Explore this interactive journey along the historic and scenic Severn Beach Line which runs from Bristol Temple Meads, through Bristol’s suburbs, alongside the River Avon and on to the coast at Severn Beach.
Click your way around each of the station maps and discover local wildlife, places to play, stunning views and fascinating history. Continue your adventure by downloading the family activity sheets to take with you on the railway.
Click the station name to get more info, or click the circular markers to go directly to the map.
Built on land originally owned by the Knights Templer, this station is the oldest and largest in Bristol. From here you can easily catch a bus, jump on a river ferry, hail a taxi or simply stroll into Bristol’s city centre.
Bristol Temple Meads takes its name from the land upon which it was built. In the 12th and 13th centuries this was owned by the Knights Templar.
Dropping you on the bustling Church Road, Lawrence Hill station is the gateway to a range of local shopping, eating and social options. Gaunt’s Ham Park is a short five minute walk away or stroll a little further to enjoy stunning views from Netham Park. Bristol and Bath Railway Path runs close to the station and is a quiet and car-free way to explore other areas of Bristol.
Please note that there is limited access for wheelchair users at this station.
Learn about the community history of Easton, beautifully depicted by local artist Bill Guilding in his enormous mural that spans the length of one of the platforms. Sip a coffee, visit the bakery, or shop for world food along St. Mark’s Road. A short walk gets you to Rosemary Green and the peaceful Greenbank Cemetery or cross the motorway to the playground and stream in Mina Road Park.
The station mural includes portraits of famous locals: W.G.Grace the cricketer, Raj Ramohan Roy, and Ben Tillett the Trade Union founder and was painted in 1999 and restored in 2015.
Delve into the narrow streets of Montpelier and visit the tucked-away park named after the area, walk down the hill and explore the independent shops of Gloucester Road or cross the railway footbridge and stride uphill to the vast expanse of St Andrew’s Park. Steeped in history, this is an area perfect for a varied day out with activities and outdoor spaces to suit all ages and interests.
The station opened in 1897 with two platforms, reduced to a single track in 1970. Although no longer in railway use, the station building is the only original one left on the line. Cross the pedestrian bridge to visit the Victorian Cotham Gardens, take a relaxing stroll along the beautiful tree-lined avenue of Lovers Walk or venture in the other direction to Redland Green.
Hop off here to explore the bustling shopping district of Whiteladies Road. Admire the station artwork created by local school children and inspired by the animals you might be able to find at the nearby zoo. Wander through quieter, surrounding streets, head up to the beauty of Clifton Downs or venture onwards to snap a picture of Brunel’s famous Bristol Suspension Bridge from the Clifton Observatory.
The old station building is no longer accessible from the platforms, having been closed in 1967. It is currently in use as a pub.
Step off at this sleepy station and visit the two picturesque bridges that cross the River Trym. Imagine the big seagoing ships that once docked here and the 18th century water mills that gave the town its name. Cross the railway line to enjoy panoramic views of the River Avon, take a stroll through Sea Mills River Park or to nearby Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve: a haven for wildlife, with woodland, a small lake and open meadows.
The stationmaster's house at Sea Mills was built in 1890, at a cost of £240. The stationmaster kept a variety of farm animals and sold eggs to train passengers.
Discover wonderful wildlife and open, green spaces on the doorstep of Shirehampton’s station. Imagine the wartime history in The Daisy Field, walk along the ‘yellow brick road’ of Lamplighters Marsh or take in the views of the River Avon along the waterway. Cross the Portway, using the nearby footbridge, to access shops and local businesses.
Still a port of call for large cruise ships, Avonmouth was originally built to provide housing for local dockworkers and remains an important part of the region’s shipbuilding and mercantile industries. Nestled in the shadows of historical dock buildings are a number of small green spaces, playgrounds and shops.
The Avonmouth Dock opened with great ceremony on 24 February 1877. The paddle steamer Juno was the first vessel to enter the new dock, carrying the Mayor of Bristol and 450 guests in front of thousands of cheering spectators. There were fireworks and people watched from Penpole Hill.
A short walk, from the station to the coast, leads to stunning views of the second Severn Crossing to the north and of the Avonmouth docks to the south. There are plenty of sea birds to spot and sometimes even a grey seal. The village itself is very peaceful and opens out quickly into luscious green countryside. For young families, there’s a well-equipped playground next to the village hall.