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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Cotswolds & The Severn Valley

English heritage railways through the Cotswolds and Severn Valley, five days from Worcester

Illustration of Cotswolds & The Severn Valley

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day escorted tour through the Cotswolds, staying in Worcester, a medieval city next to the train station. The holiday blends guided sightseeing with two heritage railway journeys. Day one settles you into the 4-star Worcester Whitehouse Hotel and introduces the group. Day two features a guided walking tour of Worcester's timber-framed Tudor buildings and cathedral, where King John is buried. Day three takes you by coach to Broadway, the spa town of the Cotswolds, before boarding the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for a scenic ride toward Cheltenham. Day four travels to Bridgnorth for a 16-mile journey on the Severn Valley Railway along the winding River Severn through remote valleys visible only from the train. The tour suits first-time rail travellers who enjoy being looked after, history lovers drawn to England's medieval architecture, and those who want the Cotswolds without arranging their own transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • All four nights are spent in one hotel in Worcester; the tour relies on coach transfers to reach the heritage railways and towns
  • Group size can reach 40 travellers, not a small-group experience
  • Departures and availability are not listed in the evidence; confirm dates with Great Rail Journeys before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Worcester

    A warm welcome in Worcester

    Your holiday begins as you arrive at the hotel in Worcester, conveniently located next to the train station. After meeting the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travellers, there's time to explore at leisure. Worcester is a medieval city filled with history and surrounded by idyllic countryside, including the rolling hills and quaint villages of the Malverns. This evening, regroup at the hotel to enjoy the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Worcester

    Uncover the famed attractions of Worcester

    A guided walking tour reveals the sights of Worcester after a leisurely breakfast, taking in the city's many excellent attractions including the timber-framed Tudor buildings and the magnificent cathedral. The cathedral dates from the early medieval era and showcases an eclectic blend of architectural styles. The chancel contains the tomb of King John. The afternoon is at leisure – you could stop for afternoon tea, enjoy shopping in the many boutiques or visit the Museum of Royal Worcester. Dinner at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Worcester

    A heritage Cotswolds rail journey from Broadway to Cheltenham

    Travel by coach to Broadway, the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', with time at leisure to discover its High Street. Board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for a journey showcasing spectacular scenery and views of the Vale of Evesham on the way to Cheltenham. On arrival in Cheltenham, there is free time over lunch to enjoy the spa town's popular cafés, restaurants and street food options. Return by coach to the hotel in the afternoon. Trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Worcester

    Exploring Bridgnorth and the vintage Severn Valley Railway

    Transfer by coach to the pretty Shropshire town of Bridgnorth, where there is time to explore at leisure. You could take a trip on the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway, one of the steepest funiculars in England. After time to lunch independently, join the Severn Valley Railway for a beautiful 16-mile journey along the winding River Severn, with views of remote valleys that can only be seen by rail. A highlight is crossing the 200-foot Victoria Bridge. On arrival in Kidderminster, there is free time before travelling back to Worcester by coach for the final dinner at the hotel. Trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    The holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Once checked out of the hotel, guests are free to make their way home or continue exploring the beautiful surrounding area independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Worcester reveals timber-framed Tudor buildings and the medieval cathedral, which contains the tomb of King John
  • Day 3Travel on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway from Broadway through the Vale of Evesham to Cheltenham
  • Day 4Board the Severn Valley Railway for a 16-mile journey along the winding River Severn, viewing remote valleys only accessible by rail

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the Severn Valley Railway is included, along with all coach transport.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and includes guided tours and excursions.
What is included in the price?
The price covers four nights in a 4-star hotel, breakfast and dinner daily, all rail and coach travel, a Tour Manager, and all guided tours and excursions. Cancellation and Travel Insurance are not included.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast and dinner are included each day. Lunches are at leisure so you can choose where to eat.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 includes a guided walking tour of Worcester. Other days involve leisurely exploration of towns and villages at your own pace. An optional funicular railway in Bridgnorth is available.
Which heritage railways are included?
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (Broadway to Cheltenham, 14 miles) and the Severn Valley Railway (Bridgnorth to Kidderminster, 16 miles).

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