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GWR Brake Van in a Victorian Railway Station
This unique railway retreat at a Victorian railway station in Herefordshire is a GWR Brake Van built in 1947 and now converted into quirky & charming holiday accommodation for two. It has wonderful views of the whole station site and the countryside beyond. This accommodation is part of our collection of Railway Carriage Holidays & Train Stays.
Rowden Mill Station is a former GWR station in North Herefordshire along the Leominster Bromyard Worcester branch line. It is set in rolling countryside, five minutes by car from Bromyard, a charming market town. The gourmet town of Ludlow is a 35 minute drive away. The GWR ‘Toad’ Brake Van was built in 1947, developed from an original 1890s design. The GWR Brake Van and the Saloon Coach reside next to the railway embankment at Platform 2, ideal for anyone searching for railway carriage holidays. Over at Platform 1, the station building sleeps four people in two bedrooms, and the parcel office, a little further down, can accommodate two. The station buildings have been meticulously renovated and are outwardly exactly as they once were but with modern and comfortable interiors.
Rowden Mill Station is a great choice for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in a nostalgic setting, or a base from which to explore the Herefordshire towns and countryside. The historic market town of Bromyard is a 5 minute drive away - there are many good pubs and eating places here, as well as cinema-theatre, shops etc. Explore the cider and perry making trails, or to visit Ludlow, famous for its fabulous restaurants. Visit the Malvern Hills and Wye River Valley, the historic town of Hereford and the ‘Black and White’ villages around Leominster. The Severn Valley Railway, the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire and the Dean Forest Railway lines are all within a one hour drive. You can go horse riding, canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing, play golf, visit farm parks, heritage railways, gardens, parklands and nature reserves.
Getting There:
Directions provided on booking.
Nearest Train Station:
Leominster
Nearest Restaurant:
Bromyard, 5 minutes by car
Nearest Shop:
Bromyard
Nearest Market:
Bromyard
Car Hire:
Advised
Interior Details
Inside the Brake Van is small but perfectly formed. The end wall has a full width picture window with views over the whole station site and the countryside beyond. The kitchen area includes a two ring gas hob, under counter fridge freezer, kettle, cafetiere, microwave oven, toaster, sink & drainer, along with amble pots, pans, cutlery & crockery. The main salon has wood panelling and a full size double bed, feature lighting and period posters. There’s ample storage and a projection TV system including Netflix. The bathroom includes a shower cubicle, heated mirror and heated towel rail. Wifi throughout. Binoculars provided.
Exterior Details
The original cattle dock has been renovated to provide a private outside space for the Brake Van with a picnic table, sun shade and an outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ. Parking is accessed through the original station yard gateway.
Conditions of Rental
No trains pass by on the tracks anymore of course, but due to the platforms, track and other railway detail, we would recommend that Rowden Mill Station is best suited to babies in arms, or to older children. Feel free to contact us if unsure of suitability. Minimum stay 2 nights. Sorry, no pets.
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Horse Riding
- Walking
