Watchet Cottage

25/04/2026

Join us on the West Somerset Railway from the 1st - 4th May for our biggest event in over a decade - the Spring Steam Spectacular!

This year we are celebrating our 50th anniversary and wanted to show how far the railway has come in that time. Experience the sights and sounds of 11 locomotives working through the Quantock hills to the seaside at Minehead. These include the record breaking 'Sir Nigel Gresley', several iconic Great Western locomotives and legends of industrial railways such as Bagnall 'Victor'.

Across the event, highlights include:
- 4 days of intensive operations allowing maximum travel value.
- Triple & Double heading + banking of various services.
- Brake van rides on our heritage goods train.
- 'Kids for a Quid' on Monday only - Children £1 with a fare paying adult.
- Dining Options including on-train full English breakfasts and afternoon tea.

Of course, there are plenty of things to see and do besides riding the trains, including:
- Steam shunting and turntable demonstrations at Minehead.
- Restoration sites open at Williton and Washford.
- Model Railways at Bishops Lydeard courtesy of the Taunton Model Railway Group.
- Trade Stalls at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.
- Cafe's and Bars at various stations along the line.

The full line up includes:
- LNER A4 No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley
- 18" Bagnall No. 2996 'Victor'
- BR Std 4 Class No. 80078
- 16" Hunslet No. 1589 'Newstead'
- GWR 2884 Class No. 3850
- GWR 78xx Class No. 7802 'Bradley Manor'
- GWR 78xx Class No. 7812 'Erlestoke Manor'
- BR(WR) 78xx Class No. 7828 'Odney Manor'
- WSR Mogul No. 9351
- Hudswell Clarke No. 1857
- Andrew Barclay Fireless Boots No. 1

Book today at https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular-2026

We hope to see you for what we hope will be an event remembered for many years to come!

23/04/2026

Visit Watchet Wednesday Market

Quantock Hills National Landscape Exmoor National Park Exmoor National Trust

15/09/2025

Just minutes from the front door of our cottage

02/08/2025

🌊 EXCITING NEWS FROM MINEHEAD HARBOUR! 🌊
🚤 Coastal RHIB Tours & Sea Safaris – Now Launching from Minehead!

Looking for something NEW and unforgettable to do this summer?
Hop aboard our New purpose built RHIB for an adventure along the breathtaking Somerset & Exmoor coastline!

Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, our tours offer a thrilling way to experience the sea — with stunning views, hidden coves, and maybe even a few surprise sightings of seals, porpoises, or dolphins! 🐬🦭

✨ What’s included in our tours?
✅ Fast and fun rides along the coast
✅ Wildlife spotting and sea safari excitement
✅ Family-friendly adventures with expert guides
✅ Private group bookings and sunset cruises available
✅ Departing daily from Minehead Harbour

Trips Available Below 👇

- 1 Hour Porlock Weir and Harbour Tour
- 2 Hour Lynmouth and Valley of the Rocks
- Full day SeaSafari to Lundy Island
- Cardiff Day Trips
- Holm Islands

🎟️ Booking is now open!
Perfect for families, couples, and anyone craving a unique day out on the water.

📞 Call us at 07894536672
🌐 Or book online at www.teddieboycharters.co.uk

👉 Follow our page for updates, photos, and tour availability.
Get ready to see Minehead from a whole new perspective!

31/07/2025

England has lots of well-traveled tourist destinations, but this quiet seaside town is an alternative for those who would like less hustle and bustle.

10/07/2025

The line up for this years Watchet Summertime 2025!

26/05/2025

20/05/2025

16/04/2025

The West Somerset Railway plc is pleased to announce that the iconic, world-famous locomotive, No 60103 Flying Scotsman will be hauling passenger trains on West Somerset metals in June and July 2025!

Following agreement with the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations, Flying Scotsman will arrive in West Somerset near the end of June. Flying Scotsman will then run services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on 28th, 29th, 30th June and 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th July, with static displays of the locomotive available at Bishops Lydeard on 26th, 27th June and 3rd – 7th, 13th & 14th July.

On the days where services behind Flying Scotsman will be running, we will be offering excursions behind the Flying Scotsman for one full length journey of the line and a return journey behind one of our home fleet locomotives.

Further evening excursions will also be available on the evenings of 28th & 29th June, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 11th & 12th July for a full return trip behind the Flying Scotsman from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with various ticket options including travel only, fish and chips, afternoon teas or on board the Quantock Belle Dining Train to enjoy a 4-course meal.

The West Somerset Railway plc is pleased to announce that the iconic, world-famous locomotive, No 60103 Flying Scotsman will be hauling passenger trains on West Somerset metals in June and July 2025!

Following agreement with the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations, Flying Scotsman will arrive in West Somerset near the end of June. Flying Scotsman will then run services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on 28th, 29th, 30th June and 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th July, with static displays of the locomotive available at Bishops Lydeard on 26th, 27th June and 3rd – 7th, 13th & 14th July.

On the days where services behind Flying Scotsman will be running, we will be offering excursions behind the Flying Scotsman for one full length journey of the line and a return journey behind one of our home fleet locomotives.

Further evening excursions will also be available on the evenings of 28th & 29th June, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 11th & 12th July for a full return trip behind the Flying Scotsman from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with various ticket options including travel only, fish and chips, afternoon teas or on board the Quantock Belle Dining Train to enjoy a 4-course meal.

The static days offer the opportunity to see Flying Scotsman up close, including an afternoon tea in the station house garden with the locomotive as your backdrop. With so many ticket options we are sure to have an affordable option for all.

Tickets for the event will go on sale on the West Somerset Railway website at 9.30am Wednesday 23rd April 2025. A dedicated phone line will also be open from 9:30am on Wednesday 23rd April 2025 and will be publicised shortly. Please do not call before this time for information about the Flying Scotsman.

If you already have tickets with us that fall within the duration of the Flying Scotsman Event, we will be in contact with you by email as soon as possible.

📷 Lee Robbins

12/04/2025

Spring is here at Watchet Harbour, as the boats start heading back into the water after winter storage in the boat yard

Watchet Visitor Centre West Somerset Railway Exmoor Somerset Live National Trust