Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

About

The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds offers a unique opportunity to sample train travel from 50 years ago. The world was changing rapidly and so on our 29 mile round trip you can sample the glory of steam and those “new” diesel railcars with the panoramic views – and for the children (young and old!) those seats right behind the driver to see what he sees.  Large diesel locos also haul some services.

In either mode you pass through glorious Cotswolds scenery – to the west the Vale of Evesham, the Malverns and Wales. To the east, right at the side of the track, the Cotswolds climb steeply uphill. 

All our stations have modern facilities with Toddington and Winchcombe stations providing refreshments.  Hot food at Toddington and a delightful 1950’s cafe at Winchcombe. Tea pots with tea cosies! On train catering includes our legendary bacon baps!  Large free car parks are at Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse and a small one at Winchcombe. All are suitable for disabled passengers and they are also catered for in specially adapted carriages. For those interested in design developments a careful study of our carriages shows the evolution from traditional varnished wood to the sixties wonder material – Formica!

Our Heritage group also rebuilt Hayles Abbey Halt which is only a 10 minute walk from the ruins of Hailes Abbey. The Great Western railway spelt it Hayles for some unknown reason and to maintain the authenticity of the rebuilt Halt we have done the same.

Broadway Station was totally obliterated by British Railways when it was closed in the 1960’s and it has been rebuilt from the ground up by our volunteers. This station re-opened at Easter in 2018. There is currently no parking at Broadway station, however, Broadway village and the pay and display car park is about a ten minute walk from the station. There will be a pay and display car park on the opposite side of the road to Broadway station which will be we anticipate being ready for the 2019 season, if not before then, by Wychavon Council.

Special events are held throughout the year – Wartime in the Cotswolds, Steam and Diesel galas, Classic Car Events, Bus Rally, Steam and Real Ale, a Food and Drink Fayre, and Santa Specials.

Also, the Fish & Chip Specials are extremely popular so do book early if you wish to travel on one of these because they always sell out.

Rover tickets give you unlimited travel all day and offer very good value for money. Tickets are available for journeys between specific stations.

Our volunteers run will be very pleased to see you and ensure you have a great day out.

Trains run throughout the season – full details and prices are on our website www.gwsr.com or call us on 01242 621405.