Visitors can gain ‘access all areas’ to Severn Valley Railway during its annual Open House Weekend this April.

As well as the chance to experience the golden age of rail travel along the scenic line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, visitors will be able to get a rare peek behind the scenes to discover how the SVR’s volunteers and staff make the magic happen on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April.

There will be an opportunity to find out how carriages are prepared for service, how skilled engineers build and repair steam locomotives, as well as venturing deep inside the normally off-limits areas of the carriage works at Kidderminster and the locomotive shed and machine shop at Bridgnorth.

In The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, there’s a fleet of ‘resting’ engines on display waiting to be discovered, along with the Royal Saloon and the travelling post office.

Volunteer guides will be on hand to share their passion and unlock the hidden history of the SVR, and there’s the chance to win a footplate ride by entering a raffle.

And if that’s not enough, you can visit the cab of a diesel loco, peek inside one of the railway’s signal boxes and taking a thrilling ride in a brake van.

Booking in advance offers the chance to save up to 22% off on-the-day prices, and each ticket booked online will come with a voucher for a free return visit. For more information and to book tickets, visit svr.co.uk.