The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and the countryside drift past the window.

The West Somerset Railway seeks to recreate the atmosphere of a Great Western Railway branch line. There are ten restored stations along the route, each having its own individual charm and character; many have signal boxes, engine sheds, museums, displays, steam engines and other rolling stock to see.

From Bishops Lydeard, trains run beside the Quantock Hills northwards to the Bristol Channel coast at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The end of the line is the holiday town of Minehead, with its sandy beach, thrilling fun fair, beautiful gardens and lots of shops to explore. Buses run on Exmoor and steamers call at the harbour.

Don't just take advantage of the wonderful steam engine trips through the beautiful Somerset countryside; take advantage of the Murder Mystery specials as well as the special steam and diesel galas or a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine, special cream teas and fish and chip events, even Steam Engineman Courses.

For more information and timetables visit the West Somerset Railway website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or visit Taunton Tourist Information Centre for a timetable brochure.

Looking At The Stops

BISHOPS LYDEARD
A short walk from a pleasant village with shops, pubs and a very impressive church. At the station itself you will find an excellent souvenir and model shop, a cafe and the newly opened Gauge Mueseum. Large free car park and bus connections to Taunton. 

CROWCOMBE HEATHFIELD
As seen in films including "The Land Girls" and "A Hard Day's Night". Award winning station and a perfect place to start country walks. Youth Hostel and Bed and Breakfast nearby.

STOGUMBER
An idyllic, unusual Country Station with a large picnic site, twenty minutes walk to picturesque village with church and pub.

WILLITON
Restored 1860's station restored internally to GWR condition with small station shop. Fifteen minutes walk to town centre with pubs, cafes and shops. Thirty minute walk to Bakelite Museum. Diesel Locomotive Heritage Centre (Restricted Access).

WATCHET
Victorian station with small shop in heart of this ancient harbour town with its new marina. Old winding streets with small shops.

WASHFORD
Station is Museum of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway. Pub by station. Fifteen minutes walk to medieval Cleeve Abbey and craft shops.

BLUE ANCHOR
Lovely station adjacent to the beach. Small GWR Museum open Sundays and Bank Holidays.

DUNSTER
Twenty minutes walk from the medieval village with its pubs, tea shops, castle and mill. Short walk to nearby beach.

MINEHEAD
The station is right on the seafront, the shops, pubs etc. are immediately to hand. Large gift shop, 'Readers Halt' second hand books and plenty of locomotives to see in the yards. It is a short walk to Butlins Holiday Centre, the peaceful old town on North Hill and the town centre and harbour.