Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Cotswolds, exploring charming stations and engine sheds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full steam ahead!
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Best Time
Full steam ahead!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic Cotswolds, exploring charming stations and engine sheds.
"A fantastic experience! Beautiful countryside views, friendly staff, and a great way to step back in time."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot, especially for events. Check the timetable for operating days and times.
🚶 Explore All Stations
Don't just ride; disembark at stations like Toddington and Broadway to explore museums and cafes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Cotswolds Ride
Entire route
Experience breathtaking countryside views from a vintage steam train. A truly picturesque journey.

Toddington Station
Toddington
The heart of the railway, featuring a museum, cafe, and workshops. Explore the engine sheds!

Broadway Station
Broadway
A beautifully restored station offering a glimpse into the past. Enjoy the charming atmosphere.

Footplate Experience
Various locations (booking required)
For the ultimate thrill, take the controls of a steam engine! A truly unforgettable adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Dates
Embrace the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot, especially for events. Check the timetable for operating days and times.
🚶 Explore All Stations
Don't just ride; disembark at stations like Toddington and Broadway to explore museums and cafes.
☕ Cafe Stop
Enjoy tea and cake at the cafe, though coffee quality might vary!
♿ Accessibility
Ramps are available for easier boarding for those with mobility issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot, especially for events. Check the timetable for operating days and times.
🚶 Explore All Stations
Don't just ride; disembark at stations like Toddington and Broadway to explore museums and cafes.
☕ Cafe Stop
Enjoy tea and cake at the cafe, though coffee quality might vary!
♿ Accessibility
Ramps are available for easier boarding for those with mobility issues.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for photography, even on the engine's footplate if you're lucky!
🚂 Diesel Galas
Check for diesel events, featuring visiting and home fleet locomotives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for its beautiful countryside views, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the immersive step-back-in-time experience. It's highly recommended for families and railway enthusiasts alike, offering a well-maintained heritage line with plenty to see and do at its stations.
"A fantastic experience! Beautiful countryside views, friendly staff, and a great way to step back in time. The steam train ride is fun for all ages, especially little kids — ours loved watching the engine and waving at people along the way. Highly recommended for families and railway enthusiasts alike!"
Christine G
"It's one of my favourite preserved railways always neat and tidy and excellent locomotives in use. I would normally visit on a Gala day, so it was nice to visit on a normal day, which allowed greater time to look around the stations and to go on a shed visit.
The shed visit was most informative, and it was nice to see locomotives in various stages of repair.
I was able to have tea and cake from the cafe. Very enjoyable."
Nigel Jenks
"A great day out on this heritage steam railway. A day rover for adults is £28 which may seem a bit pricey but that allows you to go back on forth more than once along this 14 mile stretch. All the volunteers are so friendly and more than happy to chat. For those with mobility issues ramps are provided to get on and off the train. A fab day out and thoroughly recommended."
Emyr Foxhall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main access points are via Toddington and Broadway stations. Toddington is accessible via the A46, and Broadway is near the A44. Parking is available at both stations. For those using public transport, trains run to Cheltenham Spa, from where you can arrange onward travel.
Yes, ample parking is available at both Toddington and Broadway stations. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy event days, to secure a spot.
The nearest major train station is Cheltenham Spa. From there, you would need to arrange a taxi or local bus service to reach the railway. Check local bus routes for connections to Toddington or Broadway.
From the M5, take Junction 9 and follow signs for the A46 towards Evesham. Toddington is located just off the A46. Look for brown tourist signs indicating the railway.
Yes, the railway is committed to accessibility. Ramps are provided for boarding trains, and staff are on hand to assist. Some stations may have varying levels of accessibility for exploring platforms and facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A day rover ticket for adults is approximately £28, allowing unlimited travel back and forth along the 14-mile stretch. Prices can vary for special events, so it's best to check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, you can buy tickets on the day, but it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and special events, as it can get very busy.
A day rover ticket allows you to travel on all scheduled services for the entire day, enabling you to hop on and off at different stations as many times as you like.
The railway typically offers concessions for children and sometimes family tickets. Please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and discounts.
Operating days and hours vary seasonally and for special events. It's crucial to consult the official Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway timetable on their website before planning your visit.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Each station offers unique attractions. Toddington has a museum, cafe, and engine sheds where you can see locomotives under repair. Broadway boasts a beautifully restored station. You can also explore signal boxes and heritage displays.
Yes, shed visits are often available, providing an informative look at locomotives in various stages of repair and restoration. Check the schedule for specific times.
The GWSR hosts various events throughout the year, including steam galas, diesel galas, and themed weekends. These events often feature visiting locomotives and special running schedules.
The 'Gold Footplate Experience' is a premium offering where you can take charge of a steam engine, a thrilling opportunity for enthusiasts. These are often sold out well in advance.
Absolutely! Children love watching the steam engines, waving to people along the route, and exploring the stations. It's a fantastic family day out.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, cafes are available at stations like Toddington, offering refreshments such as tea, coffee, and cake. While the coffee might not be gourmet, it's a pleasant stop.
Bringing your own picnic is generally acceptable, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the scenic surroundings. However, check specific station policies if you plan to dine on the train.
The cafes typically offer a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and light snacks. It's a good place for a quick bite or a traditional cream tea.
For special experiences like the Footplate Experience, a full English breakfast is often included. For regular services, the cafe provides basic refreshments.
Information on alcohol availability is not widely publicized. It's best to check with the railway directly or assume that standard cafe offerings are available.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially with the Cotswolds scenery. Stations like Toddington and Broadway provide excellent backdrops. Don't miss opportunities to photograph the locomotives in action.
Yes, you can take photos from the train, but be mindful of other passengers and ensure you don't obstruct views. The windows offer great perspectives of the passing landscape.
Yes, especially during shed visits or at stations. If you're lucky enough to get on the footplate, you'll have unparalleled access for unique shots.
Steam train photography, landscape shots of the train in the Cotswolds, and detailed shots of the locomotives are very popular.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require prior permission. Always be respectful of the heritage environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include arriving early to make the most of the day, especially if visiting during peak times or events. Ensure you check the timetable to align your visit with the desired locomotive types (steam or diesel). The day rover ticket is excellent value, allowing kids to enjoy multiple rides and explore different stations without extra cost.
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
The 'Gold Footplate Experience' is the ultimate treat, offering hands-on control of a steam engine. Even if this is out of reach, the knowledgeable volunteers are a treasure trove of information and are often happy to chat about the engines and the railway's history. Experiencing the shed tours provides deep insight into the restoration and maintenance processes.
❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers
For day-trippers, the railway provides a perfect escape. You can easily spend several hours exploring the stations, enjoying refreshments, and taking in the beautiful countryside. The day rover ticket is ideal for flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to your liking. It's a great way to step back in time and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The GWSR Experience
Key attractions include the main hub at Toddington Station, which houses a museum and workshops where you can witness locomotives in various stages of restoration. Broadway Station, another beautifully preserved stop, offers a delightful glimpse into the past. The railway frequently hosts special events, such as steam and diesel galas, which attract enthusiasts and offer a chance to see a wider variety of locomotives in action.
For the ultimate railway enthusiast, the 'Gold Footplate Experience' provides an unparalleled opportunity to take the controls of a steam engine. This highly sought-after experience is a significant investment but offers an unforgettable adventure. Even without this, the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers are always happy to share their passion and insights, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.
Navigating the GWSR: Timetables, Tickets, and Travel
Ticket options typically include a day rover, which allows unlimited travel along the line for the entire day. This is ideal for those who wish to explore multiple stations, revisit favorite spots, or simply enjoy the scenic journey multiple times. Concessions for children and families are usually available, making it an accessible outing for all ages.
Getting to the railway is primarily by car, with parking available at Toddington and Broadway stations. For those relying on public transport, the nearest major station is Cheltenham Spa, from which onward travel would need to be arranged via taxi or local bus services. The railway is also mindful of accessibility, providing ramps for easier boarding for passengers with mobility issues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit