Group Visits

Enjoy our transport heritage - on your doorstep!

Finding new destinations for day trips must be getting more and more difficult. However, we'd like to offer you a trip with a difference - into our past:

Our popular trips provide a scenic boat trip around Bristol Harbourside aboard Avon River Cruises’ ‘Silver Salmon’ and a steam train journey on the Avon Valley Railway where a cream tea is served to you at your table on the train.

Just imagine the scene:

Your Bristol Harbourside Boat Trip

The scenic boat trip comprises in comfort and style around Bristol's historic harbour on board the 'Silver Salmon'. Your coach/transport takes you to the drop-off point at Millenium Square, where you will be greeted by an Avon Valley Railway host. The boat is only a few yeards away with a few small steps down to the moorings where you can board. You can relax as the cruise takes you around the harbour, in the heart of the city, and enjoy the sights and sounds of historic landmarks and modern developments, including the view of Brunel's great ship the 'SS Great Britain' in the original dock where she was built.

The boat and comfortable seating and plenty of room on board for our most senior of citizens or passengers with mobility difficulties, as long as they can manage, with our assistance, just a few small steps to board. Hot and cold drinks are always available for purchase if required.

Your Avon Valley Railway Steam Train Journey

You arrive at our countryside railway station (where coach parking is provided). The steam train is waiting in the station, and you are escorted to your reserved seats in the period carriages. The guard blows his whistle and the train begins to move.

Your journey takes you into the scenic Avon Valley, crossing high above the River Avon, away from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquillity. The waiter offers you some refreshment - two large scones with butter, jam and cream, washed down with a cup of tea.

Our itineraries allow enough time for you to be able to enjoy your train and boat journeys, a cream tea, enough time to stop for refreshments/souvenirs at Bitton Station and also time to explore Bristol.

It may be difficult to believe that all this can be made available to you so close to home - and from only £15.00 per person. However, thanks to the volunteer-run Avon Valley Railway and local boat operator Avon River Cruises, this dream of days gone by is once again a reality.

With journey times of less than an hour from Gloucester, Swindon or Taunton — and free coach parking at the Avon Valley Railway, free meal and travel ticket for the driver — access this part of our heritage couldn't be easier.

A visit of around six hours will provide you with sufficient time to take in all of the above, as well as the opportunity to browse in the souvenir shop or just relax on the station platform, taking in the atmosphere.

The rail and river trips are available:

1. Most Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September
2. Wednesdays in June & July
3. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during School Holidays.

Just give us a call to enquire about available dates.

We hope you find the above of interest and look forward to receiving your call.