East Somerset Railway
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&L156 contributionsMostly good but could be greatSunday 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2023
- AndykeithharrisReading, United Kingdom273 contributionsProbably better for Families than EnthusiastsA 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 areaVisited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2023
- Paul LRedruth, United Kingdom45 contributionsCould 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. LauraWritten 14 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 July 2023
- christineZ5398MN55 contributionsVERY DISAPPOINTINGThe train journey was very short, just 10 minutes and a 10 minute wait for the engine to relocate and take us back to Cranmore. We had been advised that the afternoon tea would be served in the cafe, and not on the train, but we did not expect to be handed two cardboard boxes containing 2 doughy scones , pats of butter, small pot of jam and cream that really should have been kept in the fridge!Amug of tea was also provided. I bought this a Xmas gift for my partner, but it was very disappointing.Hello, I am very sorry that you were disappointed in your recent visit with us. We do offer a variety of cream tea experiences. From your description you had purchased our Whistlestop Cream Tea which includes a day rover ticket and a takeaway cream tea from our cafe. Our Afternoon Cream Tea and Sparkling Cream Teas are served on the train and are a different option available. I am sorry that this was not made clear enough on our website. Thank you for you feedback. LauraWritten 14 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 October 2023
- Danielle C3 contributionsNot exactly what we had hopedIf 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. LauraWritten 14 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- Sharon SChristchurch, United Kingdom120 contributionsNice experience but very overpricedUsed 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.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. LauraWritten 13 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
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4.0
463 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
128
Average
55
Poor
32
Terrible
22
Sharon S
Christchurch, UK120 contributions
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
Sep 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.
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
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.
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.
Kevin S
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Had a great afternoon, the cream tea on the Train was fantastic, loads of well presented and tasty afternoon tea, Sandwiches & cake, along with a good Prosecco. Will be giving a trip as a Christmas gift for some lucky people. All the staff were very welcoming and helpful.
Written 19 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.
Thank you so much for taking to time to leave us a review!
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your Cream Tea Experience - Its always fantastic to hear that you would recommend us to others.
By purchasing tickets with us you are supporting us as a charity to keep the railway open and thriving.
Thank you!
Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
christineZ5398MN
Bristol, United Kingdom55 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The train journey was very short, just 10 minutes and a 10 minute wait for the engine to relocate and take us back to Cranmore.
We had been advised that the afternoon tea would be served in the cafe, and not on the train, but we did not expect to be handed two cardboard boxes containing 2 doughy scones , pats of butter, small pot of jam and cream that really should have been kept in the fridge!Amug of tea was also provided. I bought this a Xmas gift for my partner, but it was very disappointing.
We had been advised that the afternoon tea would be served in the cafe, and not on the train, but we did not expect to be handed two cardboard boxes containing 2 doughy scones , pats of butter, small pot of jam and cream that really should have been kept in the fridge!Amug of tea was also provided. I bought this a Xmas gift for my partner, but it was very disappointing.
Written 13 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 very sorry that you were disappointed in your recent visit with us.
We do offer a variety of cream tea experiences. From your description you had purchased our Whistlestop Cream Tea which includes a day rover ticket and a takeaway cream tea from our cafe. Our Afternoon Cream Tea and Sparkling Cream Teas are served on the train and are a different option available.
I am sorry that this was not made clear enough on our website.
Thank you for you feedback.
Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Prairie Sun
38 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
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.
Written 30 September 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.
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.
sarah
Marlborough, UK22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Was brilliant day the person who I was with lives trains and it made his day. This place is really good and value for money with quite a few bits to see like the engine shed, waiting room there is also a cafe you can eat lunch in which isn’t expensive will visit again
Written 23 September 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 leaving us a lovely review!
I am so glad to hear that you and your companion had a great visit seeing all we have to offer here at The East Somerset Railway.
I hope you had a lovely lunch at our newly refurbished cafe.
Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
veramitchell23
Basingstoke, UK48 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We went for their Sparkling Afternoon Tea - a Christmas present from Granddaughter. Consisted of short return ride on very old steam train whilst eating our deliciously presented tea - sparkling wine, selection of finger sandwiches, dainty little cakes and a nice warm scone with separate strawberry jam and tub of clotted cream. Tea and coffee was provided via a very hot pot of boiling water (refillable) - they even had the decaffeinated tea bags for me! Arriving early is advisable as you can actually ride on a train journey before boarding for tea train, look around the engine sheds, signal boxes, original station building and, weather/day permitting, ride on miniature railway as well as various other old features. The train is pulled by old steam engine which detaches at far end to drive back to other end of train for return journey. There is a café serving good selection of food and drinks and a small gift shop selling reasonably priced gifts and souvenirs. Unfortunately it was pouring with rain the day we went, but the views were still good, probably fantastic on better day! All staff were very friendly and station master extremely knowledgeable. They run special events during year and do other dining options - basic cream tea, Sunday lunch - so please look at their website for information. Very highly recommended for a great day out.
Written 23 September 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.
What a lovely granddaughter you have!
I am so glad that you had a great day with us - Sorry about the rain.
Our dining experiences include all day train travel so its great that you were able to take advantage of riding the track before you visit and exploring all we have to offer.
Thank you for you recomendation.
Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy F
Devizes, UK1,213 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
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.
Written 11 August 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.
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.
tcc47
Bath, UK11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Ideal family visit, even for toddlers. The short ride is lovely, but allow time to browse the museum on the platform, walk down the line to the engine shed, and cross the tracks to the signal box where levers and bells and other devices will be brought to life.
Written 11 August 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.
Its wonderful to hear that you had a great day our with your little ones.
You are absolutely right that there is so much to explore!
Laura
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike
Salisbury, UK2 contributions
Where does the Sunday lunch trip start
RobininBRISTOL
Bristol, UK1,131 contributions
Everything starts at Cranmore - it is the only “proper” station.
Elaine F
10 contributions
Hi I have received a gift voucher for Christmas and I don't understand where the train goes. How long and how far are the trips? Also I have two dogs, are they allowed on the train?
Elaine L
Litton, UK
Hello There I am so sorry for the very late response, I obviously missed it when you first posted it. The line is 2.5 miles long and the return journey takes approximately 40 minutes. It starts at Cranmore and goes to Mendip Vale where you can get out and look at the train being uncoupled and run round a great photo opportunity. There are no shops or cafe at Mendip Vale. Dogs are welcome to travel on the train free of charge as long as they are kept on a lead and kept off the seats. If your voucher is for a steam train ride only then you don't need to book in advance just turn up when we are in steam and take your voucher to the ticket office where we will exchange it for one of our day rover tickets. For more information please see our website.
63marylou
Bristol, UK
Could you please advise as to whether this train trip is suitable for disabled persons? I.e. access/ toilets/ cafe.. Thank-you..
Bob P
Gamlingay, UK45 contributions
There was a party of physically challenged people when we visited and they were accommodated in the guard van which has bench seats for attendants.
I believe they had a happy experience.
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Claim your listingEAST 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
- Hotels near East Somerset Railway:
- (1.79 mi) The Old Stables Bed & Breakfast
- (3.58 mi) Middleton House Bed and Breakfast
- (3.84 mi) Stay at Penny's Mill
- (3.24 mi) Maplestone
- (5.23 mi) The Cross At Croscombe
- Restaurants near East Somerset Railway:
- (0.37 mi) The Strode Arms
- (0.53 mi) The Station Café
- (5.42 mi) Matt's Kitchen
- (1.60 mi) Poachers Pocket
- (7.87 mi) The Olive Tree