Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway has done well in its preservation over recent years. Railway enthusiast around the country will recognise the SVR and many people from around the Midlands will have been fortunate enough to take a trip on one of its trains or take part in one of its many events. The Severn Valley Railway operates its trains on full standard guage railway track. The services run every weekend throughout the year and daily during the school holiday periods and designated holiday times. The existing track runs through beautiful countryside and passes over six viaducts.

Passengers can take a train ride from any of the stations along route but a popular choice is the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth route which takes in some 16 miles of countryside and passes through or stops at the stations of Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and finally Bridgnorth.

Running the Severn Valley Railway requires a certain degree of dedication and volunteers as well as membership and shareholders help to keep the spirit of the railways alive. The track and the signalling has to be maintained and the SVR have their own workshops and an impressive array of rolling stock which consists of some twenty seven steam locomotives, eighteen deisel locomotives, sixty passenger coaches and over one hundred goods wagons of various descriptions. More information about the Severn Valley Railway can be found at www.svr.co.uk

Severn Valley, Railway, Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire. DY12 1BG.
Tel: 01299 403816

Kingmaker - Warwick Castle

The Wars of the Roses which began in the 1450's have a lot to do with Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle under Richard Neville, supported the Yorkists and when the Yorkists won in 1461, Henry VI conferred the title of Earl of Warwick on Richard Neville in recognition of his services to the King.

As fortunes changed and allegiances proved difficult to maintain the Earl of Warwick sided against Henry VI and took the King prisoner at Warwick Castle. The Kingmaker at Warwick Castle beautifully demonstrates the preparations for battle, the life of everyday men and women. This is as realistic as it gets. Waxworks by Madame Tussaud provide realistic settings and as the story unfolds you can almost imagine yourself there among the people, people unaware of the destiny of the Earl of Warwick and the King of England.

For more photos of Warwick Castle click here or view on You Tube

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is one of England's finest examples of a mediaeval Castle. With over a thousand years of history, this castle was first fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068. This is one of the UK's most visited attractions.

The visitor will be impressed by the heavy fortifications. For centuries the castle was the home of some of the most powerful Earls in England. The Earl of Warwick influenced the battles between the houses of York and Lancaster in the famous Wars of the Roses.

The grounds were landscaped by 'Capability Brown' and over the years the estate and residence were tranformed into a grand Stately Home. George IV, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Edward VII were very familiar with Warwick Castle and its hospitality.

The collections of furniture, tapestries, painting and armour make this a memorable attraction. No wonder the Castle attracts over 800,000 visitors a year.

More information about the castle can be found at the Warwick Castle Official website:

www.warwick-castle.co.uk

For more photos of Warwick Castle click here or view on You Tube

 

Warwick Gardens

Originally the castle would have been surrounded by a landscape designed to ensure that the defence of the castle was not obstructed by trees or cover that could provide sanctuary for unwanted visitors.

As England became more settled and civil wars and internal struggle ceased to become of relevance, attentions turned towards the design of a landscape and gardens more fitting for a grand stately home. The transformation of the surrounding landscape was due to the involvement of Capability Brown. During the 1750's the surrounding grounds were transformed.

Today the visitor is inspired by the tranquil setting surrounding the castle. The landscaping enhances every aspect of the castle with its sweeping lawns to the river edge. The natural beauty is breathtaking and the specially chosen trees and shrubs lend themselves to the overall effect of this impressive and extensive garden. Take a look at some of the photographs for a tour round the gardens.

For more photos of Warwick Castle click here or view on You Tube

Warwick

Warwick is one of the UK's most historic towns. There are many buildings of historic interest here. The most prominent landmark is Warwick Castle which dominates the skyline. Warwick Castle is the most visited stately home in Great Britain. With its staterooms, great hall, dungeons and torture chambers it dates back to the 14th century. The 128 foot Guy's Tower, Ceasar's Tower and Clock Tower are magnificent examples of a well preserved heritage.

Worth a visit is Lord Leycester Hospital, a group of 14th century buildings which were converted into a home for old soldiers in 1571 and is still in use today. The chapel, great hall and the Guildhall with the museum of the Queen's Own Hussars are all within easy walking distance of the centre. At Oken's House you can pay a visit to the Warwick Doll Museum.

For more photographs of Warwick click here or view on You Tube