sign in sign up
<<
Home , West Somerset Railway

West Railway Group Travel 2017 Steam train travel along the coast and through the Somerset countryside.

Front page photographs courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk Welcome... Somerset Let the Railway (near County of contrasting beauty and places to see look after your organisation on a ), and on The is one of the county’s major tourism attractions and a great day out group visit. the Somerset Coast. but, if you are planning a longer break in South West England, Somerset has much to offer. We offer groups their travel at a discounted We will do our best to ensure that everyone Scenically it has one of the most diverse series of landscapes of any English county. There are major rate and this comes with the added comfort has a great day out, whatever their age or contrasts between the Mendips in the north east around Bath and the and Exmoor in the of reserved seating, so that your group can west (and most of Exmoor is in Somerset). The south of the county with buildings of “Ham stone” is interest. We cater for groups of many sizes all sit together and have access to our party different again and the Somerset Levels are a world apart, flanked by the Bristol Channel and ranges of hills. and backgrounds from school groups to catering menu, where you can be served coach companies WI’s and associations. Places of interest abound. Bath is world famous, but you should not miss the beautiful little cathedral city your food choice at your seat by our of Wells and neighbouring Glastonbury with the Abbey. Close at hand to Glastonbury is Clark’s Village The West Somerset Railway is Britain’s dedicated and friendly catering team*. shopping outlet in Street. Museums? The Museum of Somerset is in the county town of Taunton, longest standard gauge railway running Please see our group catering page for Yeovilton is the Museum of Naval Flight and you will find Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford. Castles? twenty miles through ten stations between more information. There is impressive on the WSR route, the small scale charm of Nunney, and the huge hill fort at Cadbury has long established connections with King Arthur. This is a small sample of places of interest. *T’s and C’s apply The main seaside towns are Weston-super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead but please don’t over- Photograph courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography look such lovely little coastal villages as , nestling between Exmoor and the bay at Porlock Weir. Another fascinating village situated on the Levels is Muchelney with its ruined Abbey and the studio of the world-renowned potter John Leach, one of hundreds of artists and craftsmen who find so much inspiration from these diverse surroundings.

So why not book a hotel for your group booking and take extra time to explore? There is much to see and enjoy in the Land of the Summer People.

2 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 3 TRAVEL Group Rates FROM JUST Combine packages Pre-booked groups of 16 passengers and above receive £11 discounted travel on the West Somerset Railway. with local attractions We offer group rates on all single and return journeys between each of our ten stations (Bishops With the starting point of Bishops Lydeard we have: Lydeard, Heathfield, , , Doniford Halt, , , , Dunster and Minehead). Our most popular group journeys are full length of the line singles and returns: Dunster Castle Express: Make the most of your visit to the area by combining your trip with a visit SINGLE RETURN to Dunster Castle. The normal Dunster Castle Express happens every Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Wednesday and Saturday and includes your train travel from Bishops Lydeard, bus ride and entrance to the castle. Picnics can be added for (or vice versa) (or vice versa) collection from the castle itself when pre-booked. £11.00 Adult/Seniors £16.00 Adult/Seniors £5.50 Young Persons (Age 5 – 17) £8.00 Young Persons (Age 5 – 17) Lynton and Lynmouth Explorer. £FREE Children (Age 0-4)*. £FREE Children (Age 0-4)*. Join the West Somerset Railway and Ridlers Coaches for a combined £500 Carriage Hire (Holds up to 64 people) £800 Carriage Hire (Holds up to 64 people) return steam train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Station, Ridlers Coach transfer from there to Lynton & Lynmouth, returning after *Under 5’s travel for free when accompanied by a full paying adult. The ratio would need to be 1:1. to Minehead Station and an optional cream tea on the return steam train If you have a large group it may work out more cost effective to hire a whole carriage for your journey. On selected days throughout the season. exclusive use on a scheduled service. Carriage hire is only available for full length of the line journeys. Starting from Minehead: Hestercombe Express. Every Wednesday we have our Hestercombe Express, where your journey begins on the West Somerset Railway - join us at any station and wind your way along the coast and through gentle countryside to the pretty village of Bishops Lydeard. Here, you will be met by our special heritage bus and travel in comfort to Hestercombe. Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens: the Georgian Landscape Garden, Victorian Terrace & Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. With over 50 acres to explore and an exciting programme of events, there’s lots to see and do. Can’t make the specified days but the package looks attractive? Train Charter Talk to us about tailoring it to your needs such as using Why not charter a whole train for your group (capacity of approx 300 passengers)? your own coach for transfers if you wish. Charters consist of one steam locomotive and up to six carriages and can include an optional staffed buffet (additional fee). Main image: The Village and Castle Tower of Dunster

Charters are charged at the following rates dependent on mileage: 20 Mile Trip (i.e. Minehead to Bishops Lydeard) £1650.00 40 Mile Return trip (full length of line) £2200.00 80 Miles – or two return trips £3300.00 If a specific locomotive is requested there may be an additional charge. Any additional coaches to the six provided will incur an additional cost of £400.00 each. 4 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 5 Width: 700 millimetres (27 inches) Accessible Guide Length (including footplates): 1,200 millimetres (47 inches) The West Somerset Railway welcomes Weight (including passenger): 230kg passengers who have a disability and (36 stone), the safe limit of our ramps. any accompanying assistance dogs. Even if your mobility is limited, most of Size Restrictions Group & Coach Company Travel during Gala Events our stations are accessible to you. Most West Somerset Railway services can carry Past experience has shown that, during our manual or powered wheelchairs and mobility Gala events, the WSR is unable to accept The Trains scooters, folded if necessary, up to the above group bookings in our usual manner, with Most of our trains are accessible even if you limitations (for safety reasons): seat reservations and optional catering etc. have a disability. You can move between the Boarding the Train However we do not wish to disappoint potential carriages (including to the buffet car) on the level, It is your responsibility to load your wheelchair customers, when there is a great deal to see and but the somewhat narrow connecting doors of or scooter on and off the train and we ask you do along the railway itself. In addition there are our heritage carriages, stop you from doing so in or your travelling companion to ensure that the attractions and places to visit along the route a wheelchair or scooter. scooter is folded ready for boarding prior to the and the regular train service makes it very easy Booking of Accessible Coaches train’s arrival. If you require help, please do not for passengers to explore at their own pace. We have three carriages which can be added to hesitate to ask. So what we are prepared to offer coach a specific train (subject to advance booking and If your scooter or wheelchair is oversize, we have companies and group organisers are discounted availability). These three carriages are specially a small number of ordinary, standard size fare Day Rover Tickets which allow the freedom adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. wheelchairs available for loan at Bishops Lydeard, of the line for the day. They cover all train services The ‘Lorna Doone’ carriage can accommodate Watchet and Minehead for your use whilst you although there may be extra charges for between 6 and 10 wheelchairs, depending on are on the railway. admission to such places along the way as size and our ‘Golden Fox’ another accessible Washford Railway Museum and the club room of Museums carriage can accommodate 4. If your wheelchair is oversize for medical reasons Why not stop off to see one of our the Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops To check availability and to pre-book, please call (but not overweight), please contact us in railway museums at Bishops Lydeard, Lydeard station. Please note that on these days us on 01643 704996. Additionally, there may be advance of travel and we may be able to issue a Washford and Blue Anchor. seats cannot be reserved. room to travel in the Guard’s van. permit to travel for your wheelchair. The discounted Rover Tickets must be ordered a minimum of 10 days before the intended day of travel to allow for processing and posting. Please ask for assistance if it would help. Please note that prices on gala days are sold at We are here to ensure you enjoy your day! a premium rate, discounts are given when booked at least 10 days in advance. Please view our website for accessibility For further information and prices, please do not at stations and for more information. hesitate to contact us. Groups may also travel on other special event days. Please contact us for details, pre-payment will be required. Guide Books If bought in advance guide books are £4.50. You can give these to your group as an extra. They are also available at our station shops. A smaller pictorial guide called ‘Along the Line’ is also available for 50p. Photograph courtesy of Zummerzet Photography 6 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 7 Train Times 2017 KEY JULY 31 Red Timetable M 3 10 17 24 31 Steam Diesel Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Diesel Steam Diesel Steam Steam Green Timetable BL dep 10 20 11 05 12 40 14 35 16 30 BL dep 10 20 11 05 11 50 12 40 14 35 16 30 31 T 4 11 18 25 31 Blue Timetable CH arr 10 34 11X18 12 53 14 48 16X43 CH arr 10 34 11X18 12 00 12 53 14 48 16X43 W 5 12 19 26 CH dep 10 35 11 25 12 54 14 50 16 46 CH dep 10 35 11 25 12 02 12 54 14 50 16 46 31 Yellow Timetable SR 10 44 11 33 13 03 14 59 16 55 SR 10 44 11 33 12 11 13 03 14 59 16 55 31 Brown Timetable T 6 13 20 27 WN arr 10X53 11 42 13X12 15X08 17X04 WN arr 10X53 11 42 12 20 13X12 15X08 17X04 WN dep 11 00 11 43 13 22 15 17 17 15 WN dep 11 00 11 43 12 22 13 22 15 17 17 15 31 Special Timetable Operates F 7 14 21 28 DD (R) 11 04 11 47 13 26 15 21 17 19 DD (R) 11 04 11 47 12 26 13 26 14 20 15 21 17 19 31 Day Out with Thomas Sa 1 8 15 22 29 WT 11 11 11 54 13 33 15 28 17 25 WT 11 11 11 54 12 33 13 33 14 26 15 28 17 25 31 Festive Trains WD 11 19 12 02 13 41 15 36 17 33 WD 11 19 12 02 12 41 13 41 14 34 15 36 17 33 Su 2 9 16 23 30 BA arr 11 28 12 09 13 47 15X42 17 39 BA arr 11 28 12 09 12x48 13X47 14 40 15X42 17X39 BA dep 11 30 12 11 13 49 15 48 17 40 BA dep 11 30 12 11 12 54 13 49 14 50 15 48 17 40 AUGUST DR 11 37 12 18 13 56 15 55 17 47 DR 11 37 12 18 13 01 13 56 14 57 15 55 17 47 JANUARY MD arr 11 43 12 25 14 03 16 02 17 54 MD arr 11 43 12 25 13 08 14 03 15 04 16 02 17 54 S 1 M 7 14 21 28

Steam Steam Steam Diesel Steam Steam Steam Diesel Steam Steam Steam Diesel M 2 T 1 8 15 22 29 MD dep 10 10 12 35 14 30 15 30 16 30 MD dep 10 10 12 35 13 30 14 30 15 30 16 30 17 20 W 2 9 16 23 30 DR 10 18 12 43 14 38 15 38 16 38 DR 10 18 12 43 13 37 14 38 15 38 16 38 17 27 FEBRUARY BA arr 10 25 12 50 14 46 15X45 16 45 BA arr 10 25 12X50 13X44 14X46 15X45 16 45 17X34 T 3 10 17 24 31 BA dep 10 27 12 52 14 48 15 48 16 47 BA dep 10 27 12 52 13 52 14 48 15 48 16 47 17 42 M 6 13 20 27 F 4 11 18 25 WD 10 35 13 00 14 56 15 56 16 55 WD 10 35 13 00 14 00 14 56 15 56 16 55 17 49 T 7 14 21 28 WT 10 44 13 09 15 04 16 06 17 03 WT 10 44 13 09 14 08 15 04 16 06 17 03 17 56 Sa 5 12 19 26 DD (R) 10 48 13 12 15 08 16 10 17 07 DD (R) 10 48 13 12 14 11 15 08 16 10 17 07 17 59 W 1 8 15 22 Su 6 13 20 27 WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X12 16 14 17X11 WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X12 16 14 17X11 18 03 WN dep 11 00 13 18 15 14 16 16 17 13 WN dep 11 00 13 18 15 14 16 16 17 13 18 04 T 2 9 16 23 SR 11 12 13 30 15 26 16 28 17 25 SR 11 12 13 30 15 26 16 28 17 25 18 16 F 3 10 17 24 SEPTEMBER CH arr 11X21 13 38 15 34 16X36 17 33 CH arr 11X21 13 38 15 34 16X36 17 33 18 24 M 4 11 18 25 CH Dep 11 27 13 39 15 36 16 45 17 34 CH Dep 11 27 13 39 15 36 16 45 17 34 18 25 Sa 4 11 18 25 BL arr 11 38 13 50 15 46 16 56 17 45 BL arr 11 38 13 50 15 46 16 56 17 45 18 36 Su 5 12 19 26 T 5 12 19 26 W 6 13 20 27 MARCH Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam T 7 14 21 28 BL dep 10 20 12 40 14 35 16 30 BL dep 10 20 11 05 12 40 14 35 16 30 M 6 13 20 27 CH arr 10 34 12 53 14 48 16X43 CH arr 10 34 11X18 12 53 14 48 16X43 F 1 8 15 22 29 CH dep 10 35 12 54 14 50 16 46 CH dep 10 35 11 25 12 54 14 50 16 46 T 7 14 21 28 Sa 2 9 16 23 30 SR 10 44 13 03 14 59 16 55 SR 10 44 11 33 13 03 14 59 16 55 W 1 8 15 22 29 WN arr 10X53 13X12 15X08 17X04 WN arr 10X53 11 42 13X12 15X08 17X04 Su 3 10 17 24 WN dep 11 00 13 22 15 17 17 15 WN dep 11 00 11 43 13 22 15 17 17 15 T 2 9 16 23 30 DD (R) 11 04 13 26 15 21 17 19 DD (R) 11 04 11 47 13 26 15 21 17 19 F 3 10 17 24 31 WT 11 11 13 33 15 28 17 25 WT 11 11 11 54 13 33 15 28 17 25 OCTOBER WD 11 19 13 41 15 36 17 33 WD 11 19 12 02 13 41 15 36 17 33 Sa 4 11 18 25 M 2 9 16 23 30 BA arr 11 28 13 47 15 42 17 39 BA arr 11 28 12 09 13 47 15X42 17 39 BA dep 11 30 13 49 15 48 17 40 BA dep 11 30 12 11 13 49 15 48 17 40 Su 5 12 19 26 T 3 10 17 24 31 DR 11 37 13 56 15 55 17 47 DR 11 37 12 18 13 56 15 55 17 47 W 4 11 18 25 MD arr 11 43 14 03 16 02 17 54 MD arr 11 43 12 25 14 03 16 02 17 54 APRIL M 3 10 17 24 T 5 12 19 26 Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam MD dep 10 10 12 35 14 30 16 30 MD dep 10 10 12 35 14 30 15 30 16 30 T 4 11 18 25 F 6 13 20 27 DR 10 18 12 43 14 38 16 38 DR 10 18 12 43 14 38 15 38 16 38 W 5 12 19 26 Sa 7 14 21 28 BA arr 10 25 12 50 14 46 16 45 BA arr 10 25 12 50 14 46 15X45 16 45 BA dep 10 27 12 52 14 48 16 47 BA dep 10 27 12 52 14 48 15 48 16 47 T 6 13 20 27 Su 1 8 15 22 29 WD 10 35 13 00 14 56 16 55 WD 10 35 13 00 14 56 15 56 16 55 F 7 14 21 28 WT 10 44 13 09 15 04 17 03 WT 10 44 13 09 15 04 16 06 17 03 NOVEMBER DD (R) 10 48 13 12 15 08 17 07 DD (R) 10 48 13 12 15 08 16 10 17 07 Sa 1 8 15 22 29 WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X12 17X11 WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X12 16 14 17X11 M 6 13 20 27 Su 2 9 16 23 30 WN dep 11 00 13 18 15 14 17 13 WN dep 11 00 13 18 15 14 16 16 17 13 T 7 14 21 28 SR 11 12 13 30 15 26 17 25 SR 11 12 13 30 15 26 16 28 17 25 MAY CH arr 11 21 13 38 15 34 17 33 CH arr 11X21 13 38 15 34 16X36 17 33 W 1 8 15 22 29 CH Dep 11 23 13 39 15 36 17 34 CH Dep 11 27 13 39 15 36 16 45 17 34 M 1 8 15 22 29 T 2 9 16 23 30 BL arr 11 34 13 50 15 46 17 45 BL arr 11 38 13 50 15 46 16 56 17 45 T 2 9 16 23 30 F 3 10 17 24 W 3 10 17 24 31 Sa 4 11 18 25 Diesel Diesel Diesel KEY TO STATIONS: BL dep 10 30 12 30 14 30 T 4 11 18 25 MD = Minehead, DR = Dunster, BA = Blue Anchor, WD = Washford, WT = Watchet, DD(R) = Donford Halt (request stop) Su 5 12 19 26 29 CH arr 10 42 12 42 14 42 F 5 12 19 26 CH dep 10 43 12 43 14 43 WN = Williton, SR = Stogumber, CH = Crowcombe Heathfield, BL = Bishops Lydeard X=Trains Cross SR 10 51 12 51 14 51 Sa 6 13 20 27 DECEMBER WN arr 11 00 13 00 15 00 Su 7 14 21 28 WN dep 11 03 13 03 15 03 Match the colour on the date you wish to travel with the timetable of the same colour. M 4 11 18 25 DD (R) 11 07 13 07 15 07 T 5 12 19 26 WT 11 11 13 11 15 11 Dates in orange and purple are special events with non-standard timetables. JUNE W 6 13 20 27 Special fares apply on orange and purple dates. M 5 12 19 26 WT 11 20 13 20 15 20 T 7 14 21 28 DD (R) 11 24 13 24 15 24 T 6 13 20 27 WN arr 11 28 13 28 15 28 This timetable was published in October 2016. F 1 8 15 22 29 WN dep 11 30 13 30 15 30 W 7 14 21 28 The West Somerset Railway reserves the right for operational, technical and any other reason to Sa 2 9 16 23 30 SR 11 40 13 40 15 40 T 1 8 15 22 29 CH arr 11 48 13 48 15 48 Su 3 10 17 24 31 CH dep 11 49 13 49 15 49 amend the published dates, timings, number of services, type of haulage and event dates. F 2 9 16 23 30 BL arr 11 59 13 59 15 59 Please check our timetable at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by calling 01643 704996 prior to your date of travel or check upon arrival at the Sa 3 10 17 24 JANUARY 2018 Booking Office. Su 4 11 18 25 M 1 8 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 9 On Train Refreshments For your special occasion... Served from the Buffet Car If you charter a whole carriage or a private train, we can provide a bespoke catering service to suit your party. We will discuss your requirements and provide suggestions and • Hot beverages Railwayman’s Lunch £6.00 recommendations ranging from finger buffets to 3 course meals. • Cold drinks, including wine, beers, ciders We have experience in catering for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and funerals, as well as and spirits Either sandwiches or pasty, corporate occasions. We can provide wine and beer, including real ales from excellent local breweries, • Cakes, biscuits, crisps and confectionery plus a hot drink/soup or juice plus soft drinks and hot beverages. Your private carriage can be decorated with ribbons, balloons, flowers, • Fresh daily – sandwiches, sausage rolls crisps and a cake. paper sprinkles etc as you wish and for your private train you can even commission your own and traditional pasties available commemorative head board. Food with Reserved Seats and Table Service for parties of 16 or more people

• Packed lunch Sandwich, crisps, pre packed cake, an apple or banana served with tea, coffee or fruit juice £6.50 Hot Meals - all served with tea, coffee or fruit juice drink • Cod and Chips (Gluten Free option How to book. available on most services but MUST be When you have the date that you would like to travel and an idea of the timings, please contact pre-ordered) £10.00 us either by email [email protected] or phone 01643 700398 to let us know your plans. • Jumbo sausage & chips £8.00 • Chicken & chips £10.00 We can then talk you through availability and any extra arrangements that you may require for the day, • Vegetarian burger & chips £9.00 please ensure you let us know at this time if you have any specific requirements, for example, wheelchair • Childs choices available access or catering. Once we have checked the date is available we can provisionally put you onto the system, please note, we have a pre booked passenger limit of 120 people per train so there may be times Delicious Treats where the train you would prefer to travel on is fully booked, in this instance we will help you as best we can with alternative ideas for your day out. Once your booking is on the system we will send you a • Tea or coffee with biscuit selection £3.80 confirmation letter. • Tea or coffee with home-made cake selection £4.80 When you receive your confirmation letter either by post or email depending on how you would like to be (buttercream sandwich, coffee & walnut, Victorian fruit cake or similar selection) contacted, we will require you to check it through and inform us if we have got any details wrong. It is at this time that we would require a non refundable 10% deposit. This deposit forms confirmation of booking and your date and time will be secured. Final payment for your fares can then be made on the day at the West Country Cream Tea booking office. The taste of the West Country If catering is involved with your group booking, payment would be slightly different. For catering, we Locally sourced scones, jam and require full payment to be made no later than two weeks before your travel date. The fares element of clotted cream served with a cup of locally blended tea. your group trip can be settled on the day of travel at the booking office. For further details please see £5.50 our terms and conditions on the next page. We regret we are unable to supply gluten free cream teas. All these specials are open to your groups, on selected dates. Other gluten free options available. Please call 01643 704996 or visit our website for more information.

10 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 11 Terms and conditions for group booking: Special Events 2017 On the dates listed below we will unfortunately be unable to accept any group bookings. • Group bookings should be made at least one week prior to the event date. Tickets on the below dates may be able to be provided but would not carry the same group booking privileges. Please contact us direct for more details. • Please note we have a pre booked passenger limit of 120 people for any one train. This may mean that your preferred date and time may not be available. Snowdrops Excursion Saturday 11th February to Except Monday 13th This will be discussed with you at the time of booking. and Friday 17th Sunday 19th February • A non-refundable 10% deposit will need to be received before your booking is confirmed (please refer to the how to book page) Spring Steam Gala Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th April • Full payment of the fare can be made on the day at the booking office unless previously Diesel Gala and Ale Festival Friday 9th June to Sunday 11th June agreed with a member of the group bookings team. Day Out With Thomas Friday 7th July to Sunday 9th July • The West Somerset Railway reserve the right to alter the timetable at late notice, if this happens, we will endeavour to contact you as early as possible to make you aware of Autumn Steam Gala Thursday 5th October to changes that may affect your day. Sunday 8th October

• Please let us know at the time of booking, if you think that any members of your group Halloween Steam and Scream Saturday 28th October will be using a wheelchair. Dunster By Candlelight Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December Terms and conditions for catering: Bishops Lydeard Sherry and Mince Pie Available dates released Summer 2017 • Food can only be pre-booked for 16 or more persons Carol Trains Monday 11th December and Tuesday • Groups of less than 20 may have their seats reserved in the buffet car. 12th December • Some items may not be available on Sundays, especially hot food and orders with chips. Bishops Lydeard Santa Express Available dates released Summer 2017 • We regret that we cannot accept party catering bookings for: Minehead Santa Special Available dates released Summer 2017 Special Event days (purple and orange days on the timetable) High Season days – 25th July to 3rd September Minehead Santa Express Available dates released Summer 2017 • The is not suitable for party catering. Winter Steam Festival Friday 29th December to • Party Catering Bookings must be received by WSR no later than one week before travel. Saturday 30th December 2017 • All party catering requests are subject to availability and must be confirmed by the WSR catering department before they are considered firm orders. • Orders are individually sourced from local suppliers and then delivered to you by our team Please note on the below dates we have extra activities on and around the line. of dedicated volunteer staff. You may still travel on these dates at the group rates however it may be useful for your • No changes to the catering order can be accepted less than 2 weeks before travel. group to know. Please contact us for more details. • Payment in full must be received by WSR plc at least two weeks before travel. • If we provide a staffed buffet car service for a whole train charter, there will be an Meet and Greet The Gruffalo 15th April 2017 additional charge over and above the standard train charter fee. Meet and Greet Paw Patrol 3rd June 2017 CONTACT: - Vintage Vehicle Rally Saturday 5th and 6th August 2017 For more information on catering on the West Somerset Railway Meet and Greet Peppa Pig 16th September 2017 please call 01643 704996 or email [email protected]

12 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 13 Footplate Experience Courses Do you still have that wish to try your hand at driving and/or firing one of the giants of the age of steam train travel? Or find yourself at the controls of a vintage dating from the “Beatles Era” of the 1960’s? For groups of six (steam course) or four participants (diesel) we can turn this dream into a reality. A two day, steam footplate experience gives an insight into how steam engines work and how railways are operated, before you get the opportunity to see how it feels to be in charge of an engine at the head of some passenger coaches (empty ones). The one day diesel course introduces you to the machine and the WSR line as you make your way along with a line of freight wagons in tow. Visit our website or telephone for details. The participant must be healthy and physically fit, there will be times when they will need to climb from ground level to the locomotive footplate. Also if there is an emergency, they will need to descend to ground level from the locomotive cab.

Bringing a group of children on the West Somerset Railway?

Let us know at the time of booking if you require a batch of our free activity sheets starring our brand new character K Beagle. We shall then ensure that they are ready for you to collect on the day from the booking office.

14 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 15 How to find us: Map by kind permission of Stephen Edge

By Road: Bishops Lydeard station (TA4 3RU) is on the A358, west of Taunton with a large free car park (height restriction of 2.4m). Follow the brown WSR signs from M5 J25 or J26 from the north, east or south. Minehead station (TA24 5BG) is on the coast off the A39 (and the A396 from Tiverton) with public car parking nearby. Blue Anchor & Watchet have public car parking nearby. By Coach, Minibus, etc: Free coach parking is available at Bishops Lydeard Station for coaches, there is also a drop off point right next to the station. Free coach parking is also available in Minehead near the railway station. Please note that the coach parking is not accessible through the car park next to the station. It can be accessed through Mart Road. Station postcodes (for SatNav users): Bishops Lydeard - TA4 3RU, Crowcombe Heathfield - TA4 4PA, Stogumber - TA4 3TR, Williton - TA4 4RQ, Watchet - TA23 0UA, Washford - TA23 0PP, Blue Anchor - TA24 6LG, Dunster - TA24 6PJ, Minehead - TA24 5BG. Please allow at least 25 minutes to park, purchase tickets and find your seat on the train. Smoking Policy: The Railway operates a no-smoking policy on all its trains, in station buildings, on platforms and all public areas. This includes e cigarettes.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Information and enquiries: 01643 704996 The West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG E-mail: [email protected] www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Photographs: David Smith • Steve Edge • Cliff Gregory • Alan Turner • Julia Amies-Green Tim Stanger • Fotophile69 • Tony Down • Sam Burton Designed and produced by meridianprintdevon.co.uk