The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK, running for just over 20 miles to Minehead on the Somerset coast.
We begin in the quaint village of Bishop's Lydeard, from where our historic train starts a relatively steep climb into the lower reaches of the Quantock Hills. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the view from the train is simply magnificent as the line peaks then descends to Crowcombe Heathfield. From here the journey continues along the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. Our train then reaches a picturesque valley between the Quantock and Brendon Hills as we arrive in the pretty village of Stogumber. The West Somerset Railway then continues to descend past rolling rural farmland and through Williton, passing the Coleridge Way - named because the landscape here inspired some of the writer's best work. At this point the coast comes into view, with a wonderful vista over the golden sands leading down to the Bristol Channel.
Our (usually) steam-hauled service runs alongside the shore as it arrives in the ancient harbour town of Watchet. On departing Watchet, the railway heads back inland slightly as it climbs to the delightful town of Washford, a lively place that has remained a popular visitor destination for decades.