We had an excellent journey on the Severn Valley Railway in the Observation Saloon. On top of the train fare the cost of a cream tea was only £6 each (or pre-booked at £5 each), which was excellent value. For your money you get as much tea or coffee and as many cakes as you can eat! There is a choice of fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, St Clements sponge cake and victoria sponge. All this is brought to your table, covered in crisp white tablecloths, dainty china and cake stands. At an extra price you can also order a selection of wine – one of the other passengers ordered champagne! You travel and dine in period style stepping back in time to the golden age of steam train travel. The view from the Observation Saloon is superb, with a beautiful view of the river, as the Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside slip past your window. Remember to board the train at Kidderminster to get the view. Because the fleet of historic dining vehicles were built many years ago the width of the doors and gangways does not permit the positioning of a wheelchair at the dining table. Folded wheelchairs can be carried on all trains – so ask at the time of booking. Train crew and station staff will assist passengers if required. Ramps are available for those who cannot step up on to the train. Toilets are on the stations, but those on the trains are small. If you get a morning train this will give you time to explore the historic market town of Bridgnorth. The best way is to walk down into Low Town then get the funicular railway up to High Town, walk along the castle walkway to Castle Gardens where you can view the remains of the Castle, which leans at an alarming angle even greater than the Tower of Pisa. From there you can stroll around the town looking at the the timber-framed Town Hall and other splendid mediaeval buildings (too many to mention here!) Don't forget to pop in for a drink at the Railwayman's Arms on the station or visit one of the other quaint hostelries around the town, before catching your train back to Kidderminster.
