The East Somerset Railway

Come to the lovely village of Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset to meet our friendly staff and take a relaxing ride on our heritage steam trains.

The train journey is approximately 35 minutes over our 5 mile mile round trip. You are welcome to ride as many times as you like on your visit - subject to availability of seats. 

We are one of very few steam railways where you can visit our engine shed and workshop to see restoration in progress by our skilled bunch of volunteers

We have a time capsual museum, waiting room and ticket office. There is also the David Shepherd Discovery Centre on our restored second platform which celebrates the history of our railway and the life of the world famous wildlife artist whose vision for the railway made it what it is today.

The refurbished signal box is open every running day and the miniature railway is also open on specific days – see website for details.

We have a well stocked shop and The Station Cafe serves a great range of deliciously yummy food and drink. You are also able to take afternoon tea on our Mendip Belle coach on certain days – pre-booking essential.

We have a large, free car park with disabled spaces. There is ramp access to the platform and wheelchair accessible seating on the train. We are working towards becoming dementia friendly across the whole site. We welcome dogs, which travel free.

Our friendly staff and volunteers are always available to assist in any way.

Trains next run on

23 Mar 24

Steam Train (Standard Timetable)

  • 11.00
  • 12.30
  • 14.00
  • 15.30
24 Mar 24

Steam Train (Standard Timetable)

  • 11.00
  • 12.30
  • 14.00
  • 15.30
View Full Timetable

The friendly steam railway

We provide a large, free car park, a short walk from Cranmore Station.  This main station building houses The Station Cafe and Toilets at ground level, the Ticket Office and Shop at platform level.  For the children there is a Play Area situated next to the Cafe patio, so the adults can enjoy some refreshments while the kids let off steam!
 
The Station Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 - 16:30 in season and the Ticket Office and Shop are open Tuesday-Friday 10.30am-3.30pm. Visit The Station Cafe website here
 
As well as steam train rides we have many special events for visitors to enjoy throughout our season, plus a variety of dining trains to savour and for the enthusiast footplate experiences, to get up close to the wonder of steam! Our station waiting room replica musuem at the end of the platform, hosts an interesting selection of memorabilia and is one not to miss. 
 
East Somerset Models is an independent shop based in a small building on the left side of the car park.  They stock a wide range of model railway items and please see their website HERE for opening times and further details.

In 2018 The East Somerset Railway won funding by The National Lottery to support projects - visit our news section for updates and more information ESR Wins Lottery Funding

 

Plan Your Visit