Name: West Somerset Railway
Rating: 5.0

West Somerset Railway

West Somerset Railway, Minehead, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Welcome to the West Somerset Railway, 20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside and coast. The West Somerset Railway (WSR) is the longest independent heritage railway in the UK, offering a 20-mile scenic journey through the Quantock Hills and along the Somerset coast between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.

Our Railway, a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway is full of fascination whether you are looking for a nostalgic ride back in time through lovely countryside or to study the railway and industrial heritage which our line preserves.

Prices starts from £36.00 for adults, £18.00 for Children (age 5-15 yrs) and £90.00 for Family (2 adults + 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Bishops Lydeard Station: Bishops Lydeard Station is the southern terminus of the West Somerset Railway and is located just off the A358 on the western edge of the village adjacent to the Broad Gauge Industrial Park, five miles from Taunton and seven miles from the M5 Motorway (Junction 25). There is a large free car park for vehicles under 2.1 metres in height.
Crowcombe Heathfield Station: In a picturesque and tranquil rural location at the hamlet of Crowcombe Heathfield, the station sits by the highest point on the West Somerset Railway, just under 400 feet above sea level. Here you can often hear approaching trains working hard to climb up the gradient for several minutes before they arrive.
Stogumber: Stogumber Station is nestled beneath the Quantock Hills, just over a mile from the centre of the very pretty village of Stogumber. An hour from Minehead along the West Somerset Railway, it is the ideal place to begin your journey to experience the old-fashioned charm and spirit of the English countryside.
Williton: Williton Station is about a mile east of the village centre. It has two platforms and is the principal intermediate train crossing place on the West Somerset Railway, where most trains will pass one going in the opposite direction.
Doniford (Beach) Halt: Doniford Halt (or Doniford Beach Halt as it's identified on the OS maps) is a pretty little platform with a heritage GWR 'pagoda' waiting room and views from the platform bench of the surrounding farmland, Quantock Hills and Steep Holm Island in the distance rising from the silvery Bristol Channel.
Watchet: Watchet Station has a single platform, which is wheelchair-accessible from the path over the level crossing at the up (Bishops Lydeard) end.
Washford: Washford station is right beside the main A39 road between Williton and Minehead and is well-placed in the village it serves. However, there is only limited parking available at the station and in nearby streets.
Blue Anchor: Blue Anchor is a quiet seaside village in a scenic location, with a long sandy beach perfect for families and children.
Dunster: The medieval village of Dunster, with its spectacular castle, is about a mile from the station. Allow at least twenty minutes for the walk, the latter part of which is uphill.
Minehead: Minehead Station is located close to the sea front and a short walk from the town centre. There is a large public car park adjacent to the station, but note that this is not owned by the West Somerset Railway.

Facilities

Parking: We have limited free parking at Bishops Lydeard and there is a pay and display car park next to Minehead Station.
Food & Drinks: The shops and café’s along the line are open when the trains are running, with the exceptions of Minehead and Bishops Lydeard which may be open at additional times and advertised accordingly.
Toilets: Toilets are available at all of our stations, except Doniford Halt. We also have toilets available on the train.

What to see

Events:

50th Anniversary Weekend: Our first event of 2026 is to celebrate 50 years of the reopening of the line on the West Somerset Railway. In 1976 the West Somerset Railway reopened its doors and ran services between Minehead and Blue Anchor. This weekend is dedicated to commemorating this momentous occasion.
Rover Tickets 2026: Our line meanders through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor Coast. We have 10 idyllic stations with plenty of areas to explore, details of each of our stations can be found here on our website your rover ticket allows you the opportunity to visit multiple stations providing the timetable allows. Our rover ticket is the same price as a full length of the line return.

For more information please visit: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Travel Only:
50th Anniversary Weekend:

Adult: £36.00
Child(5-15): £18.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £90.00

Rover Tickets:

Adult: £36.00
Child(5-15): £18.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): £90.00

Annual Pass:

Adult Pass: £190.00
Young Person Pass (Aged 5–15 years): £95.00
Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children): £475.00
Family Pass (1 Adult & 2 Children): £325.00

For more membership information please visit: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/annual-pass

Pricing URL: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/book-tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Time may vary please check here: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/calendar

Address: West Somerset Railway, Minehead, UK

Post Code: TA24 5BG

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

By Road: The M5 Motorway passes by Taunton. To reach the West Somerset Railway leave the M5 at Junction 25 (Taunton) and follow signs for Minehead (there are also brown tourist signs for the Railway itself but following the signs for Minehead works as well) until you are approaching Bishops Lydeard. DO NOT GO INTO THE VILLAGE. Remain on the by-pass until you see signs directing you to the Railway and also the village of Halse. Turn left here and Bishops Lydeard station is directly in front of you behind the Broad Gauge Industrial Park. There is a large free car park at Bishops Lydeard Station.
By Rail: The nearest mainline railway station to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard is Taunton. The bus link between there and the WSR is operated by First West of England Bus service 28 (Buses of Somerset). For more information on Rail Services to and from Taunton please see National Rail Enquiries website.
By Bus: Buses of Somerset offer the 28-service bus which operates between Taunton and Minehead. This includes a range of stops like Bishops Lydeard, Williton and Watchet.
Parking: We have limited free parking at Bishops Lydeard and there is a pay and display car park next to Minehead Station.

For more details please visit: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/find-us