South West
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STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
The Torbay Express
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway - ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’. Through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this railway network was regarded as the most advanced in the world. The Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of the former GWR Swindon Railway Works. Life-like characters, interactive exhibits and imaginative displays take you through the ages as the story of the Great Western Railway unfolds. Famous locomotives currently on display include GWR Castle Class No 4073 Caerphilly Castle, GWR 7800 Class No 7821 Ditcheat Manor and No 4003 Lode Star - the only remaining GWR 4000 Class locomotive. There’s plenty to do for all ages, including the chance to climb aboard some of the locomotives, ‘drive’ the train simulator, change the points in the interactive signal box and even visit the recreated Seaside Pier with working vintage slot machines. Many special events run throughout the year, including special half-term and summer holiday activities and the Swindon Railway Festival (12 & 13 September). The Museum is open every day, throughout the year (except 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January). You will find the museum right next to the Swindon Designer Outlet which is tastefully built inside further renovations of the historic GWR Swindon site. From the M4, take junction 16. For all directions, follow the brown tourist signs for Designer Outlet or the ‘M’ for museum sign. STEAM is located in the Rodbourne area of Swindon. Coach parking is in the Designer Outlet North car park.
The Torbay Express is one of the most famous express trains of the post-war years. It follows the route of Brunel’s Great Western Railway, speeding across the Somerset levels and around the beautiful Devon coastline on one of the most enchanting railway journeys in the world. Travelling aboard The Torbay Express with its heritage carriages, comfortable seats, large picture windows and famous locomotives (70000 Britannia, 60009 Union of South Africa and 60163 Tornado) takes you on a journey back to the romantic days of steam and summer excursions to the seaside resorts of the English Riviera. Operating on summer Sundays, 14 June, 26 July, 2 & 23 August, The Torbay Express departs Bristol Temple Meads about 09:10 on its scenic journey to the West and the spectacular coastal route to Torbay. Pick-up stations are Weston-SuperMare and Taunton (Premier Dining not available from here). Arrival back in Bristol is around 20:15. On 24 May, 12 July, 13 & 20 September, The Torbay Express will leave Bristol Temple Meads earlier and pick-up from Bath Spa, Trowbridge, Westbury and Taunton and will get back to Bristol slightly later. Premier Dining (£225) - silver service dining: a glass of Buck’s Fizz and a hearty English breakfast on the outward journey, a glass of champagne on the return is followed by a four course dinner with chocolates and coffee First Class (£145) - complimentary service of morning refreshments and an afternoon Devon cream tea. Standard Class (£95 Adult £60 u16) passengers travel at tables for four. A selection of snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board. Tables for two, with guaranteed window seats can be reserved at a supplement of £25 per person in Premier and First Class. Enjoy a break of up to five hours at seaside Paignton or stay aboard to visit beautiful and historic Dartmouth.
For current admission prices, please see the STEAM website at www.steam-museum.org.uk For group bookings, please call the STEAM Groups Co-ordinator on 01793 466637 or email tnardoni@swindon.gov.uk Or contact STEAM by post at: STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY Information hotline (24 hours): 01793 466646
Contact name for Group Bookings: Hannah Watts Main periods of operation: May - September Coach parking facility: At pick-up railway stations (Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Trowbridge, Westbury, Weston-Super-Mare & Taunton) Principal Group Rates: 5% reduction for groups of 10+ rising in increments of 1% for each ten passengers to a maximum of 10% discount Number of passengers required for Group Rate: over 10 Catering available for Groups: Catering included as part of package for First Class & Premier Dining passengers
Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY Tel. 01793 466637 E: tnardoni@swindon.gov.uk W: www.steam-museum.org.uk
Stag House, Giddynap Lane, Inchbrook, Stroud, GL5 5EZ Tel: 001453 834477 / 835414 • Fax: 01453 834053 E: contact@torbayexpress.co.uk W: www.torbayexpress.co.uk
THE HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE