The West Somerset Railway was once a branch line from the London to Penzance main line of the old Great Western Railway, change at Taunton. Now the railway is the longest preserved line in Britain. The twenty two miles of track from Bishop’s Lydeard near Taunton to Minehead take you through the most beautiful tranquil countryside, in the lee of the Quantock Hills, seemingly untouched by this hectic age.
There are eight unique, historic stations in between Bishop’s Lydeard and Minehead and each one is a railway buff’s delight, having been faithfully restored. Nothing so evokes the age of steam than one of these leviathans clanking into one of these stations or watching the steam from the engine roll away over the surrounding countryside from the comfort of your compartment.
The West Somerset Railway runs historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, all beautifully restored by a small army of dedicated volunteers.
Other activities to enjoy whilst staying at The Castle include enjoying a day at the races at Taunton Racecourse, watching the cricket at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, enjoying the thrill of the carnival at Bridgwater Carnival, the largest and best illuminated procession in the world…then there's the Fleet Air Arm Museum. |
