All Aboard the Evesham Vale Steam Trains

Evesham Vale Light Railway. Photo © Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

For a fabulous day out with the family, why not head over to Evesham and enjoy the Evesham Vale Light Railway, run by Adrian and Sandra Corke.

Situated within Evesham Country Park and neighbouring The Valley Evesham Shopping Park with 25 unique shops, garden centre and eateries, this 15-inch (381 mm) gauge railway is a real family treat that the kids will love!

Families taking a ride. Photo © Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

The line is just over a mile long, (1.6 km) taking around 10 to 15 minutes for trains to go round the Balloon Loop. The route takes passengers via the old apple orchards then onwards and through a tunnel – much to the excitement of the youngsters. People can break their journey if they wish by stopping off at Evesham Vale Station, returning on a later train.

This is an ideal spot for the children to let off steam at the medieval play fort standing on a grassy hill. Plus, there’s picnic tables and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquil Evesham scenery with its views of the Cotswold Hills; or you could take a stroll along the banks of the River Avon. Take your dog too, there's no extra charge for your pet to travel on their trains.

Enjoy the beautifully maintained locos. Photo © Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

Adrian and Sandra Corke took the railway over in 2012. The couple are dedicated steam train enthusiasts. Adrian is a steam driver and steam engineer having worked at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre and in the restoration of the Greensand Railway Museum Trust’s WDLR Baldwin 4-6-0T No.778. While Sandra has filled many roles at Leighton Buzzard including catering, accounting and even painting locomotives. She is now a trained steam train driver and is actively hands-on in making sure everything runs smoothly and safely at the busy railway.

All hands to the turntable. Photo © Rob Tysall Pro Photography.

There’s a delightful old-world charm about this nostalgic little railway system, with its ticket office and shop where you might treat yourself to a train driver’s cap or station master’s flag before you step out onto the platform where you’ll find the beautifully maintained steam locos and carriages all set to take you on your journey.

Since the opening in 2002 it’s estimated that around 450,000 visitors have taken a trip on one of the trains. Their locos include a 0-4-0 Tender/Tank No 312 ‘St. Egwin; the 0-6-2 No 3 ‘Dougal'; the 0-4-2 Loco No 300 originally named ‘Markeaton Lady’and now known as Monty; there’s also ‘Sludge’, a 4wDM Diesel Locomotive No JGF4. They also often have guest locos paying a visit, and seasonal specials.

All the coaches are enclosed or semi enclosed, and there are compartments adapted for wheelchair users. As mentioned dogs are also welcome on the trains at no extra charge.

The Evesham Vale Light Railway runs daily during school holidays and every weekend throughout the year. For further details visit: http://www.evlr.co.uk/