With 20 miles of track between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton the West Somerset Railway is in a prime position to offer “more than just a train ride” for Coach and Group Bookings . Here are some ideas:-

DISCOUNTS FOR VISITS TO DUNSTER CASTLE. We can arrange discounted prices for entry to this famous Castle and its Grounds, which are now in the keeping of the National Trust. We suggest that you arrange for your coach to set you down and then drive on to meet you at Dunster Station after your train ride to take you to the Castle.  Please note that the Castle itself is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.  And the medieval village of Dunster itself should also be explored.

DISCOUNTS FOR VISITS TO CLEEVE ABBEY.  Cleeve Abbey is a tranquil monastic survival  now in the care of English Heritage. Once again we would advise that your coach sets you down at the start of your journey on the WSR and then meets you at Washford Station for the short drive to the Abbey with whom we can also arrange discounted admission. Other places you may care to visit include the Railway Museum at the Station itself and the traditional Torre Cider Farm.

A COMBINED RAILWAYS AND EXMOOR SCENERY DAY;  at the end of the 2006 operating season a coach company organised a successful day out which began with a coach trip to Bishops Lydeard followed by a trip to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway. At Minehead the coach met the passengers and took them on via Porlock Hill, the higher parts of the Exmoor Coast through County Gate and down Countisbury Hill to Lynton for the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. After that it was on to Martinhoe Cross for the revived section of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. From there the trip home began with the North Devon Link Road back to the Motorway Network. We can arrange a combined package of tickets for the three railways (which could of course be done in reverse order with the day starting at Martinhoe Cross and finishing at Bishops Lydeard.)

ONE DAY ONLY:  On Saturday August 5th two major events in Taunton Deane coincide. In Taunton itself it will be the second day of Taunton Flower Show (known for many years as the “Chelsea of the West”) taking place in Vivary Park whilst at Bishops Lydeard station there is the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally, a gathering of every form of old road transport from bicycles to traction engines, buses to cars, tractors, fire engines, motorbikes, milk floats etc, etc. Adding in other family attractions, refreshments and sales stands this is a major event in itself. Both will keep interested visitors busy for many hours and for those who prefer there will be time for a round trip to Minehead on our trains and back whilst others are sniffing flowers and hot oil.

AND DON’T FORGET; We offer extra discounts for groups travelling on Mondays and Fridays.

If any more information or assistance is required please call Sam on 01643 700384 or Justin on 01643 700398.

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