Best steam railways near London – need suggestiions?
I am very fascinated about steam railways and would like to take up a journey in steam railways near London. With some research, I have narrowed down to the bluebell railway in Sussex, Isle of wight steam railway and The Watercress railway line in Hampshire..
Need your advice on the best of the lot considering my priorities below
1. Easily accessible from London – thru megabus, national express coaches, trains
2. Closest to London within a 2 to 3 hr journey by bus / train
3. Most scenic rail route – I love the country side
4. One with the longest duration of journey – no point traveling all the way just for a 1 mile journey
5. Best value for money overall
Also welcome suggestions on any other steam railway that I have missed which meets these requirements.. Please list the suggestions in the order of your preference with justification.. Thanks..
2
Answers
Seeing as you’re prepared to travel for 2 to 3 hours from London, I would suggest the Severn Valley Railway a sixteen mile trip that winds through the countryside between Kidderminster and the Shropshire market town of Bridgnorth with several pretty station stops and a museum inbetween, the southern terminus at Kidderminster is a 2 1/2 hour journey from Euston or Marylebone, just alight at Birmingham New Street and take the short walk to Birmingham Snow Hill for the train to Kidderminster, all the details of the SVR are in the link.