of cakes. Nothing was too much trouble from what we assumed were volunteer staff, as this is a charity, and we were even offered extra sandwiches, cakes and tea!
A really decadent way to spend an afternoon!
A really decadent way to spend an afternoon!
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mani A
Bristol, UK147 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Wow what a lovely experience. 50 minutes ride on a steam train. Grandson (2.5 years old) got to go onto the engine and the volunteers were so nice and helpful and very knowledgeable.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew W
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
I can't review this experience highly enough. The staff, carriage, service and all food was exceptional. It doesn't matter that the journey is only 3 miles and the views weren't always amazing, didn't really notice and what can you expect? It's hardly Venice after all. I would recommend to anybody for a nice relaxing afternoon and lovely food etc. Well done to the whole team, who by the way are doing it in their own time for free.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy B
Chippenham, UK11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Easy to book seats if you're early enough as the Cream Tea experience is very popular, and I can now see why! Choice of tea or coffee served with fresh warm scone, with ample strawberry jam and clotted cream. A 6 mile up and down trip with interim stops for engine to turn around. Lovely experience, open views of countryside and very comfortable seats. Highly recommended even if you're not a train spotter!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paige w
81 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Just got back from a murder mystery evening- Death of a Diva. What a fantastic night! The actors were brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Such a laugh and I’m pleased to say we guessed correctly. Only gripe was that I wish we had a little more time to play detective between eating and the time spent on the platform. Main meal was ok, brownies were excellent. Thanks for a great night.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather B
Cranleigh, UK2 contributions
Apr 2023
Very poor and incredibly expensive. £52 for 3 overs 60s and 3 adults and a 5 year old. We went an incredibly short distance ( no views) to stop and be sat in the carriage for 10 minutes and then to go to end of line for another stop ( 15 mins) and photo opportunity ( steam train) and then repeat. What a trip! Even my 5 year old grandson was asking "Is that it? "
I love steam trains but this one was the worst I have been on ever. Sorry AVR. You are too expensive and do not offer any kind of experience, even the cafe had tired sausage rolls and coffee and nothing else. Staff ( volunteers) were only just courteous but not friendly. The best part was you are dog friendly.
I love steam trains but this one was the worst I have been on ever. Sorry AVR. You are too expensive and do not offer any kind of experience, even the cafe had tired sausage rolls and coffee and nothing else. Staff ( volunteers) were only just courteous but not friendly. The best part was you are dog friendly.
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surajpal s
Bristol, UK7 contributions
Apr 2023 • Business
Was studying nearby and would pop in for tea coffee and food outstanding service delicious food definitely recommend
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArthDrwg
Bristol, UK131 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Murder Mystery event.
Chaotic organisation.
Food was tepid at best, the vegatables were undercooked and the chicken was tasteless and dry. Service was dreadfully slow.
It stretched credulity to say that we were on a cruise ship, given that the event was based on classic rail carriages with a steam train.
The actors were amateurish at best.
The train went about 1 mile one way from the station, then 1 mile the other way. Then returned to the station.
We left as soon as we could get off the train. What a waste of time and money. Never again.
Chaotic organisation.
Food was tepid at best, the vegatables were undercooked and the chicken was tasteless and dry. Service was dreadfully slow.
It stretched credulity to say that we were on a cruise ship, given that the event was based on classic rail carriages with a steam train.
The actors were amateurish at best.
The train went about 1 mile one way from the station, then 1 mile the other way. Then returned to the station.
We left as soon as we could get off the train. What a waste of time and money. Never again.
Written 16 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Rogers
England, UK15 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Absolutely shocking how short this was. Meant to be a round trip turned out to be linear. Up one end for five minutes. Sit in the middle of nowhere for ages. Pushed back to where start. Out for ten minutes. Stop. Middle of no where and then back to Bitton. Apparently plans to extend to Bath and good luck with that. Staff are all enthusiastic volunteers.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen N
Bristol, UK33 contributions
How long is the journey there and back again?
thereviewertc
Manchester, UK66 contributions
One hour, it will stop on several platform
anna c
Swindon, UK365 contributions
Thinking of booking the Saturday fish and chips experience just wanted to know how the steam train is set in the dining area for the fish and chips lunch. Some of the pictures the dining area looks all dressed up and waiters and then there is a picture with it not dressed or no waiter service. If anyone has any pictures of the Saturday fish and chips lunch I would be very grateful.
Chris D
Plymouth, UK190 contributions
Would suggest smart casual.
Pamela J
Bath, UK114 contributions
I want to bring a train enthusiast but do not want to be surrounded by loads of children. How would it be best to achieve this?
Efjf48
127 contributions
Hello Pamela
Firstly apologies for not having responded sooner, so I hope your question is still valid!
This particular railway is well suited to anytime visits by enthusiasts as I've never seen huge swarms of children like you can get at some steam train railways. That said, it would be obvious to avoid any special steam events like teddy bears picnic etc as it will no doubt be full.
I always think first thing in the morning or late afternoon is a good time for visiting railways (without children) as you may be able to see the trains get themselves in position and the latter at the end of the day when most decent parents will have their children at home having tea or getting ready for bed. I suppose those are generic rather than specific to this railways.
The beauty of this place is that because you can get off and walk the line you can get some great pictures without being hurried and an enthusiast would relish the beauty of the engine by watching it come down the line.
I'm sure if you ring them direct they would be helpful with times to visit too.
Hope you enjoy.
Elizabeth
Sachin K
Bengaluru, India1 contribution
How do we book tickets to the steam engine ride?
On your website, it asks for the login however there is no option to register (or perhaps am missing something)
Can we get the tickets on the spot?
AvonValleyRailway
Bristol2 contributions
Sachin_Keyyoor thanks for your questions. Tickets for our steam train rides can be purchased on the day of travel from our booking office - you'll get old-fashioned card tickets for your journey.
You can book for many of our special events online from our website (click the link at the top of each page). You will need to register once you've finished buying tickets - there's no need to log-in or register beforehand selecting tickets.
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Claim your listingAVON VALLEY RAILWAY (AVR): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Avon Valley Railway (AVR)
- Avon Valley Railway (AVR) is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Avon Valley Railway (AVR):
- (0.18 mi) Georgian House with Indoor Swimming Pool
- (0.45 mi) Roseneath House
- (1.69 mi) The Base Retreat
- (0.45 mi) Large elegant property between Bristol and Bath.
- (3.63 mi) Fern Cottage Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Avon Valley Railway (AVR):
- (0.12 mi) Avon Valley Railway Station Buffet
- (0.19 mi) The Lockeeper
- (0.39 mi) Chief Trading Post
- (0.79 mi) The Crown Inn Harvester
- (1.42 mi) The Talbot Inn