Event Summary
Booking: Booking tickets in advance is strongly advisable as we have a limited number of tickets available per service. All tickets purchased as part of one booking will be sat together, our seating is in tables of 4.
Accessibility: Our Christmas Market services are accessible. We have a limited number of wheelchair spaces available per service. Please let us know at the time of booking if you require an accessible seat. Due to the lay out of our coaches wheelchair spaces have one seat accompanying them. If making a of booking more than two people and you require a wheelchair space, then the remainder of your party will be sat in the same carriage, as close as possible to these seats. If you have any questions or concerns about your seating please do not hesitate to contact us.
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this service with a valid ticket.
The West Somerset Railway Christmas Market will be taking place over two days on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November and will be open from 10am - 4pm on each day! This event offers a delightful festive atmosphere and a chance to discover unique gifts for the holiday season.
Each day features a special steam service departing from Bishops Lydeard at 10:30am heading towards Minehead, exclusively for those who have pre-booked. Please note that annual passes, travel warrents and other standard travel tickets are not valid on this service.
There are two ticket options for this service, one from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return and one from Williton/Watchet return. Please ensure that you select the right ticket for your journey. For passengers who wish to board the train at Williton the train will depart at 11.04 and for passengers who wish to board the service at Watchet the train will depart at 11.13.
Your return service will leave Minehead at 15:00, getting you back to Watchet at 15.33, Williton at 15.43 and Bishops Lydeard at 16:18.
Given the limited availability, it's recommended to book early to secure a spot.
You can enhance your journey by adding a hamper for two, cookie and hot chocolate, or goodie bags. Details for each item are below.
DATES & TIMES
Dates & Times |
|---|
Prices | |
|---|---|
| Adult - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market | £33.00 |
| Child Aged (5-15) - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market | £16.50 |
| Registered Carer - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market | Free |
| Under 5 Years Old - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market | Free |
| Adult - Williton/Watchet to Minehead Christmas Market | £27.00 |
| Child Aged (5-15) - Williton/Watchet to Minehead Christmas Market | £13.50 |
| Registered Carer - Williton/Watchet to Minehead Christmas Market | Free |
| Under 5 Years Old - Williton/Watchet to Minehead Christmas Market | Free |
| Brunel Goodie Bag | £20.00 |
| WSR Goodie Bag | £30.00 |
| Hamper for two | £32.50 |
| Hamper for two - Vegetarian | £32.50 |
| Cookie and Hot Chocolate Add On | £5.00 |
| Dog | £3.00 |
Santa's Grotto at Minehead
Santa Claus will be taking a well deserved break from getting ready for Christmas Eve and his elves in the north pole to come and visit Minehead Station!
Travelling down on the Market Train on Saturday and Sunday from Bishop's Lydeard, Santa will be in Minehead from 12.00pm til 2.45pm in his grotto on the platform, ready to meet all the boys and girls who come and say hello!
Stallholders Will Include:
(please note that this can change at short notice)
Amanda Makes
I sell Vinyl cutting including Mugs, Bags and Christmas Decorations.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Bella Luna
I sell handmade hair accessories, animal cake toppers and upcycled festival style jackets.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Blossom & Fox
Here at Blossom & Fox, we make hand-crafted gemstone jewellery with 925 sterling silver or 14K gold filled findings.
We also have our popular decorated marble coasters with a large selection to choose from, all handmade here in Somerset.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Cocoa's
Locally handmade tasty chocolates, made in West Somerset.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Driftwood Daze
Locally sourced driftwood, sea glass and beautiful stained glass. Vibrant colours and sculptured forms in harmony with the ebb and flow of the coastal seasons. All individually hand-crafted.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Elly Cards and Flowers
The main things I make are various sorts of flowers and flower display boxes and all sorts of handmade cards and papercraft.
I started making the cards and flowers a few years ago to exercise my hands because I suffer from arthritis and crafting keeps them moving.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Exmoor Engraving
Exmoor Engraving are Minehead based and produce a popular range of art and gifts with a flavour of Exmoor, in sustainably sourced (and often local) timber.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Friends of Minehead Station
Selling: Handcrafted Wooden Engine Planters, all proceeds from the sale of these goes into the upkeep of Minehead Station.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Freya Smith Photography
Hi, I’m Freya, a passionate photographer based in Minehead, surrounded by the stunning Exmoor landscape. I specialise in capturing life’s precious moments through a range of photographic services, including:
- Pet, equine and livestock photography
- Agricultural and Equine Events
- Weddings
- Brand identity
With a passion for photography that started back in 2018, I’ve spent years honing my skills and expanding my portfolio. I’m dedicated to capturing the unique bond between you, your family, and your pets or livestock. Weather it’s a special milestone or everyday moments, I’m here to help you treasure those memories forever.
I love the challenge of capturing the beauty of Exmoor’s landscapes and the special moments that make life worth celebrating. My goal is to provide you with stunning, timeless photographs that you’ll treasure for years to come.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Glaucoma Art
In 2015 I retired from working in a school in Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire.
I already had deteriorating sight from Glaucoma 2006 and in 2014 was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in various bones in my feet and body. So I felt I had to occupy myself. Doing something to keep myself as active as possible and to show that disability is not a reason to give up on life.
On the plus side, I enjoy painting. I use photographs, memory or imagination to create my paintings. I use water colours and oils on either canvas or canvas covered board. All the paintings get varnished, because I feel it is a protection from the rigours of life.
The most recent visit to ophthalmology has shown a vast deterioration in my right eye from first diagnosis in 2006.
I now have less that 8% remaining in the right eye which can affect my vision dramatically. However, I will continue to create paintings for as long as I can see.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Jewellery Vixen
I will be selling a variety of handmade wire wrapped gemstone and sea glass jewellery. Some of the sea glass is sourced from the local beaches while some of the gemstones are mined in the UK.
I also create wooden pyrography items and leather goods too.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Kraftcorner
Selling: Artisan Jewellery, 3D Pop-up greeting cards and Diamond Art painting kits.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Lens Crafted Memories
Local photography business that showcases how photography can enable people with disabilities access the outdoors more easily.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Lloyd-Gale Books
My first book was released in 2020, and have been doing it since then and won awards last year.
I will be attending the market on the Sunday only.
Lower Meadow Crafts
I sell a selection of artwork, cards and decorative craft items. My art is inspired by the Exmoor landscape, using my own photographs as reference.
I will be attending the market on both days.
LSR Woodcraft
I will be selling handcrafted creations from my small workshop in Somerset. Each piece is made with care and attention to detail— perfect as a thoughtful gift for yourself or someone special. Whether you're drawn to a rustic beer crate, a finely turned resin pen, or a charming Christmas decoration, there's something unique waiting for you.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Minehead Shed
We will be selling wooden objects, Christmas items, turned products, planters coat/boot racks, bottle openers, nesting boxes all from repurposed/reclaimed wood. Aimed at raising awareness of recycling & benefits of attending a ‘shed’.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Moorland Mousie Trust & Exmoor Pony Centre
The Moorland Mousie Trust exists to promote and protect all aspects of registered Exmoor ponies, on Exmoor, throughout the UK and abroad.
We want to ensure the continued survival of free-living Exmoor pony herds on Exmoor, nationally and internationally. It is our belief that through engagement and education we can offer improved lives for all Exmoor ponies.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Mrs T's Studio
I have been doing Craft Fairs now for about 4 years, I sell hand made Jewellery, assorted accessories and gifts. I try to keep a range of goods to accommodate all ages, including pocket money and stocking filler prices.
I will be attending the market on the Sunday only.
Neal's Yard Organic Remedies
I’ve been doing Neal’s Yards Remedies for 4 years now, and love our organic, ethical and sustainable products, I love meeting people to follow my blue bottle journey and spreading the joy of Neal's Yard Organic Remedies.
I will be attending the market on the Sunday only.
Network Rail
🚆 Promoting Rail Safety on the Western Route
As a Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, I work closely with the public to raise awareness about the risks associated with unsafe behaviour around the railway. From stations and level crossings to the dangers of trespassing and overhead lines — safety is always our top priority.
Here are three key messages we share to help keep everyone safe:
- Stay off the track – Never walk on or near railway lines.
- Stand behind the yellow line – Stay clear of platform edges.
- Stop. Look. Listen. – Always be alert at level crossings.
Together, we can make our railways safer for everyone.
We will be attending the market on Saturday only.
PAMS Nutty Knitters
P.A.M.S Nuttie Knitters, we are 3 sisters, Pauline, Ann & Margaret. Our stall is dedicated to our mum, whose name is Pam and when we were growing up she taught us to knit. Lots of love is put into our items, plus we are all Nuttie to do what we do!
We love to see the smiles on people’s faces.
We will be selling a range of knitted items.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Pebble and Stone
Selling: Funky designs on cozy welly socks, bamboo socks, and cotton socks as well as scarves and gloves.
We will be attending the market on both days.
RJ Woodwork
Selling: Handmade wood products from Somerset, including earrings, keyrings, christmas decorations, turned bowls, carved items, knitted gloves and fabric cushions.
We will be attending the market on both days.
Rod's Models
Selling: A range of Model Railway items
I will be attending the market on both days.
Roxy's Cakes and Bakes
Roxy’s Cakes and Bakes is a local business based in Milverton , we offer a wide range of products all homemade. We will also have Christmas cakes and other Christmas goodies for sale.
We will be attending the market on the Saturday only.
Sharon Tomsett
I make a range of hand-made gingerbread items.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Slate Wood Laser Designs
Started last year trading as Slate Wood Laser Designs. We sell a range of laser engraved coasters in wood and slate, resin products including: Crystal products, d&d gaming dice and storage boxes/towers, phone and tablet stands, crochet, custom jewellery, 3D printed products and keyrings.
We will be attending the market on both days.
The Flintstone Flock
A woollen Industry from a family farm, in the heart of The Blackdown Hills.
I am a fully active sheep farmer, from flock to shop, we sell a range of heritage rare breed sheepskins and high quality wool products.
I will be attending the market on both days.
The Workbox
Selling: Designer gifts in textiles, including: cushions, bags, aprons etc.
I will be attending the market on the Saturday only.
Timey Wimey Engravings
I sell a range of Christmas decorations and gifts made with a laser cutter (wood, slate, acrylic), resin and 3D printed, such as coasters, keyrings, Christmas decorations, models, trinket trays and games.
I will be attending the market on both days.
Tracy Nunn
Selling a range of items, including: Jewellery, knitting and gem stones.
I will be attending the market on the Saturday only.
Val Marshall
I began crafting when I retired and now create many handmade items. My husband joined me with his sketches when he retired. We have made many new friends along the way and particularly love the WSR Christmas event.
I will be attending the market on the Saturday only.
Available Add-ons for the Train to Minehead Christmas Market
Hampers for two
Hamper for two contains festive sandwiches, crisps, Christmas cake, a single serving bottle of festive ale, a single-serving bottle of festive wine, and an additional festive surprise. There are two Hampers - one for vegetarians and one for non-vegetarians. Cost is £32.50. Please note one hamper covers food for two people.
Brunel Goodie Bag Add On
Includes a Brunel Beagle soft toy, a Brunel Beagle keyring, a Brunel Beagle tree decoration, a Brunel Beagle flag and a Brunel Beagle pencil case. Items may vary from those shown.
£20.00
WSR Goodie Bag Add On
Includes a WSR 2026 Calendar, WSR Guide Book, Flying Scotsman Notepad, WSR Car Sticker, WSR Christmas Bauble, Flying Scotsman mini torch keyring, Flying Scotsman Pen, WSR Magnet, WSR Pin badge. Items may be different from those photographed.
£30.00
Terms and Conditions
There are two ticket options for this service: one from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return and one from Williton/Watchet return. Please ensure that you have purchased the right ticket for your journey and let us know within the next 10 days if there are any mistakes. Your ticket is only valid on the journey shown above. For passengers who wish to board the train at Williton the train will depart at 11.04 and for passengers who wish to board the service at Watchet the train will depart at 11.13.
Your return service will leave Minehead at 15:00, getting you back to Watchet at 15.33, Williton at 15.43 and Bishops Lydeard at 16:18. Please note there will be no aternative travel back to Bishops Lydeard if you miss your service.
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
Bishops Lydeard Station is the southern terminus of the West Somerset Railway and this is where the Christmas Market Train will begin. It is four miles from the County town of Taunton and the M5 Motorway (Junction 25). Postcode for Sat Nav: TA4 3RU
UPON ARRIVAL
Please allow adequate time for your journey to Bishops Lydeard – we expect trains to be very close to capacity if not fully booked so please ensure you arrive on time, this is the only market train on this date and tehrefore there are no other alternatives if you miss the service. We advise that you would aim to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time.
There is a car park at Bishops Lydeard station, where the event begins. If this is full, the road that leads to the car park has lots of on-street parking. There is a small disabled carpark next to the marquee, this can also be used to drop off passengers who are not able to walk down from the main car park. This will be sign posted. Once you have parked, follow signs for check-in which will be in the marquee.
THINGS TO LET US KNOW
We have four spaces per train for non-transferable wheelchair passengers. If you have access needs which mean you require one of these, please call us well in advance of your date of travel. If you have additional access requirements but do not require an accessible space, please also let us know so we can seat you in the closest carriage to the guards van which will have the access ramp.
The seating plans are being arranged in advance so please also let us know within 10 working days of making your booking if there is another party who have booked separately that you would like to sit with. We will be unable to move groups around on the day. If you have made two bookings in the same name, we will put these together on the plans, you do not need to notify us. If you would like to contact us about your booking for one of the reasons above, or for another – please call 01643 704996.
DOGS
Dogs are permitted to travel on the Christmas Market train but must have a ticket to travel at £3 per dog.
TOILETS
There are toilets located at the top of the slope at Bishops Lydeard. These are the only toilets at the station and the train toilets will be for ‘emergencies’ only!
CHECK-IN
On entering the marquee, you will need to show your digi-ticket at the check in desk. If you are not able to print it, please make sure you have it visible on your tablet or phone. You will then be given your table number. If you have pre-booked goodie bags or hot chocolate, you will be advised where to collect these as you check in.
There will be a pop-up shop and buffet in the marquee where you will be able to purchase gifts and snacks. There will be no catering available to purchase on the train. We will have card payment facilities available, but we recommend you bring cash in case of intermittent signal for our machines. You will need to wait in the marquee until you are called to the platform by our train staff. There will be seating available.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE
You have agreed to our standard terms and conditions by purchasing your ticket and checking the box to say that you accept them.
You are aware that your service starts at BISHOPS LYDEARD STATION. If you turn up at the wrong station, we are unable to accomodate you on any other service.
Our terms and conditions can be found on our website here https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
1. If you do not wish to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, your tickets should be returned to us within 10 days of receipt
2. Please check your tickets upon receipt and advise us promptly of any errors. Errors cannot be rectified on the day of your visit.
3. The contract of tickets acceptance will be governed by English Law and subject to the jurisdiction of the English Courts.
4. Minehead Station Christmas Market Express services must be pre-booked.
5. Tickets are strictly non-transferable. You cannot transfer or amend your tickets after booking.
6. It is advised to arrive at Bishops Lydeard station 45 minutes before your selected departure time. If you miss your train, you may not be able to transfer to another service as seats will most likely not be available.
7. Limited parking for visitors will be available as stated above in the ticket information.
8. We will not take responsibility for delay or non-attendance by you, caused by bad weather, traffic conditions or any other factors that delay your arrival at the station.
9. We retain the right to alter, cancel and suspend the service for safety or other operational reasons. In this instance we will offer you an alternative service of similar value.
10. Payments for tickets must be made, in full, at the time of booking.
11. We reserve the right to refuse any booking for reasons we consider necessary.
12. We will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to any vehicle, clothing or personal belongings during your visit. Any found lost property will be held at Minehead Information Office for 1 week, after this time items will be disposed of.
13. Only limited seating is available on the train for passengers who have restricted mobility. Wheelchair spaces can be pre-booked on a first come first serve basis. You must therefore inform us as soon as possible about your requirement for such seats.
14. Refunds will only be issued if a service is cancelled by us and it is not possible to rearrange you on to another Christmas Market service. Refunds will not be issued for any other reason.
15. This ticket is issued subject to the Rules and Regulations of the West Somerset Railway PLC. Full details are available on request.
16. It is the responsibility of the ticket holder to ascertain whether a service has been cancelled and the date and time of any rearranged service. If a service is cancelled or rescheduled, we will use reasonable endeavours to notify ticket holders of the cancellation once we have received the relevant authorisation from the West Somerset Railway PLC.
17. The management reserves the right to refuse admission should patrons breach any Rules and Regulations of the West Somerset Railway PLC. The management may on occasions have to conduct security searches to ensure the safety of the patrons.
18. A £5 administration fee per booking will be charged for any subsequent booking alteration. No refunds will be given once tickets are issued. The Management cannot be held responsible for any tickets which are lost or stolen. West Somerset Railway PLC reserves the right to cancel ticket bookings which it reasonably suspects to have been made fraudulently.
19. The West Somerset Railway PLC operates a No Smoking policy - this includes e-cigarettes.
20. The unauthorized use of photographic and recording equipment for public use is prohibited.
21. The West Somerset Railway PLC accepts no responsibility for any personal property.
22. Ticket holders consent to filming and sound recording as visitors.
23. If a service is rescheduled, ticket holders will be offered tickets to the rescheduled service, equivalent to the face value of the ticket. If a service is cancelled, ticket holders will be offered travel on an alternative service (subject to availability) up to the value on the ticket.
Ticket Options
Adult - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market
£33.00
Child Aged (5-15) - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market
£16.50
Registered Carer - Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Christmas Market
Free
DATES & TIMES
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