How to see the Flying Scotsman as railway reopens

The Flying Scotsman train. It is a green steam train with a plaque on the front reading "Railway Touring Company"Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

The Flying Scotsman will be making a rare guest appearance at the Severn Valley Railway as it reopens after a landslip

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This week, the Severn Valley Railway fully reopens for the first time since an embankment collapse earlier in the year.

Now tracks have been re-laid over the newly repaired bridge, the popular heritage railway will reopen on Friday with one of the most iconic trains in the world making an appearance.

The Flying Scotsman will be making three return trips a day on Friday, then on Saturday and Sunday, as part of Severn Valley Railway's Swingin' Sixties event, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the line.

However, the famous steam train can still be seen at various railway stations and areas across the county for people to enjoy.

The Flying Scotsman is described by National Museums Scotland as "the world's most famous train service" and by the National Railway Museum as "the world's most famous steam locomotive".

It first entered service in 1923 and broke records by hauling the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928.

Six years later, it became the UK's first locomotive to officially reach a speed of 100mph.

How can I see the Flying Scotsman?

Severn Valley Railway said the best place to see the famous locomotive was by purchasing Day Rover tickets to their Swingin' Sixties event, external on Saturday and Sunday - however, separate tickets to ride behind the train have sold out.

For those with tickets, the Flying Scotsman trains depart from Kidderminster for one round trip - the train will not be stopping at intermediate stations - at 09:00 BST, 13:00 BST and 17:15 BST.

Severn Valley Railway advised people without tickets not to attend Kidderminster or Bridgnorth Station as access was restricted to ticket-holders only.

The railway operators also advised people not to access via Northwood Halt and Country Park Halt.

Anyone who wants to see the Flying Scotsman without attending the Swingin' Sixties event is advised to go to one of the following locations:

  • Bewdley Station

  • Arley Station

  • Arley Arboretum

  • Coombys Farm

  • Highley Station and The Engine House

  • Wellness Woodlands, Highley

  • Severn Valley Country Park

  • Hampton Loade Station

  • Eardington Station

  • Eardington Nature Reserve

A bridge underneath a railway with a river running underneath it. Earth has fallen away from the railway track leaving it exposed. There is debris and fencing in the river below.
Image caption,

The landslip, pictured in February, closed about four miles of the track

What else is happening at the event?

As part of the Swingin' Sixties event on Saturday and Sunday, ticket holders can ride on steam and diesel trains in historical carriages - although tickets to ride behind the Flying Scotsman have sold out.

This is the first time visitors will be able to travel over the full Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, following the landslip and subsequent repairs.

There will be a ferris wheel at The Engine House in Bridgnorth, with live music at The Engine House and the Kidderminster end of the railway.

Furthermore, there will be classic cars on display at Kidderminster, The Engine House and Bridgnorth.

Tickets include train travel all day and access to the attractions.

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