Step back to the 1940s on the Severn Valley Railway

209 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Things to do

Date of travel

June, 2023

Product name

Step Back to the 1940s on the SVR

Product country

UK

Product city

Bridgnorth

Travelled with

Family

Reasons for trip

Culture/Sightseeing

Every year the Severn Valley Railway has a couple of weekends entitled “Step Back to the 1940s”. This popular event is great fun celebrating the end of World War II and the home-front experience.

There is entertainment with people jiving and singing along to the Big Band Show and Vintage Singers. Even a 1940s wedding takes place complete with a “cardboard” wedding cake! Black Market traders try to tempt you with stockings and other contraband goods – swiftly arrested by the Police in their helmets sporting truncheons. Of course, Winston Churchill is there making his usual rousing speech. There are unexploded bombs, firefighters, shops with ration books, lines of vintage vehicles and stalls seling genuine clothing.

Apart from the re-enactors, many people dress up in period clothes – some more authentic than others. We were privileged to meet Mr Jones the Butcher (of Dads Army fame) and Father Brown with his rolled up umbrella.

The 16-mile heritage railway line runs through the beautiful valley of the River Severn between Bridgnorth in Shropshire to Kidderminster in Worcestershire. Visitors can tour around the Engine House where there is plenty to interest the children with an outdoor play area too.

We stopped for tea and home-made cakes in the museum at Kidderminster. There were refreshments to be bought on all the stations or, if you prefer, one could partake of something alcoholic at the Railwaymen’s Arms at Bridgnorth or the King and Castle at Kidderminster.

The Severn Valley Railway opened in 1862 and was originally part of the GWR Shrewsbury to Hartlebury line. It had been laid as a single-track line, which limited its capacity. Passenger services stopped in 1963 but two years later a plan to save the SVR began in a pub. Work goes on in both the steam and diesel depots to preserve the locomotives and carriages. At Bridgnorth there is a replica of the very first passenger locomotive -“Catch Me Who Can”. The original locomotive was invented by Richard Trevithick and built at Hazledine Foundry in Bridgnorth. The replica machine has no braking mechanism so, for safety reasons, one is being specially built.

Throughout the year there are numerous special events on the SVR – steam galas, diesel galas, footplate experiences, vintage afternoon teas, Sunday lunches, Dance Days, Spice Train, Vintage Transport Extravaganza, Oriental Express, Food & Craft Fayre, Murder Mysteries , Halloween, Santa Specials as well as the 1940s events.

I think that the SVR is the best heritage railway – however I’m biased being a shareholder!

Therese.Irving

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.