This journey into the industrial past is a good 25 km long and leads through the heart of England. The Severn Valley Railway operates almost throughout the year with a huge variety of historic steam trains. It links mediaeval Bridgnorth –in the shadow of Pisa-like leaning tower – with Kidderminster, a former carpet-making centre and now the site of a fascinating railway museum. The railway line follows the twists and turns of the Severn through an idyllic rural valley almost completely free of roads. On the way there are quaint stations which invite travellers to alight and take a stroll through the pretty little towns, or embark on a short hike. The many highlights along the way include the outstanding journey across the boldly-arched Victoria Bridge above the Severn. The 60 metre bridge was built in 1861 and could once boast of being the longest bridge in the world. Passengers also have the choice of taking a stylish meal in the restaurant car, or visiting one of the many entertaining events which are staged between February and December.

The historic Severn Valley Railway in central England needs 1,500 voluntary helpers to keep it in operation. Everyday, scores of railway fans turn a dream which first took shape in the 1960s, into reality once again. That was the decade in which the vast majority of regular train connections through the Severn Valley were closed down for good. The 65 km railway line linking the towns of Hartlebury in Worcestershire and Shrewsbury in Shropshire had been running since 1862 between such important early industrial centres like Coalport and Ironbridge. Right to the end Highley Station was also used as a loading point by several of the neighbouring collieries in the area. Not far from here a modern visitor centre, opened in mid-2007, covers the history of the Severn Valley Railway in a multifaceted exhibition that also includes many original railway vehicles.

From the very start the railway line through the Severn Valley provided a huge boost to industrialisation in the region. In the 1870s it was part of the great Western Railway. In 1878 a secondary line was built from Bewdley to Kidderminster, thereby creating a direct link to the industrial towns in the West Midlands. In 1963 it was decided to close down the track running north from Bridgnorth; and in 1970 the track running south was threatened with the same fate. Nonetheless, in May of the same year, the first historic trains began to run between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade: and by 1984 the track was operating once again all way to Kidderminster. All these achievements were thanks to the efforts of a committed group of railway lovers who banded together in 1965 to form the Severn Valley Railway Society. Nowadays their collection of vehicles comprises 27 steam locomotives and 18 diesel locomotives, more than 60 passenger wagons and over 100 goods wagons. The many attractions offered by the Severn Valley Railway are further enhanced by events like the "Steam Gala" and the "1940s Weekend".