We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable when visiting the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. As a historic, volunteer-run attraction, some parts of the railway reflect the period in which it was built — but we do everything we can to make your visit as accessible, supportive and enjoyable as possible.
Below you’ll find information to help you plan your visit with confidence. If you have any questions or specific needs, our friendly team and volunteers are always happy to help.
Most of our main stations offer step-free access to platforms, though gradients and surfaces can vary due to the historic nature of the site.
Main Stations: Toddington, Winchcombe, Broadway and Cheltenham Race Course are the easiest stations for visitors with mobility needs.
Rural Halts: Smaller halts such as Gotherington and Hayles Abbey Halt have limited access and may not be suitable for all visitors.
Rest Points: Seating is available at all stations, and there are plenty of places to pause and rest.
Broadway
Blue Badge Parking: A limited number of dedicated disabled spaces are located directly opposite the station building.
General Parking: Available in the council-operated "Pay and Display" car park across the road. While the main car park surface is uneven, there is a tarmac path running the full length of the car park to assist with the short walk to the station. Please note there is an upward slope to reach the station building.
Toddington
Parking: This is our most accessible parking area. It features a large, level tarmac car park with several dedicated bays for Blue Badge holders near the station building.
Special Events: On busy special event days, we may ask visitors to park in a field adjacent to the station (located behind Platform 2). Please be aware that this surface is mostly grass with some gravel pathways, which may be more challenging for those with limited mobility.
Winchcombe
Facilities: A smaller flat tarmac car park is available on-site, including a handful of dedicated disabled bays. Space here can be limited during busy periods.
Cheltenham Race Course
Surface: The main car park is gravel, which can be difficult for some manual wheelchairs or walking aids.
The Walk: There is a fairly long slope down from the car park to the station platform.
Drop-off Point: If you or a passenger will struggle with the slope, you may drop off passengers at the access point near the end of the platform before parking your vehicle. Please ask the station staff for directions to this point and to arrange for the gate to be unlocked.
To help you reach your train comfortably, please keep the following in mind when at our stations:
Footbridges & Level Crossings: Most of our stations have two platforms. While these are often connected by footbridges with stairs, we provide level crossings at the end of the platforms for those who cannot use stairs.
Using Level Crossings: Please be aware that reaching the level crossing requires a walk to the very end of the platform. If you need to change platforms, our station volunteers will be happy to point you in the right direction and assist with the crossing. When using the crossing, please follow staff instructions, look both ways and do not attempt to cross if a train is approaching. Once the way is clear, please cross as quickly as possible.
Allow Extra Time: Because our stations are historic and some involve longer walks to reach the accessible boarding points or level crossings, we recommend arriving at the station at least 20 to 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. This ensures you have plenty of time to park, get to the platform and board comfortably.
Most services include wheelchair-accessible carriages, with spaces designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. Accessible spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Group bookings can reserve the accessible carriage area in advance by contacting us when booking.
Where to Board: Wheelchair access is available at our four main stations only (Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe, and Cheltenham Race Course).
Ramps & Assistance: Our main stations are equipped with boarding ramps, and our volunteers will fetch and position the ramp for you.
Weight & Size Limits: Our boarding ramps have a maximum weight capacity of 300kg (combined weight of the user and the chair/scooter) and a maximum width of 79cm (2ft 7 in).
Mobility Scooters: While most standard-sized wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, very large class 3 mobility scooters often cannot be accommodated due to their weight, width, or turning circle.
Planning Your Trip: If you are unsure if your mobility aid will fit, please contact us in advance. We also recommend confirming which services have accessible carriages on the day of your visit.
On-Board Catering: Due to the narrow corridors between our heritage carriages, wheelchair users may not be able to reach the buffet car directly. Our on-train catering staff are happy to take your order and deliver refreshments to your seat — just ask a member of the crew or the Train Guard.
Important Notes for All Passengers with Mobility Needs:
Mind the Step & Gap: Please be aware that there is a step down from the carriage to the platform at all stations. At Winchcombe Station, the platform is curved, which can create a larger gap between the train and the platform edge. Please take extra care when boarding or alighting here.
Historic Carriages: Many of our coaches are over 70 years old and have narrow doorways and corridors which can be difficult to navigate.
Let us know in advance if you require an accessible carriage so we can advise on the best service for your visit.
If you require a carer to accompany you during your visit, one essential carer may travel free of charge when accompanying a fare-paying disabled passenger. The disabled passenger will need to purchase the appropriate Adult, Child or Family ticket as normal.
For services that include food or drink — such as Afternoon Tea, Fish & Chip Trains or other dining experiences — the carer will need to pay for their meal separately. Please contact our team on 01242 621 405 when booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.
At Our Stations: Fully accessible toilets are available at all four of our main stations (Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe, and Cheltenham Race Course). Please note that there are no toilet facilities at Gotherington or Hayles Abbey Halt.
On the Train: Most of our heritage carriages are equipped with toilets; however, due to their historic design and narrow corridors, these are not wheelchair accessible. We strongly recommend using the facilities at our main stations before boarding for your comfort.
Families: Baby changing facilities are available at Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Race Course, making the railway easier to visit for families with young children. There are no baby changing facilities on board our trains.
Pushchairs are very welcome on the railway! To ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone, please note the following:
On-Board Storage: For safety, pushchairs must not be stored in the corridors or against the carriage doors, as these are vital exit routes.
The Guard’s Van: Most of our trains include a dedicated Guard’s Van. Please speak to the Guard, who will be happy to help you store your buggy safely during the journey. Please be aware that all items stored in the Guard’s Van or on our platforms are left at the owners' risk.
Site Access: While our main platforms are accessible, some smaller attractions—such as the model railway coach and the demonstration signal box—have limited space and may not be fully accessible to pushchairs.
Navigating Platforms: Most stations are linked by historic footbridges with stairs. If you have a heavy pushchair or prefer to avoid stairs, please use the level crossing at the end of the platform. When using the level crossing, follow all staff instructions, look both ways and do not attempt to cross if a train is approaching. Once the way is clear, please cross as quickly as possible.
Uneven Surfaces: As a heritage site, some of our platforms and paths can be uneven. We recommend sturdy pushchairs where possible.
We understand that busy or noisy environments can be challenging for some visitors. To help you plan a more relaxed visit, please consider the following:
Sound & Noise: Steam locomotives are naturally loud. They can make sudden, loud noises without warning, such as steam being released from safety valves or the piercing sound of the engine whistle. This is most noticeable while standing on the platforms or near the engine.
Finding a Quiet Space:
Seating Types: While most of our carriages feature open-plan seating, some of our trains include individual compartments. These enclosed spaces can provide a much more peaceful and private environment for your journey.
Quieter Days: Generally, Thursdays and Sundays tend to be our quietest operating days.
Time of Day: Our morning services are typically the busiest. For a more tranquil atmosphere with more available seating, we recommend joining us for an afternoon service.
Special Events: Please be aware that Gala days are significantly busier and more stimulating than our standard running days.
Top Tip: If you or a family member feels overwhelmed during your visit, please speak to a member of our volunteer team. They can help you identify if your train has compartments available or find a quieter area of the station.
As a heritage railway, we rely heavily on traditional methods of communication. While we are working to improve our accessibility, please keep the following in mind when planning your visit:
Hearing Aid Loops: Most of our Booking Offices are fitted with induction loops to assist visitors with hearing aids when purchasing tickets or seeking information.
Information & Announcements: Most of our stations use traditional signage and printed timetables. While we do have Public Address (PA) systems at our main stations, announcements are primarily used for safety or significant service updates and may not be consistent throughout the day.
On-Board Announcements: Our vintage carriages do not have any PA equipment onboard, nor any electronic "next station" displays or automated announcements.
Station Staff & Volunteers: Our friendly volunteers are our best asset! If you have a visual or hearing impairment, please let a member of the station team or the Train Guard know. They will be more than happy to provide verbal updates on departure times, ensure you know when your specific stop is approaching, assist you with navigating the platforms.
Registered assistance dogs are welcome on the railway and at our stations, and at no extra charge.
Our Volunteers Are Here to Help
The railway is run by volunteers who care deeply about making your visit enjoyable. If you need assistance — whether that’s extra time boarding, directions, or help finding facilities — please speak to a member of the team.
Planning Ahead
If you have specific accessibility requirements, we recommend contacting us before your visit. We’ll be happy to:
Advise on the most suitable stations
Confirm accessible train services
Answer any questions about facilities or assistance