5th Sep 2026, 12:00 am - 31st Dec 2025, 12:00 pm
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.
You must be 18 years+ to take part in the Steam Engineman Courses.
Please note: There are currently roadworks taking place on the A358 in Taunton - there is a diversion in place heading towards Bishops Lydeard. Therefore, please allow extra time for your journey. A one way single lane closure will be in operation between Silk Mills Roundabout and Manor Road junction for a scheduled 12 week programme between 20th July and October 2026. Traffic will be allowed to access Taunton via the A358 from the Minehead direction. Traffic leaving Taunton towards the west will be directed via Wellington Road (A38) and Silk Mills Road (A3065). Please see the following website for further information: https://staplegrove-highwayworks.co.uk/
West Somerset Railway Public Limited Company
West Somerset Railway,
The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG