Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Dubbed 'The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds', the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway provides voyagers with the chance to travel in vintage style through stunning Cotswolds scenery. Running from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse, it showcases glorious views across the Cotswolds, the Vale of Evesham, the Malverns and beyond to Wales – enjoyed from the comfort of your own cosy pew. 

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway follows part of the former Great Western Railway's mainline from Birmingham to Cheltenham. It was first built in the early 1900s to boost connections between Birmingham, Bristol and the West Country, as well as transport fruit from the fertile farming regions of the Cotswolds and Vale of Evesham. In the 1950s, the line was then used by the ‘Cornishman Express’ which came with its own luxurious chocolate and cream coaches, before being used to carry goods until its closure in 1976.

The result of dedicated restoration and conservation works, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway has been happily ferrying day-trippers since 1981 as a vintage railway. Running between Broadway and Cheltenham, the line offers a unique experience and treats travellers to incredible views over the luscious Cotswold countryside with its sleepy hamlets, thick hedgerows and babbling brooks. With views reaching as far as Wales on a clear day, it’ll be hard to tear your eyes from the window as you trundle along.

If you fancy hopping aboard for a ride on a steam or diesel locomotive, then you can either enjoy the full 28-mile round trip or jump on and off at the various stations en route. With stations at Cheltenham Racecourse, Gotherington, Winchcombe, Hayles Abbey Halt, Toddington and Broadway, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your trip into a full day experience. For added comfort, there’s also an onboard 1950s-style restaurant buffet car and cafés at Broadway, Cheltenham, Toddington and Winchcombe.

To plan your adventure with the dog-friendly Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, you can look forward to regular departures on selected midweek days between April and October. As well as daytrips, the railway also hosts seasonal and one-off events throughout the year, with special galas, Easter activities, history days, food fayres, vintage vehicle events and more. In addition, the railway even reopens during the winter for special Christmas events. 

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway | 01242 621 905 | www.gwsr.com

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.