Severn Valley Railway is offering visitors a rare and thrilling opportunity to experience railway travel from an unusual perspective, with the chance to ride in a heritage goods train brake van during the 2026 Spring Steam Gala.

Available on Thursday 16 April and Sunday 19 April only, this experience invites passengers to travel in a former Great Western Railway ‘Toad’ brake van, carefully restored by SVR volunteers. Positioned directly behind the locomotive, the brake van offers an unforgettable vantage point and a powerful sense of what freight working on the railway was like in the heyday of steam.

On Thursday 16 April, journeys will be hauled by GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, with departures at 9.20am (Kidderminster to Bridgnorth), 11.50am (Bridgnorth to Kidderminster) and 2.05pm (Kidderminster to Bridgnorth). On Sunday 19 April, GWR 813 will take charge, with trips at 10.48am (Kidderminster to Highley), 12.35pm (Highley to Kidderminster) and 2.30pm (Kidderminster to Highley).

The SVR advises that this is not a typical heritage ride, and that people with heart, respiratory or back issues should seek medical advice before travelling. The brake van has a notably hard ride, and conditions can be noisy, with coal dust and ash present, particularly when passing through tunnels.

Places are strictly limited and must be pre-booked in advance. Tickets for the brake van experience must be purchased in addition to a valid Spring Steam Gala day rover ticket.

The four-day Spring Steam Gala takes place between 16 and 19 April, and features visiting locomotives BR 71000 Duke of Gloucester, Port of Par Bagnall Judy and LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 as well as at least seven members of the SVR home fleet.

For more information and to book brake van rides, visit svr.co.uk.