General
To book tickets, please use the 'Events and Experiences' tab on the website where you will have various options. For standard travel, please select our 'Rover ticket' page.
On the date of travel please arrive no earlier than 45 minutes before your train is due to leave. If you hold tickets please continue on to the platformn, if you need to buy tickets please visit the booking office.
Yes, our group booking service is available for groups with 16 or more paying passengers. Please give us a call on 01643 700398 to discuss your visit.
Your group booking is only confirmed once full payment has been made.
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day from either our booking office or on board the train from one of our travelling ticket inspectors.
Yes, we offer both adult and children (aged 5-15) tickets with under 5 travelling for free.
Our standard return and single tickets are available on the day from either the booking office or on the train from one of our travelling ticket inspectors.
We are excited to announce new for 2023 Lynton and Barnstaple Railway passengers are entitled to 10% discount off of their ticket when travelling on the West Somerset Railway line. This is vice versa for passengers wishing to visit the Lynton and Barnstaple line who have recently travelled with us.
This discount is available on the day and you must show a valid L&BR ticket to either our booking office or on the train to one of our traveling ticket inspectors. Please be aware you must travel within 30 days of your ticket. (Maximum one discount per ticket per visit).
Yes, we will now be stopping at all stations. Please note, Donifort Halt is a request stop.
We have limited free parking at Bishops Lydeard and there is a pay and display car park next to Minehead Station. For further information about our intermediate stations this can be found on our “Directions and Parking” page.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel a booking, you can contact us on 01643 704 996 or via email at [email protected] and we will be able to help.
To ensure that all your group requirements are met, we require all group bookings to be made by telephone on 01643 700398. It is important to book groups in as soon as possible as we have limited capacity on our services.
Toilets are available at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead Station, we also have toilets available on the train.
Please phone us on 01643 704996 or email [email protected]
Dogs are permitted to travel on standard West Somerset Railway services however they are not permitted to travel in the buffet car, or in any carriage where catering is being served by the company. Dogs are not permitted to travel on any of the seats and must remain on the floor at all times. Dogs are not permitted on Dining services which include Tea Coffee and Cake, Steam and Cream, Cheese and Cider and Fish and Chip services. If you are unsure of whether your four legged friend can join you, please contact the railway to double check.
Tickets are being sold online in most cases, if you are unable to book online please call us on 01643 704996 and we will be able to assist you. Cash can be accepted for pre-booked tickets, however this would need to be paid at the Minehead information office ahead of your travel date. Please contact us for more details.
Yes, our annual passes are available throughout the year and can be purchased either online via our website or in person at our Minehead commercial office. For further details about these passes check out our annual pass webpage.
2023 travel warrants can be used on our standard running days this includes our red, blue and yellow timetable. Please be aware travel warrants are not valid on special events. If you have any further questions please contact us at 01643 704996.
Annual Pass
Once an application is received and processed, we provide you with a personalised, credit card size, Annual Pass photo card plus a validity card. You must be able to present the validity card and photocard when travelling.
Passport sized photograph(s) must be supplied. We require one photograph of the Annual pass holder for an individual annual pass application and the option 2 family pass. Or two photographs one of each adult named on the family pass option 1.
If applying online, all photo files should be either .jpg, .gif, or .png format and must only show a full-face view. Please be aware failure to supply suitable photographs will delay the supply of your pass. Digital images may also be sent by email to [email protected] clearly marked with the full names of the proposed pass-holders.
No, these passes are strictly non transferable and can only be used by the named photo card holders.
Yes, the pass cannot be used on special event days marked purple or green on our timetable, the pass is not valid on our pre-booked Christmas services or on any evening or special event service.
No, the pass cannot be used on our pre-booked dining services. The pass is not valid for evening dining trains including Murder Mystery and Quantock Belle Dining Services.
No, only one of the named adults must be present when the pass is used. Any adults who travel with you and who are not named on the pass will need to pay the appropriate fare.
Yes, other adults not named on the pass may travel with you, but they must pay the correct fare for the journey undertaken.
Yes, a dog may travel in the place of a child on the pass, if all pass holders are present then your dog can travel at just £3.00 for any journey.
No, annual passes already provide excellent value for money. No other discounts are applicable.
If you lose your pass, you may request a replacement. All replacements will be at the discretion of the General Manager and will incur a charge of £20.00.
Yes, one name/photo change is permitted in any 12-month period. A name/photo change will incur a change of £20.00.
If you have purchased a travel ticket, and wish to upgrade to an annual pass, you can do this within 7 days of the intial date of travel. This must be done in person at the Minehead Commercial office so the cost of the ticket can be deducted from the annual pass total - it cannot be done online. Please ask for a form at the booking office if you wish to do this and on completion, hand back to a member of staff in the information or booking office along with your initial ticket or receipt. Please bring in a passport sized picture per adult or these can be emailed to [email protected] We will take payment for the pass on the day if staff are available to do so, if not we will contact you to arrange payment.
Please note, due to the volume of Annual Pass applications that come in each week, your card will be processed at the earliest opportunity, and will be dated to expire one year from this date. The creation of the cards can take up to 2 weeks, please ensure you allow this time before your next visit to apply. Please note this may take longer during peak times of the year.
We are unable to hold onto your annual pass application to process on a specified date.
Online Tickets
You will be emailed an order confirmation via digitickets this will include your unique booking reference number and barcode which will act as your ticket.
When you arrive, please present your ticket either printed out or displayed on a smart device to our booking office staff or traveling ticket inspector.
Please give us a call and we can arrange for your tickets to be posted, this will include a small postal charge.
There will be no refunds offered for unused tickets. Depending on circumstance, tickets may be exchanged for use at a later date. Refunds are only considered when the West Somerset Railway PLC are unable to run a service.
Depends on your journey, please see our timetable on our website for more details.
Menus
Starter
Starter 1 - Vegetarian samoosas – served with chutney
Starter 2 - Lamb sosaties (lamb kebabs marinated in a spicy, sweet tamarind sauce)
Main Course
Main 1 - Bobotie – a traditional Cape dish with lightly curried lamb mince. Served with turmeric rice and traditional accompaniments of tomato and onion salad, chutney and fresh banana.
Main 2 - Vegetarian Bobotie
Main 3 - Chicken pie - South African chicken pie is like no other. Packed with chicken and vegetables. Served with mashed green beans and potato and pumpkin fritters.
Dessert
Dessert 1 - Melktert, baked custard tart with lots of cinnamon.
Dessert 2 - Malva pudding. Bake sponge pudding soaked in cream.
Coffee and koeksisters
Starter
Starte 1 - Keftedes - Ground lamb seasoned with lemon zest, oregano, and feta, baked in a tasty rich tomato sauce
Starter 2 - Spanakopita - Dreamy, gooey spinach and feta filling encased in buttery phyllo pastry.
Main course
Main 1 - Kleftiko, lamb shanks cooked in parchment with potatoes, red onions, tomatoes, and olives.
Main 2 - Roasted fish with tomatoes, onion, and potatoes.
Main 3 - Vegetable moussaka – A classic, made with rich tomato sauce and aubergine
Dessert
Dessert 1 - Lemon Bougatsa – Lemony custard baked in phyllo.
Dessert 2 - Baklava with soured cream
Coffee/Tea with Kourabiethes ( Almond Shortbread)
Starter
Starter 1 - Vegetable Pakoras with yoghurt and mint dip
Starter 2 - Indian Tomato Soup – a spicy variation of the well know staple
Main Course
Main 1 - Railway Lamb Curry – slow cooked for more flavour.
Main 2 - Butter Chicken – marinated in yogurt and spices and flame grilled, in a tasty mild sauce
Main 3 - Vegetable Biryani
All served with saffron rice, Bombay potatoes and dahl.
Dessert
Dessert 1 - Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding
Dessert 2 - Mango Mousse
Chai Tea or Coffee
Starter
Starter 1 only - A selection of antipasti - Charcuterie, olives, cheese, nuts, bread
Main Course
Main 1 - Beef shank and oxtail ragu with pappardelle
Main 2 - Braised Chicken all’Arrabiata with Polenta
Main 3 - Gorgonzola, Fig, and Pancetta Tart
Dessert
Dessert 1 - Tiramisu - As Italian as it comes.
Dessert 2 - Sicilian Ricotta Cake
Coffee and tea served with cantuccini
Starter
Starter 1: Prawn gyoza (Potsticker) with soy and chili dips
Starter 2: Gazpacho
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Lamb chops with spicy chickpeas and cauliflower
Main 2: Pork tenderloin stuffed with chorizo, spinach and cheddar
Main 3: Red onion and cheddar quiche tarts
Dessert
Dessert 1: Lemon Posset
Dessert 2: Chocolate bread and butter pudding
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Starter
Starter 1: Charcuterie Platter
Starter 2: Ham hock Terrine
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Roast supreme of chicken with goat’s cheese lentils and beetroot
Main 2: Roast Pork Loin with all the trimmings
Main 3: Romano Peppers with polenta and sweetcorn
Dessert
Dessert 1: Tiramisu
Dessert 2: Berry Pavlova
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Starter
Starter 1: Twice Baked Goat’s Cheese soufflé
Starter 2: Prawn Cocktail with beetroot and horseradish
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Slow Cooked pork Belly with caramelised apple
Main 2: Hunters Chicken
Main 3: Mushroom Wellington
Dessert
Dessert 1: Strawberry and lemon Curd Roulade
Dessert 2: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Starter
Starter 1: Charcuterie Platter
Starter 2: Ham hock Terrine
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Slow Braised Short rib of beef with Dauphinoise Potatoes
Main 2: Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Butter
Main 3: Onion and Cheddar Tarts
Dessert
Dessert 1: Maple Panna Cotta with Buttered Rum Figs
Dessert 2: Fresh Fruit Salad and Ice Cream
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Starter
Starter 1: Crumbed Camembert with Cranberry Sauce and Melba Toast
Starter 2: Smoked Salmon Pate
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Lamb Shanks in Red Wine
Main 2: Baked Salmon with Pine Nuts and Raisins
Main 3: Romano Peppers with polenta and sweetcorn
Dessert
Dessert 1: Tiramisu
Dessert 2: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Starter
Starter 1: Minestrone Soup
Starter 2: Thai Fishcakes with Pickled Cucumber
Main – Roast Sunday
Main 1: Belly Pork with Squash
Main 2: Tarragon Chicken
Main 3: Squash, Caramelised Onion, and Spinach Pithivier
Dessert
Dessert 1: Banoffee Pie
Dessert 2: Crème Brulee
Coffee/Tea and petit fours
All mains served with appropriate seasonal sides
Allergens may vary, please be exact with your requirements and we will accommodate.
Vegan dishes can be provided
Find Us
Apart from the three stations detailed above the car parking at the other stations is as follows:
Bishops Lydeard: Large free car park. Please be aware that there is a maximum height barrier so access to the car park is for vehicles under 2.1 metres
Crowcombe Heathfield: A small car parking area at the station.
Stogumber: Very small car park
Watchet: Large pay and display car park adjacent to the station and other car parks in the town.
Washford: Small amount of parking on the station forecourt. More parking adjacent to Cleeve Abbey on Abbey Road (signposted for Roadwater):- 10 minutes walk from there to the station.
Blue Anchor: Car Park across the road from the station and parking along the sea front.
Dunster: Car Parking at the station.
Minehead: Council run pay & display car park. Click here for prices. There is a coach drop-off point adjacent to Minehead Station off the sea front promenade. There is also a free coach park which can be accessed by turning off Seaward Way at the mini roundabout next to McDonald's. Continue to the end of this road where you will reach a 'T' Junction. At the 'T' Junction turn right then follow the winding road round to the Minehead Eye. Turn right into the road in front of the Minehead Eye and the Coach park can be accessed.
Visit the Traffic England Website for Real time Traffic Information.
The M5 Motorway passes by Taunton. To reach the West Somerset Railway leave the M5 at Junction 25 (Taunton) and follow signs for Minehead (there are also brown tourist signs for the Railway itself but following the signs for Minehead works as well) until you are approaching Bishops Lydeard. DO NOT GO INTO THE VILLAGE. Remain on the by-pass until you see signs directing you to the Railway and also the village of Halse. Turn left here and Bishops Lydeard station is directly in front of you behind the Broad Gauge Industrial Park. There is a large free car park at Bishops Lydeard Station.
Please note that from Junction 25 to Bishops Lydeard Station is a journey of around 6 miles and that Taunton can be very busy with traffic.
Alternatively if approaching from the north you can leave the M5 at Junction 24 (Bridgwater) and follow the A39 towards Minehead. The A39 crosses the West Somerset Railway at Williton station and if you wish to join the Railway there take the first right turn after crossing the line. This takes you into Station Road and to the station. Note that car parking at Williton is limited.
From the south it is possible to leave the M5 at Wellington (Junction 26) and follow the A38 to the edge of Taunton. After passing the Stonegallows Inn you will descend a hill, past Taunton Crematorium on your right, to a roundabout. Take the first exit, signposted for Minehead, follow the road over the mainline railway and at the roundabout at the end of this road turn left and then right at the Cross Keys Inn. You are now on the last leg of the journey to Bishops Lydeard as per leaving the Motorway at Junction 25.
If you are staying in the Greater Exmoor area and are heading for Minehead to start your day the station stands on the seafront. There is a pay and display car park adjacent to Minehead Station and other car parking in the town.
The nearest mainline railway station to the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard is Taunton. The bus link between there and the WSR is operated by First Somerset and Avon Bus service 28. For more information on Rail Services to and from Taunton please see National Rail Enquiries website and to buy train tickets please visit MyTrainTicket.co.uk.
Please note that these are separate organisations and we are not responsible for their services.
From Taunton
Buses of Somerset Service 28
Buses of Somerset offer the 28-service bus which operates between Taunton and Minehead. This includes a range of stops like Bishops Lydeard, Williton and Watchet. Click here to plan your journey.
National Express operates from the bus stop outside County Hall, which is in close proximately to Castle Way and have connections in London with Eurolines from many parts of Europe. Click here to plan your journey.
From Porlock/ Porlock Wier
- ATWEST 10 SERVICE - Click here
- Ridlers 10 Service - Click here
From Exford/Wheddon Cross
- ATWEST 198 Service - Click here
- Exmoor Coaster - Click here
ADDRESS
West Somerset Railway,The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG
