Events

Get ready for an unforgettable season of heritage railway celebrations! This year, The West Somerset Railway are hosting two spectacular events that will thrill both steam and diesel enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a dedicated railway fan or looking for a unique day out with the family, the Spring Steam Spectacular and Summer Diesel Festival offer an action-packed experience filled with historic locomotives, rare railway journeys, and plenty of nostalgia. Spring Steam Spectacular (May 2nd – May 5th, 2025) Step back in time and immerse yourself in the golden age of steam as we kick off our Spring Steam Spectacular! Running from Friday, May 2nd, to Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th, this event is extra special as it forms a major part of the Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern railway. Throughout the weekend, expect a feast of steam action with a variety of historic locomotives in operation. Our home fleet will be joined by visiting engines from different railway companies, working hard to haul a variety of services through the stunning Quantock Hills and along the scenic Bristol Channel. A busy timetable will be in place from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to travel behind multiple locomotives, hop on and off at different stations, and experience everything from local passenger trains to thrilling express journeys. You’ll even have the rare chance to travel on the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section, which is not usually open to passengers. Don’t forget your camera – there will be heritage displays, model railways, and museum exhibits along the line to explore! Confirmed Steam Locomotives: LMS ‘Jubilee’ Class 4-6-0 No.45596 ‘Bahamas’ London Brighton and South Coast Railway A1 Class ‘Terrier’ No.72 ‘Fenchurch’ GWR 28XX No.2807 GWR 66XX class 0-6-2 No.6695 2-6-0 9351 Class (WSR Mogul) No. 9351 GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ BR(W) Manor Class 4-6-0 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ Additional guest locomotives will be announced soon! Summer Diesel Festival (June 5th – June 8th, 2025) Just a few weeks later, we switch gears for our Summer Diesel Festival, running from Thursday, June 5th, to Saturday, June 7th, with an exciting Mixed Traction Day on Sunday, June 8th. This is an annual celebration of heritage diesel power, featuring an impressive line-up of classic locomotives from both the home fleet and special visiting guests. These powerful machines, maintained by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) at Williton, will operate an intensive timetable across all four days, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience them in action. On Sunday, June 8th, our Mixed Traction Day will combine steam and diesel locomotives for a truly unique experience. Plus, the West Somerset Railway are offering a special “Kids for a Quid” deal on pre-booked child rover tickets for this day only! The Williton Depot Centre will also be open during the event, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration and maintenance of our vintage diesel fleet. Entry is by donation, supporting the continued preservation of these incredible machines. Confirmed Diesel Locomotives: Class 52 ‘Western’ No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ Class 45 ‘Peak’ No. 45108 Additional guest locomotives will be announced soon! Book Your Tickets Now! Advance tickets are now available at a discounted rate, so book early to secure your place at these fantastic events. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 200 years of railway history with us this spring and summer – whether you love the sights and sounds of steam or the raw power of diesels, there’s something for everyone!

Gear up for the highly anticipated return of the Spring Steam Spectacular 2024, a standout event in the West Somerset Railway calendar. From Friday 3rd May to Monday 6th May, you can enjoy a steam-filled extravaganza, catering to everyone from enthusiasts to families. There’s always a lot to enjoy at the Spring Steam Spectacular, and 2024 is set to be one of the best years yet. Expect a dynamic line-up with multiple visiting locomotives joining our reliable home fleet, chugging through the picturesque Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel. The bustling timetable offers the flexibility to disembark at various stations, allowing you to experience a ride behind all operational locomotives. Special trains – including local passenger, parcels, demonstration goods and non-stop express journeys – will add even more excitement to your journey. You can even explore the rarely opened section between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, capturing the moment with your camera as trains face the smokebox first. Don’t forget to look at heritage displays, model railways and museums along the way. The Spring Steam Spectacular 2024 welcomes an extraordinary guest, the London and North Western Railway ‘Coal Tank’ no.1054. Built in 1888, this engine – the sole survivor of its class – will make its furthest journey into the West Country. No.1054, courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society and hailing from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, promises to captivate visitors with its local passenger trains and short goods workings. Make sure you stay tuned for more announcements on additional visiting locomotives that will join our dedicated home fleet. Join us for a memorable journey through the scenic landscapes and rich railway history of West Somerset! Please note that all locomotives and attractions are subject to availability and may be subject to change on short notice.