Railtours to and from the West Somerset Railway

The Railtour Files - for individual articles and contact details click on the name of the tour in the table below. Links to tour operators are at the bottom of the articles.

Tours to Minehead

Tours From Minehead

The Somerset Coast Express

“The Somerset Coast Express” takes you on a memorable trip direct from Cheshire via Birmingham, the Lickey Incline and Cheltenham, to Bristol, the West Somerset Railway and Minehead. There are 3 options (all the same fare): visit Bristol; visit Minehead; or travel to Minehead and take a steam train to Bishops Lydeard where you re-join the returning excursion.

The train will comprise Mk II air-conditioned, open saloon coaches hauled by a Class 67 diesel locomotive. The first class is arranged around tables for two (supplement payable) and four. The standard class is around tables for four (one table per coach may be missing). There will be a buffet car and trolley service. Each passenger will have a reserved seat and a detailed route description.

Final timings will be sent with tickets a few days before the trip runs. Approximate times are:

ENQUIRIES For enquiries not about bookings already made contact Peter Davies (0161 928 2203), John Hanson (0161 2833384) or John Oates (john.oates@bakertilly.co.uk). For general enquiries and enquiries about your booking, phone David Milleron 01606 888093. If you would like confirmation of your booking, please give us your e-mail address or enclose a stamped,addressed envelope, otherwise you will only hear from us when Network Rail give us the final timings, which may be only a few days before the trip.

For more information please click on the logo below:

Added 8th February 2008

Minehead Marauder - 10th May 2008

First Great Western is running a special excursion train from stations in Wiltshire and the Bristol area for a day out in Minehead on Saturday 10 May.
100% of the ticket price goes to 'The Railway Children' charity, and all staff are giving their time for free. There will be entertainment for children on board, and a raffle.
The HST special will leave Westbury at approximately 0900, and pick up passengers at Trowbridge, Bradford-on-Avon, Bath Spa, Keynsham, Bristol Temple Meads, Nailsea & Backwell, Yatton, Worle (for Weston-super-Mare), Highbridge & Burnham, Bridgwater and Taunton.
It will then leave the national network and travel over the heritage West Somerset Railway to the seaside resort of Minehead, arriving at approximately 1230.
Passengers will have over four hours to explore picturesque Minehead, and enjoy free entry to Butlins holiday park (a short walk from the station). Return is at approximately 1650, setting down at stations as on the outward journey.
Ticket prices for this unique day are the same from all stations, namely Standard Class £25 per adult / £12.50 per child, or First Class £40 per adult / £20 per child.
Tickets and seat reservations will be available by phone from First (see below).
All of the proceeds from the tour will go to the 'The Railway Children' charity, which looks after homeless children who take refuge in railway stations across the world.

For more Information please see First Great Western's Website by clicking the logo below.

Added 15th April 2008

The Cathedrals Express - 16th July and 20th August 2008

Tour from London to visit Wells or Minehead on the West Somerset Railway. The Locomotive is to be annouced.