Santa Express Bishops Lydeard

Additional Information

Seating

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 in advance. If you have additional access requirements but do not require an accessible space, please still let us know so we can seat you in the closest carriage to the Guard’s van which will have the access ramp.

The seating plans are being arranged in advance so please also let us know if there is another party who have booked separately but who you would like to sit with. It is unlikely we will be able 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.

Directions and parking

Postcode for Sat Nav: TA4 3RU

Bishops Lydeard Station is the southern terminus of the West Somerset Railway and this is where your Winterlights journey begins. It is four miles from the County town of Taunton and the M5 Motorway (Junction 25). If you are traveling through Taunton, please be aware there are roadworks and you may want to leave some additional time to get to us.

Please be aware that there is a maximum height barrier so access to the car park is for vehicles under 2.1 metres.

Arrival

Please allow adequate time for your journey to Bishops Lydeard – we expect trains to be very close to capacity so if you miss your train, it will be very unlikely we would be able to find you a space on another. We advise that you would aim to arrive at the station at least 45 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.

Toilets

There are toilets located at the top of the slope, 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 digiticket 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. 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 recommended you bring cash in case we have any technical failures. You will need to wait in the marquee until you are called to the platform by our train staff. There will be plenty of seating available.

Dogs

No dogs will be permitted on our Santa Express trains except assistance dogs.

Buggies

There will be no buggies or pushchairs permitted on the train due to limited space. Please leave these in your car if you can or we will provide a space to leave them but this will be at your own risk.

What to bring

Please wrap up warm. The train and marquee will be heated but please wear warm clothes just in case.

Thank you for reading this information, we look forward to welcoming you for your experience.