Severn Beach Line
Bristol Temple Meads – Severn Beach
The Severn Beach Line is a 40 minute adventure starting at Bristol Temple Meads. It is a route of diverse scenery, taking you through cityscapes, historical landmarks, a maritime backdrop, industrial heritage and countryside views.
Outdoors & nature
From the 1920s to the 1970s Severn Beach was once a holiday and pleasure resort known as “The Blackpool of the West”. It begins to make sense why Thomas Cook once rated this line as ‘one of Europe’s top scenic rail routes. Enjoy the ride while listening to the line’s very own soundtrack, free to download via Track Record Arts.
The estuary has the highest tidal range in Europe (and second highest in the world) with a difference in height of more than 11 metres between high and low tide.
People surf the natural occurring tidal wave, called the Severn Bore, which travels a whopping 21 miles. On the right side, it can be seen in the estuary of the River Severn.
The coastline at Severn Beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a haven for migrating wading birds and wildfowl. Find out more via www.aforgottenlandscape.org.uk
Scenic views
As you pass over the viaduct known as “The Arches”, between Montpelier and Redland stations, below is Europe’s celebrated longest high street of independent shops, the bustling Gloucester Road, packed with unique shops, award-winning restaurants, pavement cafes and sunny beer gardens.
After Shirehampton, see some of Bristol’s industrial and maritime past, with views of Avonmouth docklands and its modern industry.
