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 Photographs courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography

Welcome... 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 Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton), and Minehead on the Somerset Coast.

2 Welcome... 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 schools 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 Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton), and Minehead on the Somerset Coast. We offer group travel at a discounted rate which comes with the added comfort of reserved seating, so that everyone in your party can all sit together and have access to our 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 Somerset 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. If you are planning a longer break in the South West, Somerset has so much to offer. Scenically, it is 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. 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 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 plus the lovely little coastal villages of 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.

Stogumber, Williton, Doniford Halt, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead).

00 Adult/Seniors 5.50 Young Persons (Age 5 17) FREE Children (Age 0-4)*.

00 Young Persons (Age 5 17) FREE Children (Age 0-4)*.

If you have a large group, it may be more cost effective to hire an entire carriage for your exclusive use on a scheduled service.

Combine packages with local attractions With the starting point of Bishops Lydeard we have: Dunster Castle Express: Make the most of your visit to the area

The Dunster Castle Express runs every Wednesday and Saturday, and includes train travel from Bishops Lydeard, bus ride and entrance to the castle.

Join the West Somerset Railway and Ridlers Coaches for a combined return steam train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Station, and coach transfer to

On selected days throughout the season. Unable to make the specified days, but the package looks attractive?

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 single and return journeys for the full length of the line: 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 be more cost effective to hire an entire carriage for your exclusive use on a scheduled service. Carriage hire is only available for full length of the line journeys. Combine packages with local attractions With the starting point of Bishops Lydeard we have: Dunster Castle Express: Make the most of your visit to the area by combining your trip with a visit to Dunster Castle. The Dunster Castle Express runs every Wednesday and Saturday, and includes 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. 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, and coach transfer to Lynton & Lynmouth. Return afterwards to Minehead Station and enjoy an optional cream tea on the return steam train journey. On selected days throughout the season. Unable to 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. Train Charter Why not charter an entire 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). Charters are charged at the following rates dependent on mileage: 20 mile Trip (i.e. Minehead to Bishops Lydeard) 1, mile Return trip (full length of the line) 2, miles or two return trips 3, There will be an additional charge of 150 for a manned and licensed buffet car. 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. Main image: The Village and Castle Tower of Dunster 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 hourly train service makes it very easy for passengers to explore at their own pace.

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

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 hourly 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 allowing the freedom of the line for the day. They cover all train services, although there may be additional 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. 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 visit our website or call us on 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 priced at 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 1. 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 disabled passengers and any accompanying assistance dogs. 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. Due to the somewhat narrow connecting doors of our heritage carriages, this may stop you from doing so in a wheelchair or scooter. Booking of Accessible Coaches We have three carriages, one of 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, whilst our Golden Fox and other accessible carriages can accommodate six. To check availability and pre-book tickets, please call us on Additionally, there may be room to travel in the Guard s van. 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): 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. 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 assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. If your scooter or wheelchair is oversized, we have a small number of ordinary, standard size wheelchairs available for loan at Bishops Lydeard, Watchet and Minehead for use whilst you are on travelling on the railway. If your wheelchair is oversized for medical reasons (but not overweight), please contact us in advance, and we may be able to issue a permit to travel. 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. 6 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 7

Timetables 2018 STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM Bishops Lydeard 10 15 12 15 14 15 16 15 Crowcombe Heathfield 10 35 12 35 14 35 16 35 Stogumber 10 44 12 44 14 44 16 44 Williton 11 02 13 02 15 02 17 02

5 Timetables 2018 STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM Bishops Lydeard Crowcombe Heathfield Stogumber Williton Doniford Watchet Washford Blue Anchor Dunster Minehead STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM Minehead Dunster Blue Anchor Washford Watchet Doniford Williton Stogumber Crowcombe Heathfield Bishops Lydeard STEAM DMU* STEAM STEAM STEAM Bishops Lydeard Crowcombe Heathfield Stogumber Williton Doniford Watchet Washford Blue Anchor Dunster Minehead STEAM STEAM STEAM DMU* STEAM Minehead Dunster Blue Anchor Washford Watchet Doniford Williton Stogumber Crowcombe Heathfield Bishops Lydeard STEAM DIESEL STEAM STEAM DIESEL STEAM Bishops Lydeard Crowcombe Heathfield Stogumber Williton Doniford Watchet Washford Blue Anchor Dunster Minehead STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM Bishops Lydeard Crowcombe Heathfield Stogumber Williton Doniford Watchet Washford Blue Anchor Dunster Minehead STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM Minehead Dunster Blue Anchor Washford Watchet Doniford Williton Stogumber Crowcombe Heathfield Bishops Lydeard DMU* STEAM STEAM STEAM DMU* STEAM STEAM Bishops Lydeard Crowcombe Heathfield Stogumber Williton Doniford Watchet Washford Blue Anchor Dunster Minehead STEAM DMU* STEAM STEAM STEAM STEAM DMU* Minehead Dunster Blue Anchor Washford Watchet Doniford Williton Stogumber Crowcombe Heathfield Bishops Lydeard FEBRUARY M Tu W Th F Sa Su STEAM STEAM DIESEL STEAM STEAM DIESEL JUNE W Minehead * M Dunster Th Blue Anchor Tu F Washford W Watchet Sa Doniford Th Su Williton F Stogumber Crowcombe Heathfield Sa JANUARY 2019 Bishops Lydeard The West Somerset Railway reserves the right for operational, technical and any other reason to Su T 1 amend the published dates, timings, number of services, motive power and event dates. 8 GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE * The out of Minehead may be re-timed if a charter is due to access the line GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE 9 KEY Red Timetable Green Timetable Blue Timetable Yellow Timetable Brown Timetable (Diesel Running Days) Special Timetable Operates Festive Trains MARCH M Tu W Th F Sa Su APRIL M Tu W Th F Sa Su MAY M Tu W Th F Sa Su JULY M Tu W Th F Sa Su AUGUST M Tu W Th F Sa Su SEPTEMBER M Tu W Th F Sa Su OCTOBER M Tu W Th F Sa Su NOVEMBER M Tu W Th F Sa Su DECEMBER M Tu

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

00 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 have experience in catering for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and funerals, as well as corporate occasions.

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.

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) 12.00 Jumbo sausage & chips 9.

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 sandwiches, sausage rolls and traditional pasties Railwayman s Lunch Either sandwiches or pasty, 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 6.00 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 be happy to 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 9.00 Chicken & chips Vegetarian burger & chips Children s choices available Delicious Treats Tea or coffee with biscuit selection 3.80 Tea or coffee with home-made cake selection 4.90 (buttercream sandwich, coffee & walnut, Victorian fruit cake or similar selection) 6.00 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, with an idea of timings, please contact us either by groups@wsrail.net or call to let us know your plans. We can then talk you through availability and extra arrangements that may be required for your day. What we need to know: 1. Date of travel 2. Time of travel 3. Any requirements including wheelchair access or catering 4. Approximate quantity of passengers. What happens next: 1. We check the availability for you. 2. If the date and time is available we will book you in. 3. We will confirm your booking via or post. 4. If catering is required we will need confirmation from the catering department before we can confirm availablity with you. 5. Once you receive your confirmation letter, please check it carefully. 6. We require a 10% non-refundable deposit at this stage. 7. Catering payments will be required two weeks before your date of travel. 8. Final payments for fares can then be made at least one week in advance off travel or on the day at the booking office. 9. Your ticket to cover the whole group will be issued once full payment is received. Please do check our terms and conditions overleaf before making a group booking. 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

Terms and conditions for group bookings: Group bookings should be made at least one week prior to the event date. There is a pre booked passenger limit of 120 people for any one train.

7 Terms and conditions for group bookings: Group bookings should be made at least one week prior to the event date. There is 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 short notice. If this occurs, we will endeavour to contact you as early as possible to make you aware of changes that may affect your journey. 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 be unavailable on Sundays, especially hot food and orders with chips. We regret that we cannot accept party catering bookings for: Special Event days (purple and blue days on the timetable) High Season days (25th July to 3rd September 2018) The Diesel Multiple Unit is unsuitable for party catering. Party Catering Bookings must be received by WSR no later than two weeks prior to 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. Changes to catering requirements should be made at least 2 weeks prior to travel. No refunds will be offered after this time. 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 2018 SPRING STEAM GALA 22ND TO 25TH MARCH MEET & GREET PETER RABBIT ST MARCH MEET & GREET PEPPA PIG CLASSIC CAR RUN DIESEL GALA LATE SUMMER WEEKEND MEET & GREET GRUFFALO AUTUMN STEAM GALA FESTIVE SERVICES WINTER STEAM FESTIVAL 2ND JUNE 3RD JUNE 8TH TO 10TH JUNE 1ST AND 2ND SEPTEMBER 8TH SEPTEMBER 27TH TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 1ST TO 24TH DECEMBER ON SELECTED DAYS 29TH AND 30TH DECEMBER 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,

freight wagons in tow. Visit our website or telephone 01643 700406 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, as 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.

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 Jack Boskett Don Bishop 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. 2017 Front page photographs courtesy of Julia Amies Green Photography www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk