The Severn Valley Railway is to throw open its doors on 5 and 6 April for its annual Open House Weekend.

This is a rare chance for visitors to access many areas not usually open to the public. They’ll also be able to meet volunteers and discover what goes on behind the scenes of this busy heritage line.

Heritage steam- and diesel-hauled services are in operation between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade, although the northernmost four-mile section of the line, between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth, remains closed following an embankment collapse earlier this year.

Although Bridgnorth station remains isolated in terms of train services, the site will be welcoming visitors during the Open House weekend, with tours of the locomotive works and machine shop, and the signal box. Steam locomotive footplate rides have been proving a very popular attraction since the closure of the line to Bridgnorth, and these will be available for an extra charge on pannier tank 7714. The SVR recommends pre-booking although on-the-day rides may be on offer, subject to availability.

Meanwhile at Kidderminster, there’ll be diesel cab tours on a Class 58 locomotive, and the chance to visit the signal box. At Bewdley and Highley, the signal boxes will be open for tours, and there are guided tours of The Engine House at Highley.

All tours (except the footplate rides at Bridgnorth) are included in the price of a travel ticket. They will operate between 10am and 4pm, subject to volunteer availability. There’s more information including timetables at svr.co.uk