West Somerset Railway accepts group bookings for 16 or more passengers. By booking a group with us you will benefit from discounted train fares, seat reservations, and the option to be served catering from our special group catering menu.
We can now accept group bookings during special events (purple dates on our timetable) such as steam and diesel galas. Some special events may carry their own fare structure. We will do our best to still offer reserved seating, ensuring your party can remain together as you traverse along the line. Due to high numbers of visitors, this may not always be possible, however this will be discussed with you at the time of booking. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer group catering during special events.
General Information
We have a maximum capacity of 120 pre-booked group travel seats on each train, it is therefore advisable to contact us as early as possible to express your interest. On days where we have reached our maximum capacity with group bookings, it may be possible for us to add additional coaches to meet your needs (subject to availability).
Our on-train staff can assist passengers with limited mobility on and off the trains and a ramp is available for passengers to board via the guard’s van (from which it is possible to walk through the train). There is ramp access to the platform at Bishops Lydeard and level access at Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton, Watchet, Dunster and Minehead.
The West Somerset Railway are continually working on ways to improve our accessibility. We have three accessible carriages that we are able to use. These carriages are placed on most services each day. At the time of booking, if you think your group will require any one of these coaches, please let us know, and we will advise you on the availability.
We ask that our group passengers arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your departure time so that you are able to board our service in a relaxed manner, ahead of a quiet enjoyable journey through 20 miles of beautiful Somerset countryside.
How to Book
Group passengers are classed as 16 or more people travelling together and must be booked in advance. Please contact our Groups Department on 01643 700398 or email [email protected] for further information regarding how to book and our fares.
Educational Visits
Why not bring your school, Cubs or Brownie group to the West Somerset Railway for a scenic trip back through time on a heritage steam train through Somerset's glorious countryside?
We can offer station tours, museum tours and talks including a hands-on visit to the museum at Bishops Lydeard Station, where you can work the signals yourself!
We also welcome ideas from you to show us how we can fit in to today's national curriculum.
School groups travel at our Group Rates with teachers travelling at child rate.
The West Somerset Railway work closely with the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust to produce and deliver educational to find out more.
Groups Catering Price List
Why not take advantage of our many catering options to enhance your journey with us?
We can offer catering to groups of more than 16 passengers.
The separate cost of the catering is as follows;
- Tea/Coffee & Biscuits - £4.00 per person
- Tea/Coffee & Cake - £5.00 per person
- Railwayman's Lunch - A sandwich or pasty, hot drink/soup or juice, plus crisps and a cake. - £9.00 per person
- Packed Lunch - Sandwich, crisps, pre-packed cake, an apple or banana served with tea. - £9.00 per person
- West Country Cream Tea - Locally sourced scones, jam and clotted cream, served with a cup of locally blended tea. We can also supply gluten free cream teas. - £7.00 per person
- Hot food - Cod and chips, Jumbo sausage & chips, Chicken & chips (GF), Vegetarian burger & chips, Halloumi fries and chips (GF) -£16.00 per person
Hot meals are all served with tea, coffee or fruit juice or upgrade to an alcoholic drink for an extra £3.00.
Deposit and Payment of Balance
We ask for a non-refundable 20% deposit with your initial booking, either paid by card over the phone, cheque or cash. Your booking will not be confirmed until this payment has been received. The remaining balance must then be paid two weeks before date of travel, when confirming final numbers.
If you have requested catering with your booking, payment for this must also be made in full at least two weeks before you travel. After payment has been made, no changes to your catering order can be accepted.
ADDRESS
West Somerset Railway,The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG
TELEPHONE
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