West Somerset Railway
Overview
The West Somerset Railway is Britain's longest heritage railway and runs for twenty miles from Bishops Lydeard in the Vale of Taunton Deane to the seaside at Minehead. Most visitors join the train at Bishops Lydeard or Minehead. These observations are made from personal experience and information gleaned from the official web site.
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Car Parking
There is plenty of parking at Bishops Lydeard, with reserved spaces on hard standing close by the ticket office. Free parking is also available, but with very much reduced capacity, at Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor and Dunster. A pay-and-display car park run by West Somerset District Council is right next to Minehead. Access to the ticket office, where available, and platforms is level at Crowcombe Heathfield, Watchet, Dunster and Minehead, and by ramp at Stogumber, Williton, Washford and Blue Anchor. Doniford Halt has no parking and is not advised.
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Getting Tickets
Level access to ticket office at Bishops Lydeard although the window is too high for those visitors who are seated. The same is true at all ticket offices. Low flat single door thresholds, at Williton, Watchet, Blue Anchor and Dunster. In some ways, getting tickets on the train seems a better option. Wheelchair-user passengers travel at reduced rates.
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Platforms
No problems should be encountered getting onto the platforms except Doniford which is not advised, and Washford, where access to the station is via a large gate and a ramp. Visitors may find it impossible to open and close the large gate.
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The Train
The Railway prides itself in having suitable areas for wheelchair-users in every steam train and every heritage diesel unit. All have wide doors and a portable ramp. One coach in particular, named Lorna Doone, has much to offer, with wide doors, electric-driven chair lift, clamps, toilet, and plenty of standard seating to allow groups to travel together. It also has wide, low windows giving a super view. Assistance from the Guard and other members of the train crew is always prompt and courteous.
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Other information
There are suitable toilets at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead (RADAR key required). The shops at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead are accessible though, as you might expect, a bit cramped.
Museums at Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor can be visited with ease. The excellent museum at Washford does require crossing the tracks and also has some rough stone paths.
Group bookings are welcomed but the Railway say prior booking is essential.
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Contact information
The above comments are not necessarily those of the West Somerset Railway. No responsibility is accepted by this web site, the host web site or the Railway for any inaccuracies or ommisions or misinterpretations. The information is simply provided as a guide and any visitors to the Railway are encouraged to check with the Railway before making a visit or journey.
Last updated 22 October 2001
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