AN elegant visitor will grace the tracks of Severn Valley Railway, as one of the UK’s most famous luxury trains makes a Golden Jubilee appearance at the popular attraction.

The epitome of luxury heritage train travel, the distinctive Belmond British Pullman, sister to the world-renowned Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express, will bring a touch of glamour to the SVR as it makes an express visit on Saturday, May 16.

The train was a much admired sight on famous 1920s rail services and many of its individually-named carriages have been used extensively by the Royal Family. The oldest carriage, Ibis, dates back to 1925, while others, like Audrey and Vera, survived bomb damage during air-raids over London’s Victoria station in 1940.

The one-off visit, organised by UK Railtours, sees the distinctive train travel from London Victoria to the SVR to celebrate the railway’s 50th anniversary.

The train is expected to arrive at Kidderminster at around midday, hauled by a ‘Deltic’ heritage diesel locomotive, before it travels on to Bewdley – where it will be met by one of the SVR’s very own star steam locomotives, No.34027 ‘Taw Valley’.

The Pullman will then travel to Bridgnorth, before returning to Kidderminster at around 3.20pm, before heading back to Bewdley, from where it will depart at 5.50pm to make the journey back to London.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “We expect that the Belmond British Pullman will draw very many admiring glances as it draws into our stations – it is a real privilege to welcome this prestige train on such a unique visit to celebrate our 50th anniversary.

“We’re also delighted to announce that our own heritage steam locomotive No. 34027 Taw Valley is expected to be making its first, much-anticipated passenger trip since it began an extensive restoration project - so that in itself will be a pleasure to see.”