Facilities & Guided Tour

Station Site

The centre of operations for the Avon Valley Railway is at Bitton, an original Midland Railway station painstakingly restored by volunteer members. Like many country stations of that era, Bitton had its own goods shed, which now acts as our loco shed and maintenance depot. However, Bitton's original size has meant that a lot of the necessary facilities have had to be squeezed into a small space, in a way that caters for modern visitors and yet still keeps the flavour of a local station in the heyday of steam.

Food & Drink

However, recent years has seen some expansion in the form of our new Buffet building, situated on the former cattle dock which is now the popular patio area, for eating, relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. This new building, which opened in July 2008, has been built in keeping with the existing station. It includes the new serving area, seating provided by a former British Railways Mark I carriage and disabled toilets.

Shopping

As a result of the Buffet moving to its new home, the old Ladies waiting room was refurbished and is now home to the Station Shop. You'll find a selection of memorabilia, souvenirs, videos, books and toys to take home with you, once your day out is over.

And if you're bored with shopping, (or you've run out of money), you may find our special static carriages provide the answer: one is set aside for 'Bitton Bargains' - an Aladdin's Cave of all kinds of bric-a-brac, railway magazines, toys, games, and other inexpensive second-hand items.

Historical

The Station building itself holds the Booking Hall and Booking Office from which you can purchase train tickets and seek further information. The Booking Hall holds many railway artefacts, posters and signs. Along with information about the Avon Valley Railway and the Bristol to Bath Railway line, this room provides a real wealth of information.

Facilities & Access

To the south of the Station, the lower lawn provides yet another area for you to sit and relax and enjoy the sight of the trains passing by. To cater for the many cyclists who visit us by way of the famous Bristol-Bath railway path, we have cycle-racks where bicycles may be securely locked and kept safe while you swap leg-power for steam-power! 2009 also saw the installation of more cycle racks on the cattle dock, near the Buffet.

If you come by car, we have parking spaces for around fifty cars (though on some special event days we use an off-site parking area and provide regular shuttle buses to and from the station).

For the convenience of passengers and visitors alike, of course, we have public conveniences, maintained and cleaned by volunteers to a high standard. These toilets, which were refurbished in 2009, are situated in the Station building and are accessible from the platform.

Being such an old building providing toilets in the original station building which are accessible for disabled people has proven difficult. Therefore, fully equipped disabled toilets are provided within the Buffet building.

Disabled Access

Every part of the site is accessible by wheelchair (except main toilets, however disabled toilets are provided in the Buffet). The patio and Buffet is accessed by a very gentle ramp, whilst the Station, including the Booking Office, shop and platform are all on the level. Please read our facilities for disabled people page for more information about accessibility.

For our canine friends

Dogs are welcome at Bitton too (providing they are kept under control, on a lead, and not allowed to make a mess), we always keep a bowl of fresh water handy for those thirsty canine moments!

Heritage

All around the station site you'll find things of interest - our yard contains many locomotives, carriages and wagons rescued from the scrap-merchant's cutting torch. Some may not look like it, but they're all in various stages of restoration, repair, or just waiting for their next duty - and all are loved by someone who cares for them, even if one or two don't look that lovely right now.

Restoration is a long, arduous and expensive business, and many years may pass before what looks like a rusting hulk finally emerges as a pristine mainline marvel! And sometimes only your custom and support can help speed the process along! So come and see us, discover our hidden treasures, and most of all have fun!

Last updated: 9th June 2009

last updated: andy stone, Mon 13th Apr 2009