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Return to Sharpness 31 July - 2 August 2026 Your chance to be a pioneer passenger on the Sharpness Branch! Sharpness Sports and Social Club, The Docks, Sharpness, Berkeley GL13 9UN, UK About the event 150 years ago eager travellers boarded the first passenger train to Sharpness. To celebrate this anniversary, the Vale of Berkeley Railway is running special train services on the Sharpness branch on 31st July, 1st August and 2nd August 2026. This is your chance to be a railway pioneer - one of the first people to ride the Sharpness branch, over 60 years after the line closed to passengers. As well as reliving history, you'll also be supporting the Vale of Berkeley Railway; this is a crucial fundraising event for us, as we work to improve our facilities at Oldminster Sidings and establish the VoBR as a significant asset and focal point for the Sharpness community. Your journey on our Class 143 Pacer train starts at our Oldminster Sidings base at Sharpness, passes the site of the former Berkeley Station and continues towards Berkeley Road junction, then returns to Sharpness. During the trip, a narrator will tell the story of the branch and the Pacer trains. As an extra attraction, you can be a Driver for a Fiver on our Planet diesel shunter at Oldminster Sidings. Read on for more details about Return to Sharpness. Tickets are limited! Book here FAQs How much does a ticket cost? A ticket for one return trip is £20 for adults /£10 for children (4-15), plus a booking fee. Children under 4 travel free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. How long does the Return to Sharpness journey last? The journey lasts for about 45 minutes. There are no station stops during the trip, apart from boarding and disembarking at Oldminster Sidings. Arriving by car. Free parking is available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club GL13 9UN what3words: ///interview.sports.sharpness Our free shuttle bus will take you to and from Oldminster Sidings. Important: no parking is permitted at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Arriving by cycle. Please bring a bicycle lock with you and secure your bike at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club when you arrive. Important: cycles cannot be left at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Can I get there by public transport? Yes. To encourage people to leave their cars at home and arrive by train, we're providing a free scheduled bus service from Cam & Dursley railway station to Oldminster Sidings, timed to connect with train services from Gloucester and Bristol. It will also pick up enroute at Cam Pitch and Berkeley High Street. This free bus service is exclusively for Return to Sharpness ticket holders. Where do I catch this bus service? Please make sure you are on time as the bus is scheduled and won't be able to wait. See below for the bus and train timetable. ? At Cam & Dursley station the bus will be at the exit from the platforms and will be clearly marked in the front window "Return to Sharpness". ? At Cam Pitch, pick up will be at the bus stop at the junction with Fairmead. ? At Berkeley Market Place it will be outside Ye Olde Shoppe. It will drop off at the same locations on the return journey . Return to Sharpness bus & train timetable .pdf Download PDF ? 236KB When should I arrive? Please make sure you arrive at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club 30 mins before your booked Return to Sharpness train, to allow time for checking in. Shortly before your Return to Sharpness train is due, our free shuttle bus will take you to Oldminster Sidings (please don't walk or cycle to the Sidings). After your journey the bus will bring you back to the Club. Do I have to book or can I just turn up? Travel on the Return to Sharpness train must be booked and your ticket(s) will be checked before you board. Tickets will be available soon - please check back regularly on this page. You can also check on the Vale of Berkeley Railway Facebook page, where we'll announce when they're available. I have limited mobility; will I be able to attend? There is level ground and ramp access to the train and each service will have spaces for 4 wheelchairs (please add the Wheelchair accessible space when booking). If you are arriving by car, you can be dropped off at Oldminster Sidings and the park nearby. If you have any further questions please email us at events@vobr.org.uk Can I bring my mobility scooter? Sorry, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters. Are dogs permitted? Guide and support dogs are welcome, please let us know when booking. We are unable to accommodate other dogs. Are toilets available on the train? No, to meet current regulations the train toilets cannot be used. What is the Driver for a Fiver experience? Two Drivers for a Fiver will travel in the cab of our Planet diesel and under supervision, each will have the opportunity to drive the loco a short distance up and down the Sidings. The experience will last 10 - 15 minutes. You will need to be 18 or over with eyesight good enough to pass a UK driving test and must be able to climb up vertical steps into the locomotive unaided from ground level (approximately 2m vertical climb). Are refreshments available? Food and drink will be available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club each day. What else can I do at the Club? While you're at the Club you can also enjoy our Sharpness branch exhibition, browse our VoBR stand, chat to our volunteers and even join us as a VoBR member! Why is the VoBR's Return to Sharpness event happening now? It's to commemorate 150 years since the first passengers travelled on the Sharpness on 1st August 1876. It also celebrates achieving our long wished-for dream, to run our own trains on the branch so passengers can enjoy the experience for the first time in over 60 years. And by raising funds to make major improvements at Oldminster Sidings, it will support the VoBR's aim to educate and entertain visitors, explaining how railways played an important role at the heart of the Sharpness community.
Return to Sharpness 31 July - 2 August 2026 Your chance to be a pioneer passenger on the Sharpness Branch! Sharpness Sports and Social Club, The Docks, Sharpness, Berkeley GL13 9UN, UK About the event 150 years ago eager travellers boarded the first passenger train to Sharpness. To celebrate this anniversary, the Vale of Berkeley Railway is running special train services on the Sharpness branch on 31st July, 1st August and 2nd August 2026. This is your chance to be a railway pioneer - one of the first people to ride the Sharpness branch, over 60 years after the line closed to passengers. As well as reliving history, you'll also be supporting the Vale of Berkeley Railway; this is a crucial fundraising event for us, as we work to improve our facilities at Oldminster Sidings and establish the VoBR as a significant asset and focal point for the Sharpness community. Your journey on our Class 143 Pacer train starts at our Oldminster Sidings base at Sharpness, passes the site of the former Berkeley Station and continues towards Berkeley Road junction, then returns to Sharpness. During the trip, a narrator will tell the story of the branch and the Pacer trains. As an extra attraction, you can be a Driver for a Fiver on our Planet diesel shunter at Oldminster Sidings. Read on for more details about Return to Sharpness. Tickets are limited! Book here FAQs How much does a ticket cost? A ticket for one return trip is £20 for adults /£10 for children (4-15), plus a booking fee. Children under 4 travel free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. How long does the Return to Sharpness journey last? The journey lasts for about 45 minutes. There are no station stops during the trip, apart from boarding and disembarking at Oldminster Sidings. Arriving by car. Free parking is available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club GL13 9UN what3words: ///interview.sports.sharpness Our free shuttle bus will take you to and from Oldminster Sidings. Important: no parking is permitted at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Arriving by cycle. Please bring a bicycle lock with you and secure your bike at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club when you arrive. Important: cycles cannot be left at Oldminster Sidings or anywhere else in the Dock area. Can I get there by public transport? Yes. To encourage people to leave their cars at home and arrive by train, we're providing a free scheduled bus service from Cam & Dursley railway station to Oldminster Sidings, timed to connect with train services from Gloucester and Bristol. It will also pick up enroute at Cam Pitch and Berkeley High Street. This free bus service is exclusively for Return to Sharpness ticket holders. Where do I catch this bus service? Please make sure you are on time as the bus is scheduled and won't be able to wait. See below for the bus and train timetable. ? At Cam & Dursley station the bus will be at the exit from the platforms and will be clearly marked in the front window "Return to Sharpness". ? At Cam Pitch, pick up will be at the bus stop at the junction with Fairmead. ? At Berkeley Market Place it will be outside Ye Olde Shoppe. It will drop off at the same locations on the return journey . Return to Sharpness bus & train timetable .pdf Download PDF ? 236KB When should I arrive? Please make sure you arrive at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club 30 mins before your booked Return to Sharpness train, to allow time for checking in. Shortly before your Return to Sharpness train is due, our free shuttle bus will take you to Oldminster Sidings (please don't walk or cycle to the Sidings). After your journey the bus will bring you back to the Club. Do I have to book or can I just turn up? Travel on the Return to Sharpness train must be booked and your ticket(s) will be checked before you board. Tickets will be available soon - please check back regularly on this page. You can also check on the Vale of Berkeley Railway Facebook page, where we'll announce when they're available. I have limited mobility; will I be able to attend? There is level ground and ramp access to the train and each service will have spaces for 4 wheelchairs (please add the Wheelchair accessible space when booking). If you are arriving by car, you can be dropped off at Oldminster Sidings and the park nearby. If you have any further questions please email us at events@vobr.org.uk Can I bring my mobility scooter? Sorry, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters. Are dogs permitted? Guide and support dogs are welcome, please let us know when booking. We are unable to accommodate other dogs. Are toilets available on the train? No, to meet current regulations the train toilets cannot be used. What is the Driver for a Fiver experience? Two Drivers for a Fiver will travel in the cab of our Planet diesel and under supervision, each will have the opportunity to drive the loco a short distance up and down the Sidings. The experience will last 10 - 15 minutes. You will need to be 18 or over with eyesight good enough to pass a UK driving test and must be able to climb up vertical steps into the locomotive unaided from ground level (approximately 2m vertical climb). Are refreshments available? Food and drink will be available at the Sharpness Sports and Social Club each day. What else can I do at the Club? While you're at the Club you can also enjoy our Sharpness branch exhibition, browse our VoBR stand, chat to our volunteers and even join us as a VoBR member! Why is the VoBR's Return to Sharpness event happening now? It's to commemorate 150 years since the first passengers travelled on the Sharpness on 1st August 1876. It also celebrates achieving our long wished-for dream, to run our own trains on the branch so passengers can enjoy the experience for the first time in over 60 years. And by raising funds to make major improvements at Oldminster Sidings, it will support the VoBR's aim to educate and entertain visitors, explaining how railways played an important role at the heart of the Sharpness community.
Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026 Get ready for an action-packed weekend as we present Bluebell On Parade - a three-day gala celebrating the very best of steam! Experience the sheer power and nostalgia of the Bluebell Railway with an intensive timetable running throughout the weekend. We're bringing out a fantastic line-up of our home-fleet locomotives, keeping the tracks busy with frequent departures and non-stop moving history. It's the ultimate day out for enthusiasts and a perfect weekend for families. Best of all, our Kids for a Quid offer applies, making it an affordable way to bring the whole family along for the ride! What to expect throughout the long weekend Locomotives Galore: See multiple Bluebell engines in steam and in action. Frequent Trains: Our intensive timetable means less waiting and more riding. Family Fun: From the sights and sounds of the footplate to exploring our historic stations. Great Value: Children travel for just £1 all weekend long! And not to be missed - an all-engine cavalcade on Sunday 9th August at Horsted Keynes station from 16:30. Locomotives taking part (subject to availability) Bulleid Pacific 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' Marsh Atlantic 32424 'Beachy Head' A1x Terrier 72 'Fenchurch' SECR O1 65 BR Standard Five 73082 'Camelot' BR Standard Four Tank 80151 GWR Saint 2999 'Lady Of Legend' Class 33/1 33108 Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' Don't miss out on the most exciting event in our summer calendar. Join us for a weekend of smoke, steam, and spectacular memories.
Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026 Get ready for an action-packed weekend as we present Bluebell On Parade - a three-day gala celebrating the very best of steam! Experience the sheer power and nostalgia of the Bluebell Railway with an intensive timetable running throughout the weekend. We're bringing out a fantastic line-up of our home-fleet locomotives, keeping the tracks busy with frequent departures and non-stop moving history. It's the ultimate day out for enthusiasts and a perfect weekend for families. Best of all, our Kids for a Quid offer applies, making it an affordable way to bring the whole family along for the ride! What to expect throughout the long weekend Locomotives Galore: See multiple Bluebell engines in steam and in action. Frequent Trains: Our intensive timetable means less waiting and more riding. Family Fun: From the sights and sounds of the footplate to exploring our historic stations. Great Value: Children travel for just £1 all weekend long! And not to be missed - an all-engine cavalcade on Sunday 9th August at Horsted Keynes station from 16:30. Locomotives taking part (subject to availability) Bulleid Pacific 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' Marsh Atlantic 32424 'Beachy Head' A1x Terrier 72 'Fenchurch' SECR O1 65 BR Standard Five 73082 'Camelot' BR Standard Four Tank 80151 GWR Saint 2999 'Lady Of Legend' Class 33/1 33108 Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' Don't miss out on the most exciting event in our summer calendar. Join us for a weekend of smoke, steam, and spectacular memories.
08 Day Sunday 9 August 2026 One for all of the Gronk fans out there. Come and join us for a day of 08 traction. Subject to availability, all three of our resident 08s will be in action throughout the day. We will aim to double-head on some trains and may even run a triple-headed train. Trains will depart from Wallingford at 1100, 1230, 1400 and 1530. Departures from Cholsey will be at 1130, 1300, 1430 and 1600.
Bluebell on Parade Weekend 2026 Friday 7 August to Sunday 9 August 2026 Get ready for an action-packed weekend as we present Bluebell On Parade - a three-day gala celebrating the very best of steam! Experience the sheer power and nostalgia of the Bluebell Railway with an intensive timetable running throughout the weekend. We're bringing out a fantastic line-up of our home-fleet locomotives, keeping the tracks busy with frequent departures and non-stop moving history. It's the ultimate day out for enthusiasts and a perfect weekend for families. Best of all, our Kids for a Quid offer applies, making it an affordable way to bring the whole family along for the ride! What to expect throughout the long weekend Locomotives Galore: See multiple Bluebell engines in steam and in action. Frequent Trains: Our intensive timetable means less waiting and more riding. Family Fun: From the sights and sounds of the footplate to exploring our historic stations. Great Value: Children travel for just £1 all weekend long! And not to be missed - an all-engine cavalcade on Sunday 9th August at Horsted Keynes station from 16:30. Locomotives taking part (subject to availability) Bulleid Pacific 34059 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' Marsh Atlantic 32424 'Beachy Head' A1x Terrier 72 'Fenchurch' SECR O1 65 BR Standard Five 73082 'Camelot' BR Standard Four Tank 80151 GWR Saint 2999 'Lady Of Legend' Class 33/1 33108 Class 73 E6040 'The Bluebell Railway' Don't miss out on the most exciting event in our summer calendar. Join us for a weekend of smoke, steam, and spectacular memories.
The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 15 August 2026 This is a wonderful opportunity for those from the Crewe and Manchester areas to travel by steam train on a journey combining the scenic grandeur of the Cumbrian Fells with the exposed Cumbrian coastline that skirts the western edge of the Lake District. We travel from Carnforth steam hauled around the very scenic Cumbrian Coastal line.? Our train leaves Crewe, diesel hauled, at around 07:00 and calls at Wilmslow, Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly to pick up passengers. We join the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and travel north to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before arriving at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth steam hauled, we pass the famous Brief Encounter cafebefore continuing to Arnside, crossing the Kent Viaduct to Grange-over-Sands. Our journey then continues over the Leven Viaduct through Ulverston and Dalton, before travelling via Kirkby-in-Furness and Millom along the spectacular Cumbrian Coast to Ravenglass. At Ravenglass, we have arranged a private charter on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Alternatively, for those who prefer, there is an optional excursion to visit Muncaster Castle. After enjoying our time at Ravenglass, we depart steam hauled, chimney first, back to Carnforth where our diesel locomotive will once again take over and haul our train back to Crewe. At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. Once again we curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our diesel will take over for our run back to Crewe. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. **Updated 28/05/26 Available Classes Premier Dining Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. (not available from Preston) First Class First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a sweet treat and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four. Fares Fares Adult Junior Family Premier £335 £240 £1025 First £225 £160 £690 Standard £120 £90 £375 Muncaster Castle £30pp Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £50 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments. ? catering icon link to catering page On Board Catering Destinations Route Green map of Britain and Ireland with labeled city locations in black text Book Now Approximate timings shown Station Outward Return Crewe 07:00 21:55 Wilmslow 07:30 21:15 Stockport 07:55 21:00 Manchester Piccadilly 09:00 20:20 Preston 10:15 19:05 Ravenglass 15:15 16:45
Hornby Hobbies x One:One Collection Open Weekend 2026 Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August 2026 Overview Join us for a weekend of fun at the Hornby Hobbies x One:One Collection Open Weekend Join us for a weekend of full-size fun, hands-on activities and model magic at Hornby's WonderWorks and The One:One Collection in Margate! Whether you're a lifelong enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out with the family, Hornby Hobbies' summer open weekend promises something for everyone. Held across two days in the historic home of Hornby, this event is packed with interactive displays, iconic brands, model railways, slot car racing and a rare chance to get up close to full-size trains and half-scale classic cars. This special event is being held in conjunction with Southeastern, in celebration of 100 years of the Thanet railway stations. WHAT TO EXPECT The One:One Collection Your ticket includes a preview of One:One Collection - packed with full-size heritage locomotives, large-scale engineering models, and a working O gauge layout. Step inside to see the mighty Black 5 and iconic Royal Scot locomotives, Churchill's funeral carriage, and the original Euston station departure boards. The space also features a working O gauge layout and large-scale engineered. It's an unmissable experience for anyone curious about the scale and story of Britain's railways.
Hornby Hobbies x One:One Collection Open Weekend 2026 Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August 2026 Overview Join us for a weekend of fun at the Hornby Hobbies x One:One Collection Open Weekend Join us for a weekend of full-size fun, hands-on activities and model magic at Hornby's WonderWorks and The One:One Collection in Margate! Whether you're a lifelong enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out with the family, Hornby Hobbies' summer open weekend promises something for everyone. Held across two days in the historic home of Hornby, this event is packed with interactive displays, iconic brands, model railways, slot car racing and a rare chance to get up close to full-size trains and half-scale classic cars. This special event is being held in conjunction with Southeastern, in celebration of 100 years of the Thanet railway stations. WHAT TO EXPECT The One:One Collection Your ticket includes a preview of One:One Collection - packed with full-size heritage locomotives, large-scale engineering models, and a working O gauge layout. Step inside to see the mighty Black 5 and iconic Royal Scot locomotives, Churchill's funeral carriage, and the original Euston station departure boards. The space also features a working O gauge layout and large-scale engineered. It's an unmissable experience for anyone curious about the scale and story of Britain's railways.
The Retro Cestrian Bard Saturday 22nd August 2026 Come and join us on our trip to Stratford-upon-Avon this Summer. Picking up at stations in Cheshire, you have the rare opportunity of a direct train to the historic town, famed as the home of the great William Shakespear. This day-trip journey from stations in Cheshire to Stratford-upon-Avon, will take a circular route via the West Midlands, returning via Hereford and the Marches route. You will have just over 3 hours to enjoy Stratford before the special train returns north to your local station. Catering A buffet serving hot and cold snacks will be available, along with our famous 'Real Ale Bar', serving a variety of hand-pumped Real Ales, wines and hot snacks. We are one of the only mainline operators to serve real ales by hand-pump in Britain! Train information We have requested two Class 37s to haul this tour. As we have fewer First Class carriages than usual, we expect First Class to sell out very quickly - so we recommend reserving as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! We are sorry that we're unable to serve West Yorkshire stations this year, due to the ongoing Transpennine Route Upgrade works. As usual, there will be two classes of accommodation to suit all budgets. Our First Class option will make your day extra special. With padded seats, our ex-Intercity First Class coaches provide the perfect ambience to enjoy the scenic journey. If you want to recreate the Golden Age of train travel, this is certainly your opportunity. Our Standard Class coaches are also very popular. Our standard class accommodation is very comfortable, with large windows aligned with seats - allowing you to enjoy your Retro experience. Timings Timings below are provisional and have not yet been confirmed by Network Rail. Outward (dep) Return (arr) Stalybridge 07:00 21:20 Reddish South 07:15 21:00 Stockport 07:25 20:50 Altrincham 07:40 20:30 Knutsford 08:00 20:15 Northwich 08:15 20:00 Chester 08:50 19:20 Stratford-upon-Avon 11:30 (arr) 15:00 (dep) Fares The following fares are available:- Standard Class (Adult) £120.00 Standard Class (Child) £99.00 First Class (Adult) £240.00 First Class (Child) £199.00 Special requirements Please contact us by email: info@retrorailtours.co.uk if you have any seating preferences, or if you will be bringing any children under the age of 5 (at no extra charge). Bookings if you have any queries, please email us at info@retrorailtours.co.uk Bookings are now open via our Online bookings page; alternatively you can print a paper booking form.
The Class 50 Story: The British Rail Years with Geoff Hudson Saturday 22 August 2026 A NEW Visual and Audio Presentation on the History of the Class 50 ??Saturday 22nd August 2026 ??Station Tea Room, Kidderminster Town Station Severn Valley Railway DY10 1QX ? 19:45 - 22:15 (Including a 15-minute break) We are delighted to welcome back our Honorary President, Geoff Hudson, for new installation in the history of the class. Tickets: £10 Book in advance or pay cash on the door. To reserve your place, email sales@fiftyfund.org.uk with the subject line: "Geoff Hudson Talk" All funds raised during the evening will be kindly donated by Geoff to the Class 50 Alliance to support the ongoing upkeep and preservation of the fleet. ??Most conveniently it's a 2 round trip to Bridgnorth class 50 diagram on this date. About the Presentation Geoff Hudson, former Area Fleet Manager at Plymouth's Laira Depot, will explore the origins and development of the Class 50 locomotives. The presentation will cover their operation and maintenance, the refurbishment programme, and their final years in British Rail service, including the historic farewell railtour. Refreshments Refreshments will be available during the 15-minute break from the King & Castle Pub, located next door to the venue. Many will remember Geoff's excellent previous talk, and we look forward to another enjoyable and insightful evening. If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with me. This event has been arranged by The Fifty Fund