The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has announced a temporary suspension of all train services this week due to an extreme heat warning issued by the Met Office. With temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C, a rare red weather warning for dangerous heat is in effect from 9am Wednesday, June 24, through 9pm Thursday, June 25.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of its volunteers, staff, and passengers, the railway will halt operations until Saturday, June 27. Normally, the heritage railway runs several services daily on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April through October. Additionally, the Cotswold Halt Café at Toddington will remain closed during this period.
Professor John Dora, chairman of GWSR PLC, emphasized the railway’s commitment to safety: “Many of our activities take place outdoors or in confined spaces that can become significantly hotter than the ambient temperature, such as locomotive footplates, platforms, and lineside areas. Our vintage carriages lack air conditioning and can quickly become uncomfortable due to heat from sunlight through the windows. As a volunteer-led heritage railway, pausing services during this extreme weather is the responsible decision.”
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He added, “We understand this will disappoint visitors who planned to travel this week and appreciate everyone’s understanding and support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back safely beginning Saturday.”
Passengers with affected bookings, including group reservations, will be contacted directly about alternative options. For further updates, visitors are encouraged to check the GWSR website and social media channels.