Slow the pace of life with a trip at the East Somerset Railway. Nostalgia comes to mind, with thoughts of “yester-year”, guards with  flags  and  whistles,  doors closing, the sight and smell of steam in the air, then we  are off  into a bygone era.  During our five mile return journey, you are pulled by lovingly restored steam engines whilst watching the rolling Mendip Hills drift slowly by.

You can get off for a while as the engine swaps ends of the train ready for the return journey. From the Carriage window you may be lucky to see some of the many Varieties of wildlife in the area.

Visit our on-line
Ticket Office & Shop

The main building at Cranmore was once the Great Western Railway Goods shed at Wells and the Lodge Hill Station near Westbury-sub-Mendip on the old Cheddar Valley line. It was transferred to Cranmore brick by brick and rebuilt into what you see today and is now our ticket office, restaurant and shop. The old station waiting room is now a museum.

Have you ever thought you would like to drive a steam engine. We have opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets from full and half day Footplate Experience Courses to shorter Driver for a Fiver taster sessions where you can take the controls and live your dream.

Thomas the Tank Engine comes twice a year on the first Bank Holiday in May and then again in August. This year he is celebrating his 65th Anniversary, where children can give him a ‘coal cake’ and a ‘drink’. There will be lots to keep everyone busy all day.

Its never to early to book for our Santa Specials - with our online booking system, it’s easy

If you have any comments regarding the ESR and our services or events, please email us. We appreciate your comments and feedback. All our latest news is here on these pages.

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