West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway 20 miles of heritage railway through Somerset countryside & coast between Bishops Lydeard & Minehead Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the railway.
(1351)

Let us take you on a 20 mile journey between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead, perhaps stopping off at one of the other 8 stations (all individually different) in between. Notice the constantly changing views of the countryside, whether a seasonal change or simply moving through the Quantock Hills, The Brendon Hills, farmland or coastline (and its massive tidal range) or view Exmoor Nat

ional Park. Look out for wildlife, count the buzzards! And then look out across the Bristol Channel - see the islands and south Wales. Book online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call us on 01643 704996.

Over the coming days, we will be highlighting our Christmas events! 🎄 Today is the turn of Minehead Station Christmas Ma...
11/08/2026

Over the coming days, we will be highlighting our Christmas events! 🎄

Today is the turn of Minehead Station Christmas Market! 🛍️

Step into the magic of the festive season at the West Somerset Railway Christmas Market, taking place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November, from 10am to 4pm each day.

Browse a wonderful selection of seasonal stalls, soak up the festive atmosphere, and discover unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and delicious treats perfect for Christmas.

Access to Minehead Station will be free!

However, if you wish to make your visit even more special we have our exclusive steam-hauled Christmas Market service, departing Bishops Lydeard at 10:30am and travelling through the stunning Somerset countryside to Minehead. This special service is available exclusively to pre-booked passengers, making it a truly memorable festive experience.

Choose from two ticket options:
- Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return
- Williton/Watchet to Minehead return
Passengers joining at Williton will depart at 11:04am, while those boarding at Watchet will depart at 11:13am.

After enjoying the Christmas Market and all that Minehead has to offer, your return journey will depart Minehead at 15:30, arriving back at:
Watchet – 16:03
Williton – 16:13pm
Bishops Lydeard – 16:50

With tickets expected to be in high demand and availability limited, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

To make your festive railway adventure even more enjoyable, why not add one of our special extras? Choose from a delightful hamper for two, a warming cookie and hot chocolate package, or festive goodie bags to make your day even more memorable.

Join us for a magical Christmas experience combining heritage steam travel, festive shopping, and seasonal cheer for the whole family.

Prices:
- From Bishops Lydeard:
Adults: £36
Children: £18

- From Watchet/Williton:
Adults: £29
Children: £14.50

Under 5's travel for free, as do carers (proof required).

Book your tickets for train travel to our Minehead Station Christmas Market here: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/minehead-station-christmas-market-and-service-from-bishops-lydeard-to-minehead-return

If you would be interested in holding a stall at our Christmas Market, please email [email protected] for an application form.

📷 Paul Savage

Over the coming days, we will be highlighting each of our Christmas events, which are now on sale! 🎄Our Santa Express fr...
10/08/2026

Over the coming days, we will be highlighting each of our Christmas events, which are now on sale! 🎄

Our Santa Express from Minehead will be returning for one day only - Saturday 28th November! 🧑‍🎄

Create magical memories to cherish for a lifetime aboard our much-loved Christmas family favourite – the Santa Express!

Step aboard our festively decorated heritage carriages and enjoy a magical steam-hauled journey along the Exmoor coast, travelling from Minehead to Williton and back.

A gift from Santa and festive refreshments will be waiting at your table once you board. During the journey to Williton, Santa himself will make a special visit to meet all his guests.

Date: Saturday 28th November at 1pm

Prices: £25 per person for adults and children.
Under 1's travel for £10, which covers the price of their gift.

Head to our website now to book your tickets: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/santa-express-from-minehead

📷 Mike Lanning

Sodor Spotlight:Over the next few weeks we are going to be spotlighting different characters from the Island of Sodor an...
10/08/2026

Sodor Spotlight:

Over the next few weeks we are going to be spotlighting different characters from the Island of Sodor and some of the different pieces of Thomas and Friends merchandise we have available for them in our Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station - limited amounts are also available on our webshop.

Up first is a cheeky little engine with six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler and a short stumpy dome, who loves nothing more than travelling on his branchline with his faithful coaches, Annie & Clarabel.

Even though Thomas & Friends celebrated its 80th Anniversary last year, Thomas never actually featured in the first Railway Series book, making 2026 Thomas’s true 80th Anniversary from his first public debut.

Thomas has had countless amounts of stories, episodes and movies about his adventures.

What’s your favourite tale featuring the cheeky blue tank engine?

Don't forget - the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead is open 7 days a week throughout August - the perfect opportunity to browse our Thomas range!

If you can't make it to our shop, check out the items we have available on our webshop here: https://westsomersetrailway.digitickets.co.uk/category/28302?navItem=1209064

Lots of you have been enquiring about our Christmas events - so over the coming days, we will be showcasing each of our ...
09/08/2026

Lots of you have been enquiring about our Christmas events - so over the coming days, we will be showcasing each of our Christmas events, which are on sale now! 🎄

Our first event in the spotlight is the Santa Express! 🧑‍🎄

Create magical memories to cherish for a lifetime aboard our much-loved Christmas family favourite – the Santa Express from Bishops Lydeard!

Step aboard our festively decorated heritage carriages and enjoy a magical steam hauled journey through the Quantock Hills, travelling from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back.

A gift from Santa and festive refreshments will be waiting at your table once you board.

During the journey to Williton, Santa himself will make a special visit to meet all his guests.

Dates:
December
- Saturday 5th: 11am and 2pm
- Sunday 6th: 11am and 2pm
- Saturday 12th: 11am and 2pm
- Sunday 13th: 10:30am and 1:30pm
- Saturday 19th: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm
- Sunday 20th: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm
- Wednesday 23rd: 10:30am, 1:30pm and 4pm
- Thursday 24th: 10:30am and 1:30pm

Prices:
5th-13th December: £29.50 per person
19th-23rd December: £31 per person
24th December: £32.50 per person
The above prices are for adults and children.
Under 1's travel for £10 each on all dates, which covers the price of their gift.

This event is always popular, so book your tickets as soon as possible to secure your preferred date: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/santa-express-from-bishops-lydeard

📷 Mike Pinn

Have you visited us today? If so, we'd love to see your photos - post them in the comments below 👇Please see below our B...
08/08/2026

Have you visited us today? If so, we'd love to see your photos - post them in the comments below 👇

Please see below our Blue Timetable for tomorrow - scheduled to be in service are 9351 and D7017.

Make sure to book your tickets for tomorrow before 10pm tonight to benefit from our pre-book discount: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/rover-tickets-2026

DEPG

📷 Mike Lanning

In less than four weeks we will welcome Pleasure Dome Theatre Company CIC to Minehead Station for two performances of 'T...
08/08/2026

In less than four weeks we will welcome Pleasure Dome Theatre Company CIC to Minehead Station for two performances of 'The Signalman'!

To give you a flavour of the production, here are some photos of their recent performance at Valley of Rocks. What an amazing backdrop!

There will be 2 performances at Minehead Station on Friday 4th September.

3.00pm Family Performance – specially tailored for families and younger audiences - good availability.

8.00pm Evening Performance – a darker, more atmospheric experience in the unique surroundings of the station after hours *********SOLD OUT**********

For further information and to book tickets visit:

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/performance-of-charles-dickens-the-signalman-at-minehead-station-on-friday-4th-september-2026 #

Photos: Pleasure Dome Theatre Company

08/08/2026

Happy International Cat Day from all of us at the West Somerset Railway! 🐈

We have a number of cats that regularly visit the railway, including Rosie at Dunster Station and Arthur (who features in this video!) at Minehead Station. 🐱

Have you seen any cats at our stations when visiting us? Or perhaps you have a cat of your own?
We'd love to see your photos in the comments below! 👇

06/08/2026

The perfect day out starts here! ✨

Step aboard the Quantock Belle and enjoy a relaxing journey through the beautiful Somerset countryside, with a delicious Afternoon Tea served at your table. Enjoy sweet and savoury treats, soak up the scenery, and spend quality time catching up with friends or family.

Whether you're celebrating something special or simply treating yourselves, it's the perfect way to slow down and make memories together.

🥂 Add a glass of prosecco for an extra touch of indulgence!

Our next date is only a week away - Thursday 13th August!

Book your Afternoon Tea journey today:
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/afternoon-tea-train

🎥 Tim Wetherell

Address

The Railway Station
Minehead
TA245BG

Telephone

+441643704996

Website

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