East Somerset Railway
East Somerset Railway
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A Trip Back In Time Come and meet our friendly staff and take a relaxing ride on our heritage steam train through the beautiful Mendip Countryside. The return journey takes approximately 40 minutes and is a 5 mile round trip. You pay once and you can ride the trains all day! As well as riding the train you can visit our engine shed and workshop and see our restoration projects up close, while away an hour or so chatting away to our very knowledgeable volunteers. We also have a signal box and miniature railway (these are only open on specific dates), museum, a shop and cafe serving delicious homemade meals each day we are in steam. We also offer Cream Teas, High Teas and Sunday Lunches on specific dates which need to be booked in advance as they do sell out very quickly. Our season runs from March to October and then we run our Santa Specials in December.
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  • R&L
    156 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mostly good but could be great
    Sunday lunch on a steam train. The food was ok. Could have been warmer. Service is not good. Got drinks when we arrived then not offered anything else for 2 hours. They are missing a trick here. Really need someone to properly oversee staff and keep an eye on customers. Would pay dividends. Also BEWARE. They advertise 500ml bottles of lager but serve you 330ml but charge you for big one. Very unprofessional and prevented me giving tip. The ride is short but you do it twice. Overall was a very nice experience but could be amazing with a few tweaks. These would not cost money but would bring in more. I would urge the people running to review the way the day is run. Thanks for a nice day though. Good luck. Don’t rip off your customers though.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 March 2023
  • Linda R
    Salisbury, United Kingdom627 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Choo Choo
    Excellent old railway, with a lot of original features and historical artefacts there. It really was like stepping back in time with all the steam coming from the train. The gift shop had plenty of things to buy and was very reasonably priced. Staff were very friendly and full of information. Prices to ride on the train were very reasonable.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 30 March 2023
  • Andykeithharris
    Reading, United Kingdom277 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Probably better for Families than Enthusiasts
    A small, but well run heritage railway. The station and trains were clean and tidy and ran on time. There is a nice café with a tasty and varied menu on site (not just the usual "...and chips" you often find at heritage railway). The railway is short, but this makes it ideal for children with their shorter attention spans. There is also a nice play park attached and also a miniature railway . Plenty of parking on site. There is probably less to see here for the real rail aficionado's but there's enough to make it worthwhile visiting when in the area
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 May 2023
  • valdowling
    Liverpool, United Kingdom333 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enthusiastic volunteers.
    Really helpful and enthusiastic volunteers. Keen to chat and explain details. Plenty of parking and well signposted. Double check timetable to ensure you don’t have to wait too long, but there is plenty to see and do. Trip isn’t the longest, but as long as you know that, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you get off at the turnaround to get some decent photos.
    Its always lovely to hear from people who have enjoyed their day out. Thank you for the positive feedback for our volunteers. As a charity our volunteers are so crucial to everything we do. Thanks for the photography tip! Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 30 June 2023
  • Paul L
    Redruth, United Kingdom45 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Could do better.
    A bit disapointed based on what I researched. A shorter journey than expected, to the end of the line - we didn't even realise we had reached the station, which was a bit overgrouwn and a mess. I think we had timed it badly as a school group was in and they took priority on everything, so we werre repeatedly told we would have to wait as the school kids were in somewhere. On a positive note, we did get to look around the sheds and restoration work, which was interesting but would have been nice to have had more information.
    Hello, Thank you for leaving us a review - Its always important for us to receive feedback so we can continually improve our offer. Thank you for bearing with us as we welcomed an education group. I am glad you had an enjoyable explore around our engine sheds. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 July 2023
  • Lambiguity
    Lancing, United Kingdom283 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An interesting day out
    This one of the most friendly attractions you will visit. This was our second time - our first visit was in 2021. We enjoyed it then and did again. It is an interesting place for young and old (we are old). We bought a Day Rover Ticket online which was straightforward and the barcode was merely presented on arrival. It gives you unlimited travel which on our day could have been four trips down the line and back. This is a wonderful place for anyone interested in trains and their workings. The working engine sheds are fascinating and the volunteers are always happy to chat. We had lunch in the cafe which is well run and quite reasonably priced. We had good weather and a very enjoyable visit.
    Thank you for leaving us such a kind review. We do pride ourselves in our wonderful volunteers here at The East Somerset Railway who quite literally keep us on track! Most of our tickets include unlimited day travel so it was great to hear that you were able to take full advantage of this. I am glad you had a lovely return visit. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 17 July 2023
  • Stephen T
    Pontypridd, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most enjoyable
    I attended their Spring Steam Gala this year and what a fantastic time I had. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, well presented site, well turned out locomotives (steam locomotives of all sizes are my life long passion) and everything running like clockwork. What's more, the ticket price for an event with 4 locomotives in steam was less than that for a normal return fare on most other heritage railways !! The excess (and more) was then invested in their book shop !! To quote a famous actor "I'll be back" !
    What a lovely review! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed our Spring Steam Gala - hopefully we can tempt you back next year to explore what new books we have available. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 6 August 2023
  • Andy F
    Devizes, United Kingdom1,240 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Heritage Railway
    Lovely little heritage steam railway. Not very big by standards of some other heritage lines, but that makes it easier to navigate and to see everything. There's only one station (at Cranmore) where everything is based - parking, shop, ticket office, cafe, signal box, engine shed etc. Standard gauge locos (steam & diesel) & rolling stock. Basically it's a trip down the line a few miles to Mendip station, watch the loco run around, then get back on for the return trip. Most tickets are Rover-style so you can ride up and down all day. Excellent cafe. Good day out.
    Although a smaller heritage railway, we pride ourselves in what we have to offer. I am glad to hear you had a great experience with us exploring our ticket office, museum, engine shed and signal box as well as the trains themselves. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 August 2023
  • Prairie Sun
    38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Friendly, relaxed, and enjoyable day out
    First time visiting, for many many years. It was one really enjoyable day out. All the staff were friendly and helpful. It is only a small railway, with 2 1/2 miles of track, but plenty to see. There is a museum, loco sheds, sidings, viewing point, signalbox, cafe, shop, discovery centre etc. We did the train trip twice - on a diesel, and a steamer.
    What a lovely review! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We have recently opened our museum and opened our refurbished waiting room so its great to hear that you enjoyed these changes since your last visit. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 September 2023
  • Danielle C
    3 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not exactly what we had hoped
    If you like steam trains like myself you will like this however it’s not exactly what we had hoped and certainly not what was advertised. It’s not a round trip at all. You go up the line quite slow, stop for 20 mins and then go back to the station. I couldn’t even tell you that the views were amazing as we barely saw anything but overgrown hedges :( I think you’re actually stationary more than not. The place itself is fab as it has lots of stuff the look around but all in all I wouldn’t recommend.
    Hello, I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed in your recent experience with us at The East Somerset Railway. Each of our trips takes around 35 minutes in total between our two stations. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed our a newly refurbished museum, waiting room and ticket office. Laura
    Written 14 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles470 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
129
Average
56
Poor
32
Terrible
24

Graham R
Honiton, UK390 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
The annual steam gala was graced by the presence of the rebuilt "Saint" Class steam engine, "Lady of Legend". It is a magnificent machine. For the first time that I can recall, there was a charge for carparking. I was told that this was introduced because galas are very popular with photographers who would, otherwise, pay nothing. The reasonable £5 car park charge could be offset against the £20 cost of the train journey, if you wished. There is a good shop with a variety of new and secondhand books. Separately, there is a model railway shop that has an extensive range of N gauge products. For a relatively small enterprise, this heritage line punches above it's weight!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. It was an incredibly busy weekend and its so lovely to hear back from those who enjoyed it!
Written 18 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emily D
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Should be time slots to driver for a tenner, booked a ticket for my son who is 5 and it’s rediculous wait times been here over hour and half and there having a break. Will not be returning!
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I am so sorry that the wait time for our Driver for a Tenner Experience put a dampener on your day. We do find this is an incredibly popular experience and we try to do our bets to balance the number of visitors who wish to take part and the space available. Thank you for your feedback as we continuously try to improve on the experience we deliver for all our visitors.
Written 18 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kath
Gillingham, UK6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
We had our wedding here in May 2023. It was the most authentic, relaxed and romantic setting. All the staff and volunteers were so attentive. There is a warm and welcoming approach here and the food was innovative and delicious thanks to Pete & Renee. Thank you so much!
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so glad to hear you had a lovely wedding day with us! Thank you for leaving us a review!
Written 15 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

GrandTour43213915406
1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
A enjoyable trip for the family and great to see a low cost alternative to the Polar Express other steam trips in the area. We found the staff of volunteers enthusiastic and Santa was loved by our grand children, we will come again.
We hope money raised can further the efforts of this lovely rural line.
Written 25 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am glad to hear that you had a lovely experience with us.
Written 2 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Katie H
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Wouldn’t recommend the Santa experience, lots of waiting around, down the track for 10 minutes, stop and sit there for another 10 minutes and then go back again, not 30 minutes like was advertised and to then see Santa for less than 5 minutes who was the most unenthusiastic Santa I’ve met asked a couple of questions and shoved us out the back door, complete waste of money
Written 23 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry to read that you were disappointed in your experience with us. I feel that our advertising reflects the experience we offer.
Written 2 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kayleigh r
3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Santa was rude, grumpy and spoilt the otherwise good experience. All the staff were friendly helpful and worked really hard to make this small place an experience for the children. But re think your santa ! He asked my child's name and age which shouldn't of been done santa already knows this ? Then when my autistic son didn't answer him due to selective mute and being anxious santa become rude telling him to speak up and look at him when talking ! His only santa visit this year hasn't been a good experience for him
Written 22 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are always keen to improve so your feedback is incredibly important as we look to making improvements for the future.
Written 2 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Patricia L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This was a birthday treat and was a good one . We did the train ride in a carriage decorated beautifully for Christmas , we knew it was only a short ride there and back but that did not matter as it was the experience of the steam train .
Then we went for cream tea in the stationary authentic Pullman carriage the cream tea was very good and so much to eat that we had to have a take home box , the service was excellent . We would certainly recommend it .
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much to taking the time to leave us a review regarding your recent visit. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your Christmas High Tea with us! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
Written 14 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sharon S
Christchurch, UK126 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Used a gift voucher we were given and although we had a very pleasant time, it wasn't worth the money. The train trip is very short, 10 minutes slowly one way. 10 minutes stop at station then 10 minutes back. Our elderly parents with mobility issues were very disappointed as unable to get off and enjoy the other museum areas and renovation areas. The cafe is very good and the staff extremely friendly.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I am glad to hear that you had a pleasant visit. I am sorry to hear that your parents were unable to enjoy their visit fully due to mobility concerns. We always try our best to ensure all visitors have a great trip. More information about our accessibility can be found on our website: https://eastsomersetrailway.com/visits/disabled-access#:~:text=We%20have%20an%20adapted%20carriage,by%20the%20Guard%20on%20duty. Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter1961
Weymouth, UK285 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
A treat for my Wife, on our Anniversary, A ‘Sparkling Afternoon tea’ on the East Somerset Railway, using a £80 Red Letter day voucher. It were probably , the hottest day of the year that day. We were looking forward to this day very much, sadly a ‘let down’ in several ways.
My Wife has severe walking disabilities, the internet guarenteed platform toilets, sadly……only a staff outside loo, which we we grateful to use and we’re not fussy about its condition or cleanliness though. So no suitable toilet apart from the ground floor toilet , by way of 16 concrete steps or steep ramp.
The dining carriage seating plan were easily missed on the platform attached to a small wooden stand, it would be wiser having the plan in the booking office when collecting your ticket…….
The Meals were already laid out in the very hot carriage , half hour before boarding time time. Sadly due to extreme heat through the carriage windows, we had melted chocolate over, Dry Egg / Cress Sandwiches Salmon fillets exposed to the Sun & Clotted Cream that had the consistency of yoghurt, butter melted as well.
Might I suggest someone exhibits a little ‘Common Sense’ on those hot Sumner’s days and prepare the table food in the last moments before boarding passengers……. This would ensure for a more pleasant experience, less risk of food poisoning, & Customers not wasting, leaving very expensive food on the table……If you don’t have a suitable platform toilet , well then, don’t advertise it please..
The staff were very helpful, polite & curtious on our visit on the day and the station itself, very charming.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I am so sorry to hear that the extreme heat affected your visit. Thank you for your feedback relating to how we share the seating plan with our visitors and how we can better deliver our sparkling afternoon tea in extreme weather conditions. Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Danielle C
3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you like steam trains like myself you will like this however it’s not exactly what we had hoped and certainly not what was advertised. It’s not a round trip at all. You go up the line quite slow, stop for 20 mins and then go back to the station. I couldn’t even tell you that the views were amazing as we barely saw anything but overgrown hedges :(
I think you’re actually stationary more than not.

The place itself is fab as it has lots of stuff the look around but all in all I wouldn’t recommend.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed in your recent experience with us at The East Somerset Railway. Each of our trips takes around 35 minutes in total between our two stations. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed our a newly refurbished museum, waiting room and ticket office. Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about East Somerset Railway

East Somerset Railway is open:
  • Tue - Sun 10:00 - 16:00


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