Group Travel. West Somerset Railway. Steam train travel along the Exmoor coast and through the Somerset countryside.

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1 West Somerset Railway Group Travel Steam train travel along the Exmoor coast and through the Somerset countryside Front page photographs courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography

Welcome... Somerset Let the West Somerset Railway look after your organisation on a group visit. We will do our best to ensure that everyone has a great day out, whatever their age or interest.

The West Somerset Railway is Britain s longest standard gauge railway running twenty miles through ten stations between Photograph courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography Bishops Lydeard (near

2 Welcome... Somerset Let the West Somerset Railway look after your organisation on a group visit. We will do our best to ensure that everyone has a great day out, whatever their age or interest. We cater for groups of many sizes and backgrounds from school groups to coach companies WI s and associations. The West Somerset Railway is Britain s longest standard gauge railway running twenty miles through ten stations between Photograph courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton), and Minehead on the Somerset Coast. We offer groups their travel at a discounted rate and this comes with the added comfort of reserved seating, so that your group can all sit together and have access to our party catering menu, where you can be served your food choice at your seat by our dedicated and friendly catering team*. Please see our group catering page for more information. *T s and C s apply County of contrasting beauty and places to see The West Somerset Railway is one of the county s major tourism attractions and a great day out but, if you are planning a longer break in South West England, Somerset has much to offer. Scenically it has one of the most diverse series of landscapes of any English county. There are major contrasts between the Mendips in the north east around Bath and the Quantock Hills and Exmoor in the west (and most of Exmoor is in Somerset). The south of the county with buildings of Ham stone is different again and the Somerset Levels are a world apart, flanked by the Bristol Channel and ranges of hills. Places of interest abound. Bath is world famous, but you should not miss the beautiful little cathedral city of Wells and neighbouring Glastonbury with the Abbey. Close at hand to Glastonbury is Clark s Village shopping outlet in Street. Museums? The Museum of Somerset is in the county town of Taunton, Yeovilton is the Museum of Naval Flight and you will find Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford. Castles? There is impressive Dunster on the WSR route, the small scale charm of Nunney, and the huge hill fort at Cadbury has long established connections with King Arthur. This is a small sample of places of interest. The main seaside towns are Weston-super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead but please don t overlook such lovely little coastal villages as Porlock, nestling between Exmoor and the bay at Porlock Weir. Another fascinating village situated on the Levels is Muchelney with its ruined Abbey and the studio of the world-renowned potter John Leach, one of hundreds of artists and craftsmen who find so much inspiration from these diverse surroundings. So why not book a hotel for your group booking and take extra time to explore? There is much to see and enjoy in the Land of the Summer People. 2 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 3

Group Rates Pre-booked groups of 16 passengers and above receive discounted travel on the West Somerset Railway.

Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead).

50 Young Persons (Age 5 17) FREE Children (Age 0-4)*. 500 Carriage Hire (Holds up to 64 people) RETURN Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (or vice versa) 16.00 Adult/Seniors 8.

The ratio would need to be 1:1. If you have a large group it may work out more cost effective to hire a whole carriage for your exclusive use on a scheduled service.

Charters consist of one steam locomotive and up to six carriages and can include an optional staffed buffet (additional fee).

Join the West Somerset Railway and Ridlers Coaches for a combined return steam train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Station, Ridlers Coach transfer from there to Lynton & Lynmouth,

Every Wednesday we have our Hestercombe Express, where your journey begins on the West Somerset Railway - join us at any station and wind your way along the coast and through gentle

Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens: the Georgian Landscape Garden, Victorian Terrace & Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and

Talk to us about tailoring it to your needs such as using your own coach for transfers if you wish.

3 Group Rates Pre-booked groups of 16 passengers and above receive discounted travel on the West Somerset Railway. TRAVEL FROM JUST 11 We offer group rates on all single and return journeys between each of our ten stations (Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, Doniford Halt, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead). Our most popular group journeys are full length of the line singles and returns: SINGLE Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (or vice versa) Adult/Seniors 5.50 Young Persons (Age 5 17) FREE Children (Age 0-4)*. 500 Carriage Hire (Holds up to 64 people) RETURN Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (or vice versa) Adult/Seniors 8.00 Young Persons (Age 5 17) FREE Children (Age 0-4)*. 800 Carriage Hire (Holds up to 64 people) *Under 5 s travel for free when accompanied by a full paying adult. The ratio would need to be 1:1. If you have a large group it may work out more cost effective to hire a whole carriage for your exclusive use on a scheduled service. Carriage hire is only available for full length of the line journeys. Train Charter Why not charter a whole train for your group (capacity of approx 300 passengers)? Charters consist of one steam locomotive and up to six carriages and can include an optional staffed buffet (additional fee). Combine packages with local attractions With the starting point of Bishops Lydeard we have: Lynton and Lynmouth Explorer. Join the West Somerset Railway and Ridlers Coaches for a combined return steam train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Station, Ridlers Coach transfer from there to Lynton & Lynmouth, returning after to Minehead Station and an optional cream tea on the return steam train journey. On selected days throughout the season. Starting from Minehead: Hestercombe Express. Every Wednesday we have our Hestercombe Express, where your journey begins on the West Somerset Railway - join us at any station and wind your way along the coast and through gentle countryside to the pretty village of Bishops Lydeard. Here, you will be met by our special heritage bus and travel in comfort to Hestercombe. Hestercombe is a unique combination of three period gardens: the Georgian Landscape Garden, Victorian Terrace & Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. With over 50 acres to explore and an exciting programme of events, there s lots to see and do. Can t make the specified days but the package looks attractive? Talk to us about tailoring it to your needs such as using your own coach for transfers if you wish. Main image: The Village and Castle Tower of Dunster Dunster Castle Express: Make the most of your visit to the area by combining your trip with a visit to Dunster Castle. The normal Dunster Castle Express happens every Wednesday and Saturday and includes your train travel from Bishops Lydeard, bus ride and entrance to the castle. Picnics can be added for collection from the castle itself when pre-booked. Charters are charged at the following rates dependent on mileage: 20 Mile Trip (i.e. Minehead to Bishops Lydeard) Mile Return trip (full length of line) Miles or two return trips If a specific locomotive is requested there may be an additional charge. Any additional coaches to the six provided will incur an additional cost of each. 4 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 5

Group & Coach Company Travel during Gala Events Past experience has shown that, during our Gala events, the WSR is unable to accept group bookings in our usual manner, with seat reservations and

In addition there are attractions and places to visit along the route and the regular train service makes it very easy for passengers to explore at their own pace.

They cover all train services although there may be extra charges for admission to such places along the way as Washford Railway Museum and the club room of the Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops

The discounted Rover Tickets must be ordered a minimum of 10 days before the intended day of travel to allow for processing and posting.

4 Group & Coach Company Travel during Gala Events Past experience has shown that, during our Gala events, the WSR is unable to accept group bookings in our usual manner, with seat reservations and optional catering etc. However we do not wish to disappoint potential customers, when there is a great deal to see and do along the railway itself. In addition there are attractions and places to visit along the route and the regular train service makes it very easy for passengers to explore at their own pace. So what we are prepared to offer coach companies and group organisers are discounted fare Day Rover Tickets which allow the freedom of the line for the day. They cover all train services although there may be extra charges for admission to such places along the way as Washford Railway Museum and the club room of the Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops Lydeard station. Please note that on these days seats cannot be reserved. The discounted Rover Tickets must be ordered a minimum of 10 days before the intended day of travel to allow for processing and posting. Please note that prices on gala days are sold at a premium rate, discounts are given when booked at least 10 days in advance. For further information and prices, please do not hesitate to contact us. Groups may also travel on other special event days. Please contact us for details, pre-payment will be required. Guide Books If bought in advance guide books are You can give these to your group as an extra. They are also available at our station shops. A smaller pictorial guide called Along the Line is also available for 50p. Museums Why not stop off to see one of our railway museums at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor. Accessible Guide The West Somerset Railway welcomes passengers who have a disability and any accompanying assistance dogs. Even if your mobility is limited, most of our stations are accessible to you. The Trains Most of our trains are accessible even if you have a disability. You can move between the carriages (including to the buffet car) on the level, but the somewhat narrow connecting doors of our heritage carriages, stop you from doing so in a wheelchair or scooter. Booking of Accessible Coaches We have three carriages which can be added to a specific train (subject to advance booking and availability). These three carriages are specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. The Lorna Doone carriage can accommodate between 6 and 10 wheelchairs, depending on size and our Golden Fox another accessible carriage can accommodate 4. To check availability and to pre-book, please call us on Additionally, there may be room to travel in the Guard s van. Width: 700 millimetres (27 inches) Length (including footplates): 1,200 millimetres (47 inches) Weight (including passenger): 230kg (36 stone), the safe limit of our ramps. Size Restrictions Most West Somerset Railway services can carry manual or powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, folded if necessary, up to the above limitations (for safety reasons): Boarding the Train It is your responsibility to load your wheelchair or scooter on and off the train and we ask you or your travelling companion to ensure that the scooter is folded ready for boarding prior to the train s arrival. If you require help, please do not hesitate to ask. If your scooter or wheelchair is oversize, we have a small number of ordinary, standard size wheelchairs available for loan at Bishops Lydeard, Watchet and Minehead for your use whilst you are on the railway. If your wheelchair is oversize for medical reasons (but not overweight), please contact us in advance of travel and we may be able to issue a permit to travel for your wheelchair. Please ask for assistance if it would help. We are here to ensure you enjoy your day! Please view our website for accessibility at stations and for more information. Photograph courtesy of Zummerzet Photography 6 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 7

5 Train Times 2017 Steam Diesel Steam Steam Steam BL dep CH arr X X43 CH dep SR WN arr 10X X12 15X08 17X04 WN dep DD (R) WT WD BA arr X BA dep DR MD arr Steam Steam Steam Diesel Steam MD dep DR BA arr X BA dep WD WT DD (R) WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X X11 WN dep SR CH arr 11X X CH Dep BL arr Steam Steam Steam Steam BL dep CH arr X43 CH dep SR WN arr 10X53 13X12 15X08 17X04 WN dep DD (R) WT WD BA arr BA dep DR MD arr Steam Steam Steam Steam MD dep DR BA arr BA dep WD WT DD (R) WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X12 17X11 WN dep SR CH arr CH Dep BL arr Diesel Diesel Diesel BL dep CH arr CH dep SR WN arr WN dep DD (R) WT WT DD (R) WN arr WN dep SR CH arr CH dep BL arr KEY TO STATIONS: Steam Steam Diesel Steam Diesel Steam Steam BL dep CH arr X X43 CH dep SR WN arr 10X X12 15X08 17X04 WN dep DD (R) WT WD BA arr x48 13X X42 17X39 BA dep DR MD arr Steam Steam Diesel Steam Steam Steam Diesel MD dep DR BA arr X50 13X44 14X46 15X X34 BA dep WD WT DD (R) WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X X WN dep SR CH arr 11X X CH Dep BL arr Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam BL dep CH arr X X43 CH dep SR WN arr 10X X12 15X08 17X04 WN dep DD (R) WT WD BA arr X BA dep DR MD arr Steam Steam Steam Steam Steam MD dep DR BA arr X BA dep WD WT DD (R) WN arr 10X53 13X16 15X X11 WN dep SR CH arr 11X X CH Dep BL arr MD = Minehead, DR = Dunster, BA = Blue Anchor, WD = Washford, WT = Watchet, DD(R) = Donford Halt (request stop) WN = Williton, SR = Stogumber, CH = Crowcombe Heathfield, BL = Bishops Lydeard X=Trains Cross Match the colour on the date you wish to travel with the timetable of the same colour. Dates in orange and purple are special events with non-standard timetables. Special fares apply on orange and purple dates. This timetable was published in October The West Somerset Railway reserves the right for operational, technical and any other reason to amend the published dates, timings, number of services, type of haulage and event dates. Please check our timetable at or by calling prior to your date of travel or check upon arrival at the Booking Office. KEY JANUARY S 1 M 2 FEBRUARY M W T F Sa Su MARCH M W T F Sa Su APRIL Red Timetable Green Timetable Blue Timetable Yellow Timetable Brown Timetable Special Timetable Operates Day Out with Thomas Festive Trains M T W T F Sa Su MAY M T W T F Sa Su JUNE M T W T F Sa Su JULY M T W T F Sa Su AUGUST M T W T F Sa Su SEPTEMBER M T W F Sa Su OCTOBER M T W T F Sa Su NOVEMBER M W T F Sa Su DECEMBER M T W F Sa Su JANUARY 2018 M 1 8 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 9

On Train Refreshments Served from the Buffet Car Hot beverages Cold drinks, including wine, beers, ciders and spirits Cakes, biscuits, crisps and confectionery Fresh daily sandwiches, sausage rolls

Food with Reserved Seats and Table Service for parties of 16 or more people For your special occasion.

We will discuss your requirements and provide suggestions and recommendations ranging from finger buffets to 3 course meals.

We can provide wine and beer, including real ales from excellent local breweries, soft drinks and hot beverages.

Packed lunch Sandwich, crisps, pre packed cake, an apple or banana served with tea, coffee or fruit juice 6.

6 On Train Refreshments Served from the Buffet Car Hot beverages Cold drinks, including wine, beers, ciders and spirits Cakes, biscuits, crisps and confectionery Fresh daily sandwiches, sausage rolls and traditional pasties available Railwayman s Lunch 6.00 Either sandwiches or pasty, plus a hot drink/soup or juice plus crisps and a cake. Food with Reserved Seats and Table Service for parties of 16 or more people For your special occasion... If you charter a whole carriage or a private train, we can provide a bespoke catering service to suit your party. We will discuss your requirements and provide suggestions and recommendations ranging from finger buffets to 3 course meals. We have experience in catering for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and funerals, as well as corporate occasions. We can provide wine and beer, including real ales from excellent local breweries, soft drinks and hot beverages. Your private carriage can be decorated with ribbons, balloons, flowers, paper sprinkles etc as you wish and for your private train you can even commission your own commemorative head board. Packed lunch Sandwich, crisps, pre packed cake, an apple or banana served with tea, coffee or fruit juice 6.50 Hot Meals - all served with tea, coffee or fruit juice drink Cod and Chips (Gluten Free option available on most services but MUST be pre-ordered) Jumbo sausage & chips 8.00 Chicken & chips Vegetarian burger & chips 9.00 Childs choices available Delicious Treats Tea or coffee with biscuit selection 3.80 Tea or coffee with home-made cake selection 4.80 (buttercream sandwich, coffee & walnut, Victorian fruit cake or similar selection) 5.50 West Country Cream Tea The taste of the West Country Locally sourced scones, jam and clotted cream served with a cup of locally blended tea. We regret we are unable to supply gluten free cream teas. Other gluten free options available. How to book. When you have the date that you would like to travel and an idea of the timings, please contact us either by groups@wsrail.net or phone to let us know your plans. We can then talk you through availability and any extra arrangements that you may require for the day, please ensure you let us know at this time if you have any specific requirements, for example, wheelchair access or catering. Once we have checked the date is available we can provisionally put you onto the system, please note, we have a pre booked passenger limit of 120 people per train so there may be times where the train you would prefer to travel on is fully booked, in this instance we will help you as best we can with alternative ideas for your day out. Once your booking is on the system we will send you a confirmation letter. When you receive your confirmation letter either by post or depending on how you would like to be contacted, we will require you to check it through and inform us if we have got any details wrong. It is at this time that we would require a non refundable 10% deposit. This deposit forms confirmation of booking and your date and time will be secured. Final payment for your fares can then be made on the day at the booking office. If catering is involved with your group booking, payment would be slightly different. For catering, we require full payment to be made no later than two weeks before your travel date. The fares element of your group trip can be settled on the day of travel at the booking office. For further details please see our terms and conditions on the next page. All these specials are open to your groups, on selected dates. Please call or visit our website for more information. 10 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 11

7 Terms and conditions for group booking: Group bookings should be made at least one week prior to the event date. Please note we have a pre booked passenger limit of 120 people for any one train. This may mean that your preferred date and time may not be available. This will be discussed with you at the time of booking. A non-refundable 10% deposit will need to be received before your booking is confirmed (please refer to the how to book page) Full payment of the fare can be made on the day at the booking office unless previously agreed with a member of the group bookings team. The West Somerset Railway reserve the right to alter the timetable at late notice, if this happens, we will endeavour to contact you as early as possible to make you aware of changes that may affect your day. Please let us know at the time of booking, if you think that any members of your group will be using a wheelchair. Terms and conditions for catering: Food can only be pre-booked for 16 or more persons Groups of less than 20 may have their seats reserved in the buffet car. Some items may not be available on Sundays, especially hot food and orders with chips. We regret that we cannot accept party catering bookings for: Special Event days (purple and orange days on the timetable) High Season days 25th July to 3rd September The Diesel Multiple Unit is not suitable for party catering. Party Catering Bookings must be received by WSR no later than one week before travel. All party catering requests are subject to availability and must be confirmed by the WSR catering department before they are considered firm orders. Orders are individually sourced from local suppliers and then delivered to you by our team of dedicated volunteer staff. No changes to the catering order can be accepted less than 2 weeks before travel. Payment in full must be received by WSR plc at least two weeks before travel. If we provide a staffed buffet car service for a whole train charter, there will be an additional charge over and above the standard train charter fee. CONTACT: - For more information on catering on the West Somerset Railway please call or groups@wsrail.net Special Events 2017 On the dates listed below we will unfortunately be unable to accept any group bookings. Tickets on the below dates may be able to be provided but would not carry the same group booking privileges. Please contact us direct for more details. Snowdrops Excursion Spring Steam Gala Diesel Gala and Ale Festival Day Out With Thomas Autumn Steam Gala Halloween Steam and Scream Dunster By Candlelight Saturday 11th February to Sunday 19th February Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th April Friday 9th June to Sunday 11th June Friday 7th July to Sunday 9th July Thursday 5th October to Sunday 8th October Saturday 28th October Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December Bishops Lydeard Sherry and Mince Pie Available dates released Summer 2017 Carol Trains Monday 11th December and Tuesday 12th December Bishops Lydeard Santa Express Available dates released Summer 2017 Minehead Santa Special Available dates released Summer 2017 Minehead Santa Express Available dates released Summer 2017 Winter Steam Festival Friday 29th December to Saturday 30th December 2017 Meet and Greet The Gruffalo 15th April 2017 Meet and Greet Paw Patrol 3rd June 2017 Vintage Vehicle Rally Saturday 5th and 6th August 2017 Meet and Greet Peppa Pig 16th September 2017 Except Monday 13th and Friday 17th Please note on the below dates we have extra activities on and around the line. You may still travel on these dates at the group rates however it may be useful for your group to know. Please contact us for more details. 12 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 13

Footplate Experience Courses Do you still have that wish to try your hand at driving and/or firing one of the

Or find yourself at the controls of a vintage diesel locomotive dating from the Beatles Era of the 1960 s?

A two day, steam footplate experience gives an insight into how steam engines work and how railways are operated,

of freight wagons in tow. Visit our website or telephone for details.

8 Footplate Experience Courses Do you still have that wish to try your hand at driving and/or firing one of the giants of the age of steam train travel? Or find yourself at the controls of a vintage diesel locomotive dating from the Beatles Era of the 1960 s? For groups of six (steam course) or four participants (diesel) we can turn this dream into a reality. A two day, steam footplate experience gives an insight into how steam engines work and how railways are operated, before you get the opportunity to see how it feels to be in charge of an engine at the head of some passenger coaches (empty ones). The one day diesel course introduces you to the machine and the WSR line as you make your way along with a line of freight wagons in tow. Visit our website or telephone for details. The participant must be healthy and physically fit, there will be times when they will need to climb from ground level to the locomotive footplate. Also if there is an emergency, they will need to descend to ground level from the locomotive cab. Bringing a group of children on the West Somerset Railway? Let us know at the time of booking if you require a batch of our free activity sheets starring our brand new character Brunel K Beagle. We shall then ensure that they are ready for you to collect on the day from the booking office. 14 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 15

How to find us: Map by kind permission of Stephen Edge By Road: Bishops Lydeard station (TA4 3RU) is on the A358, west of Taunton with a large free car park (height restriction of 2.4m).

Blue Anchor & Watchet have public car parking nearby.

Free coach parking is also available in Minehead near the railway station. Please note that the coach parking is not accessible through the car park next to the station.

Station postcodes (for SatNav users): Bishops Lydeard - TA4 3RU, Crowcombe Heathfield - TA4 4PA, Stogumber - TA4 3TR, Williton - TA4 4RQ, Watchet - TA23 0UA, Washford - TA23 0PP, Blue Anchor - TA24

9 How to find us: Map by kind permission of Stephen Edge By Road: Bishops Lydeard station (TA4 3RU) is on the A358, west of Taunton with a large free car park (height restriction of 2.4m). Follow the brown WSR signs from M5 J25 or J26 from the north, east or south. Minehead station (TA24 5BG) is on the coast off the A39 (and the A396 from Tiverton) with public car parking nearby. Blue Anchor & Watchet have public car parking nearby. By Coach, Minibus, etc: Free coach parking is available at Bishops Lydeard Station for coaches, there is also a drop off point right next to the station. Free coach parking is also available in Minehead near the railway station. Please note that the coach parking is not accessible through the car park next to the station. It can be accessed through Mart Road. Station postcodes (for SatNav users): Bishops Lydeard - TA4 3RU, Crowcombe Heathfield - TA4 4PA, Stogumber - TA4 3TR, Williton - TA4 4RQ, Watchet - TA23 0UA, Washford - TA23 0PP, Blue Anchor - TA24 6LG, Dunster - TA24 6PJ, Minehead - TA24 5BG. Please allow at least 25 minutes to park, purchase tickets and find your seat on the train. Smoking Policy: The Railway operates a no-smoking policy on all its trains, in station buildings, on platforms and all public areas. This includes e cigarettes. FURTHER INFORMATION: Information and enquiries: The West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG info@wsrail.net Photographs: David Smith Steve Edge Cliff Gregory Alan Turner Julia Amies-Green Tim Stanger Fotophile69 Tony Down Sam Burton Designed and produced by meridianprintdevon.co.uk

Group Travel. West Somerset Railway. Steam train travel along the Exmoor coast and through the Somerset countryside.

Group Travel. West Somerset Railway. Steam train travel along the Exmoor coast and through the Somerset countryside. West Somerset Railway Group Travel Steam train travel along the Exmoor coast and through the Somerset countryside. 2018 Photographs courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk