The West Somerset Steam Express

This series of steam-hauled excursions from London Paddington to Minehead offers a wonderful opportunity to travel through the beautiful countryside of Wiltshire and Somerset, including a journey along the West Somerset Railway.

Our train will be hauled by a main line steam locomotive to Bishops Lydeard, where a West Somerset Railway steam locomotive is scheduled to take over for the journey to Minehead and return. With the prospect of two steam locomotives in one day, delightful scenery and time to explore Minehead, this promises to be a most enjoyable excursion.

We leave London Paddington steam hauled, calling at Slough and Reading to pick up passengers. At Reading we join the Berks and Hants line, passing through attractive countryside and alongside the famous Newbury Racecourse before making our final passenger stop at Newbury. Continuing westwards, we follow the Kennet & Avon Canal and climb towards Savernake Summit. We then travel through the picturesque Vale of Pewsey, with views of one of Wiltshire's famous White Horses, before passing through Westbury and continuing across the rolling Somerset countryside towards Taunton.

Shortly after leaving Taunton, we reach Norton Fitzwarren, where we join the West Somerset Railway, Britain's longest heritage railway. At Bishops Lydeard, a heritage steam locomotive is scheduled to take over our train for the scenic journey to Minehead. The railway follows the edge of the Quantock Hills before reaching Watchet on the Bristol Channel coast. The line then turns inland towards Washford before returning to the coast at Blue Anchor, offering fine coastal views. We continue past the picturesque village of Dunster, overlooked by its magnificent castle, before arriving at Minehead.

On arrival, there will be approximately two hours to explore this delightful Somerset seaside resort. The railway station is conveniently situated close to the seafront, where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, visit the town's shops and cafés or simply relax beside the sea.

Our return journey will be steam hauled along the West Somerset Railway to Bishops Lydeard, where our main line steam locomotive is scheduled to take over for the journey back to London Paddington, stopping at Newbury, Reading and Slough to set down passengers.

Please note: These excursions may operate with the main line steam locomotive hauling the train throughout the journey to Minehead and return.

Classes and Fares

Approximate timings shown

Destinations Route