West Somerset Railway

Bristol

The West Somerset Railway is England's longest heritage railway, running over 20 miles between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and the seaside town of Minehead.

The line encompasses 10 stations, with the first half of the line passing beneath the Quantock Hills and the second half running along the north Somerset coast, via the harbour town of Watchet and past Dunster's historic castle.

Running generally between April and October, the railway has a fleet of steam and diesel locomotives hauling historic carriages. Beyond its standard running days there are dining trains, gala events and children's events that take place throughout the year, along with the annual 1940s weekend and the sell-out festive services during December.

Local accommodation can be found at Taunton, Watchet and Minehead in the form of chain hotels and independent B&Bs, along with plenty of rural, out-of-the-way cottages and campsites located in villages along the line such as Stogumber and Dunster.

Free parking is available at Bishops Lydeard Station, just 15 mins from J25 (Taunton) of the M5. A pay and display car park is available at Minehead for Exmoor-based visitors starting their journey at that end of the line.