Avon Valley Railway

The railway is part of the former Mangotsfield and Bath branch line that the Midland Railway operated prior to the line’s closure in 1966, as a result of the Beeching cuts.

Although most of the railway line has been dismantled, 4.8km (3 miles) of the line is now operated as a heritage steam railway with trains running between Oldland Common and Avon Riverside with a stop en route at Bitton, which is the railway’s main centre of operations.

The train journey takes around an hour and it starts and finishes at Bitton station. The journey starts off at Bitton heading north to Oldland Common, then goes south to Avon Riverside before returning to Bitton. Although the line is only 4.8km (3 miles) long, it is almost a 10km (6 mile)-long return trip.

Considering that the line is less than 5km long, it is fairly expensive compared with longer heritage railways elsewhere in the country, however, the ticket is valid for unlimited rides all day and season tickets are popular with families who live nearby.

The Victorian-era Bitton railway station has been restored to its original condition and the station includes a small museum with displays about the railway line. The station also includes a small cafe (with seating inside a heritage railway carriage) and gift shop.

The station entrance is located off Bath Road in Bitton at the eastern edge of Bristol’s suburban area. It is an attraction best suited if you’re driving as it can take around an hour to get into Bristol city centre by bus.

Avon Riverside at the southern terminus is the newest station, opened only in May 2004. This station does not have road access, although there is a picnic area nearby and it is also possible to take riverboat trips from here.