Severn Valley Country Park
A scenic country park with woodland, riverside trails, and stunning views of the Severn Valley Railway. Perfect for walks, picnics, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden leaves & crisp air
Severn Valley Country Park
Best Time
Golden leaves & crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic country park with woodland, riverside trails, and stunning views of the Severn Valley Railway. Perfect for walks, picnics, and family fun.
"Beautiful views and lovely walks, with a great cafe and reasonable parking."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep and uneven, especially in the woods. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
🚂 Check Train Timetables
To catch the best views of the steam trains, check the Severn Valley Railway schedule in advance. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Severn Valley Railway Views
Various viewpoints overlooking the tracks
Witness the iconic steam trains of the Severn Valley Railway chugging through the picturesque landscape. A must for train enthusiasts!
Riverside Walks
Along the River Severn
Stroll along the tranquil River Severn, enjoying serene views and the sounds of nature. Perfect for a peaceful escape.
Woodland Trails & Wildlife
Throughout the park's wooded areas
Explore diverse woodland paths, discover hidden ponds, and keep an eye out for local wildlife. A nature lover's delight.
Children's Play Areas
Near the visitor centre
Let the kids burn off energy at the natural play areas, featuring sandpits and slides. Fun for the whole family!
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Slopes
Train Spotting & Picnics
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep and uneven, especially in the woods. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
🚂 Check Train Timetables
To catch the best views of the steam trains, check the Severn Valley Railway schedule in advance. :iphone:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of scenic spots for picnics. Pack your lunch and enjoy the views! :moneybag: Parking is reasonably priced.
♿ Accessibility Varies
Some paths are pushchair/wheelchair friendly, but many are steep. Check accessibility before you go. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be steep and uneven, especially in the woods. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
🚂 Check Train Timetables
To catch the best views of the steam trains, check the Severn Valley Railway schedule in advance. :iphone:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of scenic spots for picnics. Pack your lunch and enjoy the views! :moneybag: Parking is reasonably priced.
♿ Accessibility Varies
Some paths are pushchair/wheelchair friendly, but many are steep. Check accessibility before you go. :wheelchair:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great for dog walking, but be mindful of lead rules and other visitors. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Severn Valley Country Park for its beautiful riverside and woodland walks, excellent views of the Severn Valley Railway, and family-friendly amenities like play areas and picnic spots. The cafe is also a highlight for refreshments. However, some find the steep terrain challenging, and a few have noted issues with dog control and parking information.
"Well kept paths giving great access to wheelchairs. Lots of benches dotted around the area with some having amazing views down the valley. Nice cafe with plenty of parking. Toilets available. Great area for dog walking. Great for picnics."
Peter Farhall
"A lovely walk along the river and through the woods, finishing off with excellent coffee and cakes in the visitor centre. Great for kids too.
If you are walking in October look out for the memorial orchard as the apples there are superb."
Taff Lovesey
"Visited with a person with mobility issues 2 children and 2 dogs. No details on parking machines about disabled badge usage or prices. The steep layout of the site and restriction on dog areas meant there wasn't a lot to do. Good play area for kids next to the visitor centre where we could sit with dogs and keep an eye on them but other play area had nothing of interest and missing equipment. Quite a few dogs off leads and not well behaved approached our dogs which was annoying. Overall probably wouldn't be somewhere to revisit for us."
Steve W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car, with a decent car park offering all-day parking for a reasonable fee. Some routes involve narrow, winding country lanes, so drive with care. :car: It's also reachable via the Severn Valley Railway, with Highley Station being a key access point. :train:
Yes, the Severn Valley Railway stops at Highley Station, which is adjacent to the park. This offers a scenic and convenient way to arrive, especially if you're interested in train spotting. :train:
There's a large car park available, with charges typically around £1 for 2 hours or £2.50-£4 for a longer stay or all-day parking. Payment can often be made via an app. :moneybag: :iphone:
While the park is well-signposted, some access roads can be narrow single-track lanes. :road: Drive cautiously and be prepared for occasional oncoming traffic or farm machinery. :tractor:
Highley village, near the park, is situated on the River Severn, suggesting potential access by water for those with their own craft, though specific facilities are not widely advertised. :boat:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Severn Valley Country Park itself is generally free to enter. The main cost is for parking, which is charged at a reasonable hourly or daily rate. :moneybag:
The park is typically open daily from dawn till dusk, offering ample time for exploration. The visitor centre and cafe usually have more specific operating hours. :clock:
No, advance booking is not usually required for general entry to the country park. Parking fees are typically paid on arrival or via an app. :ticket:
The park sometimes hosts events, especially in conjunction with the Severn Valley Railway. It's worth checking their official website or social media for any upcoming activities. :calendar:
The natural play areas within the park are free to use for visitors. :child:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Severn Valley Country Park offers a variety of trails, including riverside paths, woodland routes, and accessible, pushchair-friendly paths. Some are quite steep, so choose according to your fitness level. :hiking_boot:
While some paths are accessible, many are steep and can be challenging. The visitor centre area and some riverside paths are more manageable. :wheelchair: :walking:
Absolutely! The park has numerous designated picnic areas, many with lovely views. It's a popular spot for families to enjoy a packed lunch. :sandwich:
Yes, dogs are welcome in Severn Valley Country Park. However, they must be kept on a lead in certain areas, and visitors are reminded to be considerate of other park users. :dog_face:
The park is home to various bird species, particularly around the ponds and river. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, woodland birds, and potentially other small mammals. :bird:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a visitor centre cafe that serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, and light snacks. It's a great place to refuel after a walk. :coffee:
The cafe typically offers a selection of cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. It's known for good coffee and cakes. :cake:
The village of Highley, near the park, has The Ship Inn pub, which is a popular spot for a meal. :beer:
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and there are many suitable spots throughout the park. :apple:
While specific options can vary, cafes often have a selection of cakes and snacks that may cater to vegetarian or vegan diets. It's best to inquire directly. :leaf:
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers fantastic opportunities for photographing the Severn Valley Railway steam trains against the scenic backdrop. Riverside views and woodland scenes are also very photogenic. :camera:
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour during autumn is particularly stunning. :sunrise:
Yes, the park has designated viewpoints where you can get great shots of the trains passing by. The area around Country Park Halt Station is ideal. :train2:
Many visitors enjoy capturing the steam trains, landscape photography of the valley, and nature shots of the park's flora and fauna. :deer:
Yes, the natural beauty and the iconic trains make it easy to capture great photos with a smartphone. :iphone: :star:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 There are also plenty of picnic spots scattered throughout the park, making it easy to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. +1 While some paths are steep, the area around the visitor centre and the riverside paths are generally more manageable for strollers. Don't forget to check the Severn Valley Railway timetable if your little ones are fascinated by trains! 🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a lead, especially in areas with lots of visitors or near wildlife, and be considerate of other park users. 🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
+1 The marked trails cater to different fitness levels, though be prepared for some steep sections due to the valley topography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Severn Valley Railway
+1 The SVR operates regular services, and checking their timetable can enhance your visit to the park, allowing you to time your exploration with the arrival or departure of a steam locomotive. Beyond just viewing, the SVR has its own stations, including Highley, which is conveniently located near the country park. This allows for a seamless combination of a countryside walk with a heritage train ride. The Engine House at Highley is also a visitor attraction in itself, offering insights into the railway's history and its impressive collection of locomotives and rolling stock.
For many, the sound and sight of a steam train are a powerful draw, adding a unique dimension to the natural beauty of the country park. It's this blend of natural landscapes and industrial heritage that makes Severn Valley Country Park a special destination.
Accessibility and Family-Friendliness
+2 The park features natural play areas with sandpits and slides, providing entertainment for children. The availability of numerous picnic spots makes it an affordable option for families looking to enjoy the outdoors. However, accessibility can be a mixed bag. While some paths are described as wheelchair and pushchair friendly, the park's valley location means many routes involve steep slopes.
Visitors with mobility issues or those with very young children in strollers might find certain areas challenging. Exploring the Natural Landscape
+1 The park also boasts woodland trails that wind through diverse trees, leading to hidden ponds and offering opportunities to observe local wildlife. The memorial orchard, particularly in autumn, is noted for its superb apples. The park's terrain, while challenging in parts, contributes to its scenic appeal, with panoramic countryside scenes visible from higher vantage points.
The combination of woodland, water, and open fields creates a varied landscape that appeals to nature lovers and walkers alike. The well-kept paths, though sometimes steep, provide access to these varied environments. 
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