Arty Adventures by Train

Play parks, art work, and an abundance of nature; Cheltenham’s Honeybourne Line is the perfect setting for a school trip by rail, as discovered by Worcester’s Riversides School.

It was a crisp, dry autumn day in October when Emilie from the Platform team met students and teachers from Riversides School at Worcester Foregate Street Station. The students had received a visit from Emilie in July, ahead of a planned school trip, but this had to be postponed due to the extreme heat in the summer term. Fast forward a few months and the weather was cooler, the leaves were crispier, but the students were still raring to go.

The group boarded the train and set off to Cheltenham Spa. The journey was a great opportunity to chat, spot things from the window, and relax after a walk from the school to the station. On arrival at Cheltenham Spa, the group were met by Faatimah from Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership, who joined them for the next part of their adventure (and took lots of wonderful photos! Thanks Faatimah!)

Heading down to The Honeybourne Line, the group were able to spot some of the wonderful artwork in Cheltenham Spa station car park, and this set the scene for the rest of the trip. On the walk down the line, students were able to run, play, spot things (like the yellow ducks hidden in the trees), and have fun with their friends. They came off the line at Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens, where the group sat for packed lunches and a play at the playground.

On the return walk, students were given scavenger-hunt sheets, prepared by the Platform team, that they used to answer questions about the art work displayed along the line. Students were also able to use the cameras brought along by the school to take some photographs of the art, animals and nature around them. They returned to Cheltenham Spa station and were able to make use of the lovely waiting room on Platform 2, admiring some of the wonderful photography on display.

The train arrived at the platform early for the return trip home, giving the group plenty of time to board. It was a quieter return journey, with students having done really well in walking a good distance throughout the day. They returned to Worcester Foregate Street and were seen safely out of the station by Emilie, who then collected in the hi-vis jackets and said goodbye.

Anne Marie Glover, a teacher from Riversides School, said: “Fantastic day out. Lots of activities and support provided. Friendly and approachable staff interacted well with the children and answered any questions.”

Emilie Dawson, from Platform, said: “The Honeybourne Line is a fantastic option for a school trip and has learning opportunities linked to a range of subjects including art, science and literacy. We had a wonderful day with Riversides School and we were all grateful to GWR for providing free transport on the day.”