2023 February Half-Term operations

If my memory of pre-pandemic days is correct, many if not most heritage railways used to operate during the February half-term week.

But having had a look to see where I might visit in February this year, very few railways seem to be planning to operate. The only ones near to me are the Avon Valley Rly at Bitton and Didcot Rly Centre. Further afield, I noted South Devon, Swanage, Bluebell & KESR.

Any others? I assume that the lack of February running is partly due to general retrenchment and partly to allow more time for winter maintenance work.

 

Certainly the case with the SVR, line will be severed at both Highley and Bridgnorth for major works.

Great Central usually runs services in winter, but I know they have bridge replacement works planned, so will be worth checking.

 

Churnet Valley are doing Kids for a Quid Mon - Thu, and the standard Green TT that we've become accustomed to on both Sundays.

Bit of a trial, we've done Kids for a Quid at Feb Half Term most years since 2015(?), though this is the first time we've tested 4x days. We've got similar planned for Whitsun & Summer holidays, just to see if the cheaper option generates interest amongst those struggling bu who'd still like to ride a steam train.

 

The GCR are open at weekends plus Feb half term I believe. They close Loughborough and Quorn, Feb 24th to March 24th, for the two bridges either side of Quorn to be replaced, However they will be still operating Leicester North, Rothley and Mountsorrel branch during that period with DMU sets.

 

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway running 5 round trips a day (Green timetable) from Wednesday 15th to Wednesday 22nd February. (AIUI Different northern education authorities have chosen different weeks for half term so this covers part of both.) I believe the timetable for the rest of the year is not far off. (Sorry, Bluetrain - probably too far north!)

 

South Devon isn't running any train services over Feb HT, just says loco in steam and train rides, probably a shuttle in/out of Buckfastleigh station.

 

NNR is running daily 11 - 19 Feb

https://www.nnrailway.co.uk/opening-dates/?grid-list-toggle=grid&month=feb&yr=2023

 

The Bluebell is running 11 - 19 February and 25/26 February. Due to engineering works north of Horsted Keynes, it is restricted to Sheffield Park - Horsted Keynes only, at a reduced fare. Kids for a quid over half term.

Tom

 

It isn’t yet on the website, but the roster suggests that the Watercress Line is operating that week

 

Bodmin and Wenford say they are reopening on 12th February, but I have not yet been able to get running dates.

 

South Devon Railway:

Steam Open Days - South Devon Railway

Steam Open Days
Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 11th to 26th February 2023
This half term, enjoy a visit to the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh station, just off the A38 approximately half-way between Exeter and Plymouth. A whole range of activities are available, with something to suit everyone.

Our site at Buckfastleigh is open on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11th and 26th February inclusive.

Entry to our extensive site at Buckfastleigh and many of our displays are free, with some attractions costing a small fee.

Attractions include:

• Our museum, including the only surviving Broad Gauge locomotive, “Tiny”.
• The original Buckfastleigh Signal Box open, with the chance to have a go pulling some levers yourself!
• Visit the cab of a heritage mainline diesel locomotive and see the driver’s controls.
• Our extensive grounds and gardens open, including our children’s play area.
• Steam Hauled Brake Van rides (£4 per person), a 10 minute ride in an original GWR “Toad” brake van.
• Steam Driver Experience course – the opportunity to get hands on and have a go driving one of our Great Western Steam locomotives (£25 per person).
• Cream Teas served at your seat in our of our historic carriages in our platform at Buckfastleigh.
• Gift and model shop open, including large model railway display.

Please note that trains are not operating to Staverton or Totnes whilst we carry out major renewal of our track prior to reopening in March 2023.

 

Watercress Line Half Term Services 11th to 19th February:

There will be a One Train Service on Saturday 11 February – Friday 17 February.

There will be a Two Train Service on Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 February.

https://watercressline.co.uk/movement-makers-week/

 

It's on their website under " plan your visit, timetables and fares". Although with the increased fares I doubt there will be a problem with overcrowding.

 

Peak Rail operating 15th, 18th, 19th and 22nd February. Kids up to 15 go free, and trains will be running into platform 2 at Matlock and propelling back to Riverside to run round.

Three round trips, departing Rowsley South at 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, departing Matlock 11.35, 13.35, 15.35.

Dave

 

Llangollen are running on 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26th. Only from Llangollen to Berwyn with the visiting austerity due to PWay maintenance taking place further up the line. Details below.

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/stations/berwyn-shuttle/

 

The Worth Valley runs every weekend Sat and Sun through Feb and Mon to Fri 13th to 17th Feb

Roster states ..................

TVR 85 11/12/13th

52044 14/15/16/17th

78022 18/19th

 

SWANAGE RAILWAY
11th/12th February - Open Weekend: https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/open-days [Reduced ticket prices for BH19 and BH20 residents]
13th - 19th February - Half-Term Week (includes 'Kids for a Quid' - 5 to 15 years old): https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/kids-for-a-quid

 

Didcot Railway Centre is running trains this Sat/Sun 11/12, then Weds and the following Sat/Sun 18/19. 4144 is rostered and it should be looking very shiny after its recent repaint. (Baby) King George should be on the branch line. Western Fusilier is now on static display.

 

The Watercress Line are offering "Driver for a Tenner" between 16th and 18th February with Kilmersdon.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

 

Within my area, the Avon Valley Rly operated on 5 days during the February half-term. Trains appear to have been well-filled on those days, mostly with people who had pre-booked on-line. One of the AVR managers commented that he thought the high loadings resulted partly from a relative lack of alternative attractions in the area at this time of year.

Similar reports of good custom have come from other heritage railways that opened during February half-term. But I think that only a minority of railways operated. The majority stayed closed, particularly most of the larger ones. Reasons that have been given for staying closed include:

(1) Expectations of low customer numbers - perhaps particularly relevant to those lines in holiday areas that get few February visitors.
(2) Lines that prefer to use the time for winter maintenance work.
(3) Part of general retrenchment in response to the current economic situation and rising costs.

The GWSR is among lines that have (I think) traditionally stayed closed for winter maintenance during February. But I'm pleased to note that it will be operating during weekends in March, so hope to pay them an early visit.