The West Somerset Railway is a well established heritage railway running from Bishop's Lydeard, near Taunton, to the seaside resort of Minehead. It is one of the longest preserved lines in the country, and has a wide range of steam and heritage diesel rolling stock. It makes for a great family day out (for families of all ages!) History Plans for a line in the area were proposed on the completion of the Bristol to Exeter Railway in 1845 through nearby Taunton, but it was not until 1857 that an Act of Parliament was granted to build a line from a junction south of Taunton to the harbour town of Watchet. Construction began in 1859 and the line opened in 1862. The extension to Minehead opened ten years later in 1872. The line became part of the Great Western Railway in 1874, and survived nationalisation to become part of British Railways. Traffic had always been heavily seasonal, being much busier in the summer holiday season, and the line was proposed for closure in 1963. Facilities were slowly rationalised and services finally ceased in 1971. Almost immediately, proposals were made to reopen the line, and in 1976 the section from Minehead to Blue Anchor opened as a heritage railway. The line was progressively restored and reached Bishops Lydeard in 1979. The Line Until the reopening of the 25 mile long Welsh Highland Railway, the West Somerset was, at 22.75 miles (36.6 km), the longest privately owned passenger rail line in the UK. However, normal operation for regular services is on the 19.5 miles from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard; services only run through to the national network for special events, via the connection at Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton. Special 'Gala Days' attract large crowds and are extremely popular; in addition, there are special trains at Christmas and New Year, Santa Specials, Fine Dining Services, and even Fish & Chips specials and Cheese & Cider specials! You can even learn to drive a steam train on a special course. See website for details. The line runs through delightful and varied scenery; from Bishops Lydeard to Williton, it follows the edge of the Quantock Hills through rich farmland, before heading to the coast at Watchet, where the line overlooks the harbour. It then heads inland to avoid cliffs, before running along the coast on the levels between Blue Anchor, past Dunster Castle, to Minehead. Bishops Lydreard and Minehead normally have steam locomotives around the station to look at, and Williton is home to the Diesel and Electric Preservation group. The stations have been beautifully restored, and there are toilet facilities and souvenir and bookshops at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. There are catering facilities at Minehead. The line makes some provision for passengers with disabilities there is level access (and Disabled Toilets) at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. See website or telephone for details. Rover tickets valid for a whole day's unlimited travel are £15.60 for adults, £7.80 for children, or £43 for two adults and up to four children (2011 prices). Although that might sounds pricey, a return trip takes a minimum of two hours for the 40 miles, and there are plenty of locomotives to see along the way. Special fares apply for special events. read more

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We went to experience the Day Out With Thomas where you get to ride on a Thomas the Tank engine style steam train out from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. It wasn't cheap but what an excellent day. The staff, some of them volunteers as far as I could work out, were excellent and clearly doing it because they enjoyed it. At Minehead station itself there was lots to do for the kids and you even got to ride on Thomas himself. Our two girls, 2 and nearly 5 years old both loved it - as did Mum and Dad. read more

West Somerset Railway - A real life Thomas that you could ride on! - Mass Media Near Me - Minehead, SOM

On the plus side, the West Somerset Railway is a brilliant day out. You can ride old steam trains from Minehead through to Bishops Lydeard. It is truly stunning, well worth a go. On the minus side, it's quite expensive - not for commuting on! About £9 for a day ticket if I remember correctly. However, for a one-day trip, well worth it to travel the district. read more

I love the West Somerset Railway. It is such a great family day out and actually something to enjoy at any age which is even better. It isn't very cheap but i think what you pay is well worth it as it helps to keep it all running for families to enjoy in years to come. I really hope this will stay open for many years to come so more and more people can delight in the great british railways. read more

It is a must when you visit Minehead, a ride back into the past. All kids love it and not it is coming to Christmas time there are Santa Trains for the children and many other events for adults all through the year. People may think it is dear but remember it costs a lot of money to keep it running and it is part of our heritage we must keep read more

I love the railway there is definately something romantic whatever time of the year to travel from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on the train. It is quite expensive though if you are not local. Local's can get cheap fares if they fill in a form and prove they live here with utility bills. Dont turn up and expect this to happen on the day you travel though as they have to send it away but it only takes a couple of days. They have a catering on each train and even a special dining car on special trains with excursions which include fish and chips or father christmas. They have just put a train on the track called Braunton after 12 years and it has been lovingly restored by the people in Williton. I still love the railway even though my husband, who is an engineer has just been made redundant, I just hope with only volunteers to keep the trains in ship shape condition they do not become a thing of the past. A great way however to see the countryside! read more

I love the West Somerset Railway. There is just something wonderful about travelling on these old steam trains. The special events that are available are quite good too, and there are a mixture of different events to keep both young and old interested. The people involved are volunteers, which means that they really are interested in the Railway, and not just there because they have to be. Long may they continue. read more