The preserved Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway offers passengers an enthralling 25-mile round trip through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds - itself one of the best-loved regions in Britain. Our journey on the (usually) steam-hauled railway begins at Cheltenham Racecourse station. On our departure the train takes us past the famous racecourse before Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, comes into view.
The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway begins a gradual ascent towards Bishop's Cleeve. Here passengers can catch a glimpse of the grand Tewkesbury Abbey, before arriving at Gotherington station. The volunteer-built stone shelter was designed to replace the nearby original station, which is now a private home.
The journey continues through Dixton cutting, then runs along a scenic embankment which offers magnificent views of the beautiful Vale of Evesham, in addition to the scattering of charming villages and hamlets that line the route here. The heritage train then enters the 693-yard Greet Tunnel, before emerging at Winchcombe station. From here the railway runs past the ruined Hayles Abbey and through the village of Didbrook on its route to Toddington station, where the fleet of locomotives are restored and maintained. Many of the journeys terminate here, though some continue to Laverton, crossing the impressive Stanway Viaduct on the route.
The line was originally built between 1900 and 1906, and was finally closed in 1976 after years of neglect and eventually a derailment that damaged the track. The railway runs an array of steam and heritage diesel locomotives which have included the Flying Scotsman.
Discoveries
(114 reviews)From picture-postcard villages and lush rolling meadows to gentle waterways and historic steam railways, discover quintessential English charm and beauty in abundance on this superb holiday to one of the most scenic parts of the UK. Explore timber-framed Tudor buildings and the stunning cathedral in Worcester, discover the charming Cotswold...
