Steam in the spring time: what better reason to visit the GWR? Modified Hall 4-6-0 no. 7903 Foremarke Hall accelerates from Winchcombe Station in glorious spring sunshine (photo courtesy Paul Stratford)

According to a survey by motoring organisation The AA, more than half of Britons (52 per cent) are planning to take holidays or short breaks in the UK rather than go overseas. The AA / Populus survey of over 11,000 AA members showed that those aged between 35 and 54 (58 per cent) were most likely to stay at home.

"This is the group most likely to have children and will be looking for ways to entertain them," says Colin Fewell, commercial manager of the volunteer-run Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.  "The Cotswolds is an important visitor destination with a huge amount to offer, especially our railway which runs through some of Britain's most glorious countryside. A heritage railway offers excellent value for money and the glorious Spring weather has so far helped to ensure our trains are being well patronised. The early signs are that we - and other local tourist attractions - could enjoy a bumper year."

The GWR has plenty to offer visitors with a wide range of events taking place, as the railway celebrates 25 years of operation, as well as regular steam and diesel train services.  And it's not too late to take advantage of the Under 25s Go Free offer on all service trains throughout March, to help the railway celebrate this important anniversary.

If you're planning a visit to the GWR, there is plenty of excellent accommodation nearby or visit the local tourist information centres at Cheltenham, Winchcombe or Broadway.