With the long weeks of the school summer holidays almost here, the Severn Valley Railway is getting ready to make sure everyone can enjoy a fun-packed day out to remember.

At The Engine House, Highley, a brand-new family activity is on offer free of charge to those who travel by heritage train, as visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox explains:

‘Between 11am and 3pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the holiday period, families with youngsters can ‘Train to be a Train-ee’. This exciting activity is led by Perkins the station master and Junior the apprentice, and there’ll be steam-themed games, a scavenger hunt, the chance to jump on the footplate of a real steam loco, and to sort the mail in a travelling post office carriage.

‘And, we’re delighted that the ever-popular Train Time UK are returning to The Engine House with their giant train set, running amongst the full-size locos on display, and guaranteed to keep young minds engaged.’

As well as the weekday fun, there are a number of special weekend events at the SVR over the summer.

The Swinging Sixties weekend on 26 and 27 July celebrates the SVR’s 60^th anniversary, with the chance to see the world-famous ‘Flying Scotsman’ in action*, plus live music, a Ferris wheel and fairground games and classic car displays.

On 2 and 3 August, it’s a LEGO takeover at The Engine House for the UK LEGO train club’s Brick Weekend.

The Vintage Transport Extravaganza on 9 and 10 August will see displays of vehicles from all eras at each of the SVR’s stations.

On Saturday 16 August, the Singin’ on the Train event will welcome seven male voice choirs to entertain passengers at stations along the line.

And, the Art & Craft Fayre takes place at The Engine House on 23 and 24 August, with a host of local artisan businesses displaying their produce and wares.

Trains will run on weekends and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August.

During the first week of the school holidays, services will operate between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade only, until the full line to Bridgnorth reopens for public services from Saturday 26 July.

Passengers can save up to 20% by buying their tickets in advance. Freedom-of-the-Line tickets offer unlimited, all-day travel, and there are short journey options available too.

There’s more information and ideas for your itinerary at svr.co.uk

*Ticket to ride behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ must have been purchased separately.