Tour operators, GTOS and coach tour planners were all chuffed to experience a memorable and unique educational trip on board the Severn Valley Railway.
Taking place on Monday 18th February, the 40 VIPS enjoyed a highly successful and rewarding showcase visit taking in a number of stops and scenic views along the stunning Severn Valley from Worcestershire through to Shropshire.
The event showed that the famous SVR deserves its status as one of the very best heritage railway experiences in the whole of the UK.
Coordinated by UK group travel specialists Steve Reed Tourism Ltd from Hampshire and arranged in conjunction with well-known coach and tour company Elgar Travel from Worcester, the event also took in a special safari and familiarisation to the nearby and popular West Midland Safari Park.
The Mercure Bewdley The Heath Hotel – part of the Jupiter Hotels group – hosted the buyers with a first class reception, dinner and accommodation. The buyers were from all over the UK and included for example; Roadmark Travel from Sussex; Richmond’s Coaches from Royston; Norman Allen Group Travel from Herefordshire and Woods Coaches from Bognor. Waving the flag for GTOS were Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society; Newton Abbott Travel Club from Devon and Crookham Travel from Surrey.
The group took in stops at attractive places such as Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Highly. The latter being the venue of the highly impressive Engine House Visitor Centre – packed to the buffers with historic locos and coaches including one with a distinct royal connection.
The Severn Valley team Nikki Davies and Karen Bromell looked after the tour planners and showed them the many ways that the Severn Valley Railway could be enjoyed by groups of all types. The attendees were pleased to hear that the SVR is very flexible with groups and coaches all year around – and offers a variety of tour products and experiences depending on each group’s requirements.
SVR Group Coordinator Karen Bromell explains:
‘We were so pleased to greet our coach and touring guests and treat them to an unforgettable SVR day out. What could be nicer than to sit back and relax in our historic and characterful coaches to enjoy the majestic Severn Valley landscape?
‘The Severn Valley Railway always welcomes groups and we were glad to receive actual bookings during the familiarisation day itself – with many up the line we anticipate,’ say Karen.
To book or to enquire about a group trip with the Severn Valley Railway please telephone 01562 757900 (option 1)
Email Karen.bromell@svrlive.com
Website:- www.svr.co.uk
