Railway 200’s family-friendly exhibition train will be on static display at Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway between 24-29 November.
The train, called ‘Inspiration’, is touring Britain as part of the national celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. Co-curated with the National Railway Museum it comprises four eye-catching carriages:
- Railway Firsts: Showcasing groundbreaking innovations in railway history.
- Wonderlab on Wheels: Offering engaging hands-on activities to explore the science and engineering behind railways.
- Your Railway Future: Uncovering some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to consider a career in rail to shape the next 200 years.
- Partner Zone: Promoting the work of the West Somerset Railway Association.
Admission to visit the train will be free of charge but tickets should be booked in advance from the West Somerset Railway via its website or by calling 01643 704996 (Monday to Friday).
In addition to ‘Inspiration’, the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard station will be open to visitors with exhibits including the Great Western Railway sleeping car, beautifully restored by the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) as part of its Heritage Carriages Project.
The WSRHT also includes education amongst its objectives and will be welcoming school groups. It performs this outreach work in conjunction with the West Somerset Railway Association. The school visitors will be welcomed in a separate area from the general public.
A large heated marquee will welcome visitors and will include a pop-up cafe and shop, the latter offering a chance to buy a Christmas gift or a souvenir.
On 25 and 29 November, a special shuttle train will operate between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard stations. Travel on this is free but is only available for holders of tickets to visit the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration’ train.
Saturday 29 November will see a busy morning at Bishops Lydeard as a steam train will depart at 10.30 for the Christmas Market at Minehead Station, calling at Williton and Watchet en route. That is the start of the West Somerset Railways programme of Festive Trains. Again, details of these can be seen online or by calling 01643 704996. Festive train leaflets can be found at Local Information Centres.
Looking ahead the West Somerset Railway will be marking its own 50th Anniversary in 2026.
Image credit: Jack Boskett
