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5 Sights on the West Somerset Railway

10 June 2015

Whilst aboard the West Somerset Railway, you'll chug past ExmoorNational Park, past England's smallest city and even past the south west coast.  During your journey on this stunning steam locomotive, keep your eyes peeled in order to spot and enjoy the variety of picturesque sights and attractions.  The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in England, running between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, it's a great choice for steam train holidays in the UK.

Quantock Hills
Quantock Hills

In 1956, the Quantock Hills became Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is made up of typically English heathland, ancient parklands and oak woodlands. The hills have been occupied since prehistoric times and Roman silver coins have been found in the area. The Coleridge way stretches for fifty one miles through the hills. It's named for the famous English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who lived in the area. A stroll along this route takes you through the pretty villages of Holford, West Quantoxhead and Bicknoller - though unless you're a determined hiker it's probably best to take your time and break up the walk over a weekend to make the most of your steam train holiday.

Exmoor National Park

ExmoorNational Park covers an area of 276 square miles, and within that the landscape varies from rolling hills to rocky cliffs. There are a number of picturesque villages dotted around, so it's easy for visitors to find a cosy local pub or pretty tea room to enjoy. There's a wealth of local wildlife to look out for on your visit. Recent sightings include everything from cuckoos and tawny owls, to wild orchids. For those interested in history, the Chapman Barrows are a collection of eleven Bronze Age burial mounds.

England’s Smallest City
Wells Cathedral

The cathedral city of Wells, in Somerset, has been a city since medieval times because of the presence of Wells Cathedral, which was completed in the 13th century. It holds the title of England's smallest city with a population of around 12,000, it's also the only city in Somerset. The city remains largely un-spoilt, with a number of historic buildings, narrow streets and an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Wells Cathedral is one of the best examples of early English Architecture, the front features over three hundred statues and carvings, and one of the oldest working mechanical clocks. If you're visiting Wells, take a stroll down Vicars' Close, believed to be the oldest medieval Street in Europe.

Cleeve Abbey

A short walk from Washford Station, on the West Somerset Railway, is the beautiful Cistercian abbey, dating back to the 12th century. It's a wonderful chance to get a taste of what monastic life was like eight hundred years ago, and with your West Somerset Railway ticket you'llget a discount on your entry fee. While you're there, don't miss the monks' dormitory, it's one of the finest examples left in Britain.

One Mile Walk
Somerset

Alight the train at Crowcombe Heathfield Station - the highest station along the line - and you'll find the route for the 'One Mile Walk'. This gentle walking path runs in a circle from the station and provides amazing views of the West Somerset Railway line. Along this path you'll come across 'The Avenue', a lovely lane lined by beech trees. You will also cross two railway bridges, where you can wait for the next steam locomotive to pass.

Steam train holidays in England encapsulate the romance of the golden era of train travel. Rail Discoveries offer a wonderful choice of steam train holidays in the UK.