A heritage railway brought back to life by dedicated volunteers
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a volunteer-operated heritage line running through the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Today, visitors can enjoy a 28-mile round trip along part of the former Great Western Railway main line between Birmingham and Cheltenham - a route once travelled by countless holidaymakers, commuters and wartime evacuees.
Thanks to decades of hard work, determination and community support, this once-abandoned railway has been lovingly rebuilt into the thriving attraction you see today.
Who We Are
The railway is operated by the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway plc (GWSR) and owned by its shareholders. Almost everyone you meet along the line - from the guards and station staff to the drivers, signallers and buffet car team - is an unpaid volunteer, each one giving their time, skills and enthusiasm to keep the railway running.
All volunteers are members of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust (GWRT), our support charity dedicated to preserving the railway’s history and securing its future for generations to come.
How We’re Run
The day-to-day running of the railway is overseen by the boards of the GWSR plc and the GWRT, with directors elected by shareholders and Trust members. Many directors sit on both boards, ensuring that planning, investment and volunteer support are all closely aligned.
The management team sets the strategic direction of the railway - from restoration projects and station improvements to special events and long-term development - while guiding the work of our volunteers and small number of paid staff.
Powered by Passion
The GWSR is more than a railway - it’s a community brought together by a shared love of heritage, history and engineering. Every restored carriage, rebuilt station and steaming locomotive is a testament to the passion of the volunteers who saved and continue to grow this line.
We’re proud of where we’ve come from, excited for what’s ahead, and delighted to share our story with all who visit.