Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth celebrates a national award and a fare freeze

The Severn Valley Railway has had plenty to celebrate in 2026. In March the heritage line, which runs from Bridgnorth along the Severn Valley, received the Chairman's Special Award at the Heritage Railway Association awards in Llandudno.

The award is only presented occasionally, at the chairman's discretion, for an entry that no other award can really do justice to. It recognised the team effort by volunteers, staff and partners in reinstating the line after a landslip at Mor Brook in 2025. The railway was told the repairs could take nine to 12 months, but the line reopened in just six, with Flying Scotsman on hand for the occasion.

Managing director Gus Dunster said he was immensely proud of the whole team. Young volunteer Jack Baldwin was also highly commended in the Rising Star category, and two more SVR entries were highly commended: the restoration of Great Western Railway coach No 9581 as an accessible buffet and saloon car, and the Boogie Lights Express.

For visitors, the good news continued with a fare freeze. The railway held its 2026 fares at 2025 prices, including Freedom of the Line and short journey tickets, as well as day rover fares for special events. Advance Freedom of the Line tickets start from £26 for adults, and an adult return from Bridgnorth to Highley is £15. Visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox said the decision was about keeping a day out accessible, especially for families.

The 2026 programme has included the Spring Steam Gala, the Spring Diesel Festival and the popular Step Back to the 1940s weekends in June and July.

Bridgnorth, where preservation on the line first began, also gained something special this summer. Steam-hauled services ran on the first train of the day from the town every Saturday in June, July and August, using one of the railway's smaller locomotives with historic Great Western carriages. Among them was GWR 4786, restored by volunteers at Bewdley and marking its 100th year in service in 2026.

From the station at Bridgnorth, a trip down the valley remains one of the classic Shropshire days out, whatever the season.

Timetables, events and tickets for the Severn Valley Railway are available at svr.co.uk.