Washford Station | West Somerset Railway

Washford station is right beside the main A39 road between Williton and Minehead and is well-placed in the village it serves. However, there is only limited parking available at the station and in nearby streets. The single platform is accessed by steps from the roadside below, so do take care of the traffic. The platform has an extensive grassy area, which is a pleasant place to watch and listen to the trains as they approach the station up steep gradients from both the Minehead and Bishops Lydeard directions.

Tim Edmonds

About Washford Station

The station was for many years occupied by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, which stored rolling stock in the yard and built workshops for restoration work. There was a museum in the station building, which was given a Somerset & Dorset appearance by being painted in Southern Railway green. The station was closed while the Trust vacated the site and has reopened after some refurbishment, including a repaint in Great Western colours. Volunteers are continuing to restore the building, including the little signal box on the platform, and to improve the facilities, The former SDRT buildings in the yard opposite the platform are now used by the WSR Heritage Trust for the restoration of historic carriages.

Washford is at one end of the path to Watchet along the Old Mineral Line, so that you can enjoy the walk and catch a train at the other end. A sign-posted walk of about 15 minutes from Washford station brings you to Cleeve Abbey, but take care when crossing the main road. This was a Cistercian Abbey and is now administered by English Heritage and open during the season from April through October. Show your West Somerset Railway ticket to get entry at a discount. Although the main abbey church is no more, the remaining outbuildings give a fascinating insight into monastic life. Further along the road from the abbey is The White Horse pub, which serves food and has a good garden and play area. Beyond that is Torre Cider Farm, where you can learn how Somerset cider is made and sample some of the produce. There are some farm animals, an outdoor play area and good food, but please check their website for opening hours.