I like the GWR which runs to Prestbury Race Course quite a lot but really, truly, it isn't close to being in the same class as the Severn Valley Railway - and that's objective.
Starting off the 16 mile journey to Bridgnorth from a Victorian station across the carpark from the main line station there are several tracks often with one or more other steam engines awaiting more work, and some ancient diesels about, a good pub, a lunchroom, a museum, a miniature live steam railway, and everything to look like a true Victorian large station. There are many engines and carriages to see near the station, and then the long trains are made up of several complete sets of preserved carriages. There is the Blood and Custard set, the LNER teak-wood set, GWR sets, and others.
Then through the tunnel, past the elephants and other animals of the Safari Park, to Bewdley - the heart of the railway - with its many tracks, trains, genuine signal box (at every station), and great views into the river and the old town of Bewdley, then over the historic Victoria Bridge over the Severn - cast iron and at when it was built, a record holder - with great views, then through the Northwood Halt towards Arley. Lots to see around there, and you can walk over the little old (original) road bridge at the end of the platform and great photo opportunities of trains coming and going. Set off from there for a walk along the river and pick the train up at the next station. Further north is Highley with its very short platform (sit in the right part of the train if you want to get off) and engine house museum. Then back on again and further north pass through Country Park Halt, and into Hampton Loade. Walk down to the river and take the unmotorized ferry across, or enjoy the garden scale live steam railway at the north end of the station. Then over more bridges and viaducts and you pop out into Bridgnorth, where the main repair shops of the railway are (visitable at certain times) and over the pedestrian bridge into the upper town of Bridgnorth with its castle which played such a pivotal part in the Civil War until tunnels were dug under the castle and it was blown up from below. The ruins are still there and the jaunty angle shows the immense power of the explosion. Take a water powered funicular down to the Lower Town.
Oh, and there's a good pub in the station at Bridgnorth, too.
Then take a different (or the same) train back.
Have a browse around https://www.svr.co.uk/ and there are several youtubes which give a really good overview.
It is a fabulous day out.
