Present-Day West Somerset Railway
The WSR operates steam and heritage diesel services, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the Somerset countryside, with views of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park. The railway features ten restored stations, each with unique charm and historical significance. It hosts popular events such as steam galas, themed train rides, and the “Santa Express”, and it supports educational and community activities.
Preservation and Reopening
Efforts to preserve the railway began almost immediately after its closure, with the formation of the West Somerset Railway Association in the early 1970s. The first section of the heritage railway, between Minehead and Blue Anchor, reopened in 1976. Over the following years, the line was gradually restored and reopened in stages, with the full 22.75-mile route to Bishops Lydeard completed by 1979.
History of the West Somerset Railway
The railway originally opened in 1862 as a broad-gauge line operated by the Bristol and Exeter Railway. In 1874, the line was converted to standard gauge and later became part of the Great Western Railway (GWR) network. The route served as an important transport link for goods, agricultural produce, and passengers in the rural area, as well as tourists visiting the seaside resort of Minehead. Following nationalization under British Railways, the railway saw a decline in passenger and freight traffic due to increased competition from road transport. The line was closed to regular passenger services in 1971, though freight services continued briefly.
