Winter Steam Festival

28th and 29th December 2008

Locomotives

Listed in good faith; Subject to availability

The Winter Steam Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years and as a result we are extending it to a two day event in 2008.  The dates in question are December 28th and 29th and so it offers a good alternative to the old films, repeats of “classic episodes” and the rest of the holiday entertainment.

Quick Links

• Locomotives
• Timetable
• Museums and Model Railways
• Fares
• Accomodation
• Bus Links
• Booking

Locomotives

The locomotives will be drawn from the following Pool and it is planned that both the 'King' and 'Braunton' are running on both days.

• BR (W) 6024 'King Edward I'
• BR (S) 34046 'Braunton'
• BR (W) 6695
• WSR 9351
• S&DJR 88
• GWR 3850

It is planned to have five steam engines in action, hauling and heating the trains. There will be seven trains each way on both days, most with buffet cars selling a variety of Somerset Beers and Ciders, hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and snacks so it is a perfect way to see the Somerset countryside in Winter. All locomotives are subject to availability and are listed in good faith.

Timetables

The same timetable will be in operation for both days and this can be downloaded here.

Download the timetable

Museums and Model Railways

The Diesel Heritage Centre at Williton will have its doors open as will the Railway Museums at Bishops Lydeard and Washford.  Also opening their doors are the Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops Lydeard which will give visitors a chance to see the TMRG’s award-winning layout based on the old Green Park Station at Bath.

Fares

And the best news of all is that the fares during the Winter Steam Festival are our standard ones rather than Gala rates, which means that if you book a Rover Ticket at discounted rates by December 15th you will be saving money.

A 2 Day Rover Ticket for adults and seniors will cost £22 in advance (£24 on the day) and 1 Day Rovers in advance £12 for adults (£13.40 on the day), £10 for seniors (£11.40 on the day), and £6 for a child aged 5 to 15 (£6.70 on the day). A Family One Day Rover which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children is £31 in advance (£33.70 on the day). You can book with a credit or debit card by phone 7 days a week by ringing 01643 704996 (all cards are taken except American Express).

Accomodation

If you want to make a holiday break of it then calling the Tourist Information Centres in Minehead (01643 702604), Taunton (01823 336344) and Porlock (01823 863150) will be able to help, particularly as not all accommodation providers will be open.

Bus links

We are running a free Cooks/Stagecoach bus on both days on the usual route from Taunton Station Road and the Park and Ride at Silk Mills to Bishops Lydeard Station starting at 9.30 a.m. and First Bus Service 28 will also be in operation (contact First on 01823 272033 for information about holiday period services).

Booking

To book tickets for this event please call 01643 704996 or you can download the booking form here and send it back to The West Somerset Railway Plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG.