This forty-minute adventure is a route of diverse scenery, taking you through cityscapes, historical landmarks, a maritime backdrop, industrial heritage and countryside views.
The forty-minute adventure from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, South Gloucestershire, is a route of diverse scenery, taking you through cityscapes, historical landmarks, a maritime backdrop, industrial heritage and countryside views.
The Severn Estuary running parallel with the northern end of the line is a Sight of Special Scientific Interest.
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.
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.
Severn Beach - Did you know?
Severn Beach is Bristol’s nearest coastline.
From the 1920s to the 1970s Severn Beach was once a holiday and pleasure resort known as “The Blackpool of the West".
The Severn 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
Highlights
Catch sight of many vibrant and award-winning community artworks, and help yourself to ‘Incredible Edible’ produce from the bespoke planters - there is something to taste at every station!
After the Clifton Tunnel, look out for the whale sculpture. The wicker whale was created during Bristol’s year as European Green Capital in 2015 to represent the threat of plastic pollution on the world’s oceans.
Approaching the end of the line at Severn Beach, look out to vast open skies where you’ll see the marshes of the Severn Estuary and the gateway to Wales, The Second Severn Crossing - officially renamed the Prince of Wales Bridge.
Find out more
Getting there
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Bus:
Regular buses from Bristol City Centre and surrounding neighbourhoods to take you to Bristol Temple Meads.
journeyplanner.travelwest.info
Train:
All services Severn Beach depart from Bristol Temple Meads station
Route
Cost
Opening times

Plan your trip
The advantage of this short route is the regular service which means you have time to explore and enjoy time in Bristol, as well as discovering Severn Beach via train.
Set yourself up for the day with a good hearty breakfast. Several quality local independents can be found around Bristol Temple Meads station, including Heart’s Bakery set in a large Victorian archway. Hearts is a unique local gem specialising in sourdough, handmade pastries, seasonal cakes and savouries.
You’re now ready to make your way up to the Bristol Temple Meads station entrance. Hop on board, sit back and relax, and take in some iconic sites along the way to Severn Beach. If you wanted a close-up view of Brunel’s world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge you could jump off at Clifton Down station, walk through Clifton Village, very pretty (and packed full of shops and places to refresh) and then on to the bridge itself.
At Severn Beach you can choose from a couple of heritage trails and walk along the paved promenade, passing under the Prince of Wales Bridge. There are super angles here for some cool photography. Keep walking past a couple of shingly beaches, to the end of the path (the whole thing is about a mile). At this stage if you are feeling exploratory, you could extend the walk cross-country to Pilning Wetlands, a protected salt marsh, that is a haven to 1000s of birds that visit each year or turn back the way you came, grab a cuppa from one of the little cafes nearby and catch your train back to Bristol Temple Meads.
If you are feeling peckish, on the journey back why not get off either at Redland or Montpelier station and discover Gloucester Road. Known in Bristol as the buzzing and quirky and authentic high street, and a finalist in the Great British High Street, it’s jam-packed with places to eat, whether it’s a snack, takeaway or a full-on sit down treat. Or maybe you need some retail therapy? Check out the scores of independent shops that line this road.
One stop further along the is Stapleton Road station, where the adjacent St Marks Road is famous for its multi-cultural cuisine and festivals. It’s no surprise this street was named in the top three greatest streets in the UK at the 2020 National Urbanism Awards.
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