Competitions, interactive displays and a host of steam trains – there’s a whole lot of family fun on offer at the Severn Valley Railway this February half-term.
Following a sell-out Christmas season, which saw more than 30,000 visitors board its famous Santa Steam Special services, the SVR, which is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, is now getting ready for Saturday, February 14th when its daily service will resume for the half-term holiday.
The Railway’s much-loved collection of heritage steam trains will be taking families along the scenic Severn Valley, from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, enabling them to hop on and off to explore any of the six authentic stations en-route and The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley.
The Engine House at Highley is the place to be this half-term, and starring alongside the Railway’s collection of reserve locomotives will be a very special display, thanks to the Manchester Model Tramway Group.
A must see for model railway fans of all ages, the group’s 120ft long, fully-operating, miniature model tramway will be on show at the venue from February 14-22.
Originally hand-built in the 1950s and immaculately maintained, the display features three electronically-controlled and intricately decorated trams, which will whizz along the tracks to a very realistic operating soundtrack.
Creative youngsters can also get hands-on with the SVR’s ‘Design us a birthday card’ competition, marking the attraction’s landmark Golden Anniversary, and families can leave their own piece of history by writing a message in the 50th anniversary visitor book, which will be on display at the venue.
There is mail to be sorted in the full-sized Travelling Post Office carriage and a full, family-friendly menu to be enjoyed at the Flag & Whistle food stop restaurant, while the outdoor, railway-themed play area is the ideal place to burn-off some excess energy.
A range of interactive exhibits including a George VI Royal Carriage, up to eight of the SVR’s reserve collection of locomotives and a variety of railway memorabilia is also ready and waiting to be explored.
The SVR’s marketing and communications manager, Clare Gibbard, said: “This year is a very special one for us, it being our 50th anniversary, and we are very much looking forward to launching the first event in 2015’s fun-packed calendar.
“We’re confident the model tramway, with its beautifully-painted vehicles and realistic operating sounds will be a big draw, and not only for the kids – any grown-ups who are into model railways will absolutely love it!”
Tickets are also now on sale for one of the attraction’s most popular family events, the Family Fun Weekend, on May 9-10, when it will welcome some very special guests – none other than Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig, who will headline a fun-packed list of activities including a disco, bouncy castle, cinema and face painting.
The attraction will also be holding a range of activities, events and competitions to celebrate its 50th Anniversary year, so watch this space for more details!