Join the team on the footplate and live the childhood dream! Shovel coal into the firebox, blow the whistle, open the regulator and feel the power! Treat someone special (even yourself) to the thrill of a life-time learning what it feels like to be a real fireman and engine driver. If you are buying a course for someone else, please let us know the name of the participant at the time of booking. This will ensure that those taking part in the course are on our register and are covered by our insurances.
Our taster course is the perfect introduction to the mysteries of the Steam Engine using the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section (where the West Somerset Railway meets the mainline).
We use locomotives and a heritage brake van.
The course starts at Bishops Lydeard station at either 9.15 or 13.15 and takes between three and four hours to complete.
It is recommended to progress through all stages starting with the lowest first.
If you would like to buy a friend a course but are unsure of the date they are available to take part you can purchase gift vouchers to the value of the course which they can then exchange for a course at a later date. These vouchers can be purchased through our webshop.
Each course we offer is slightly different so please read the contents in the sections below to find out what the courses entail before booking your date.
West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway,
The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG