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 their 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 their main stations have modern facilities and provide refreshments. Their delightful cafes at Broadway and Winchcombe provide tea pots with tea cosies! On train catering includes their legendary bacon baps! Large free car parks are available at Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse Stations, there's a small one at Winchcombe Station, and a council pay and display car park near Broadway Station. All are suitable for disabled passengers, who are also catered for in their specially adapted accessible carriages. For those interested in design developments, a careful study of their carriages shows the evolution from traditional varnished wood to the sixties wonder material – Formica!

Their 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 they 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 their volunteers. This station re-opened at Easter in 2018. There is currently only very limited disabled parking at Broadway Station itself. However, there is a pay and display car park nearby which is operated by Wychavon Council. It is on the opposite side of the road to Broadway Station.

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.

Their 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 the GWSR website www.gwsr.com or call 01242 621405.