P

lastic seats, ‘quiet’ carriages and windows you can’t even open. Let’s face it, modern trains are a tad boring.

If you’re wondering whatever happened to the ‘golden age’ of steam, soot and service with a smile, though, it’s all going on still, down at Highley Station.

You’ll find this shrine to steam in the Severn Valley Country Park, in Shropshire, where a group of devoted volunteers have kept the place intact (gawd bless ‘em) – complete with the original signal box.

Of course, there are trains, too – ones you can ride on – complete with old fashioned carriages with brass lamps and soft comfy seats. Jump on board at Bridgnorth, about six miles along the track, and you can ride the rails all the way here.

Have a nose round the Engine House, which is crammed with old fashioned trains in pristine nick, then nip for lunch at the nearby Ship Inn – right by the banks of the River Severn. Don’t get too carried away, though: you wouldn’t want to miss the last train home…