General FAQ

Answer: The East Somerset Railway is based in the village of Cranmore, 3 miles from Shepton Mallet in Somerset, post code BA4 4QP. We have a large car park at Cranmore Station that can be used by our visitors.

Steam trains run from the middle of March until October on Saturdays and Sundays. As we progress through the season we also open on Wednesdays and then Thursdays. Please see the Timetable for full details.

Yes, we happily welcome well behaved dogs at the East Somerset Railway. They ride FREE and we just ask that they be kept on leads, do not sit on the carriage seats and have a treat from our dog treat jar in the station shop. We are sorry but dogs cannot ride on all Dining Trains and Santa Specials and due to large numbers of excitable children being present which some dogs find stressful, The Gruffalo, PJ Masks and Paw Patrol Events. Assistance dogs are welcome at all times.

Yes, we have a large free car park with no height restrictions. There are several Disabled Parking spaces at the front of the car park and if you need flat access to the platform please take the lane to the right of our main entrance (signed no entry but please ignore this). Follow the lane to the old station buildings and there are a couple of Disabled Parking spaces and a drop off area with flat access onto the platform.

Our line is 2.5 miles long and meanders through the Mendip countryside. The standard train journey is a round trip from Cranmore Station which takes approximately 40 minutes. The train leaves Cranmore and heads towards Shepton Mallet to the Mendip Vale platform. There is no station or things to visit here but you are welcome to get out on the platform, enjoy the scenery, watch the engine run around the carriages and chat to the crew, before the return trip. The train stops at Cranmore West on the way back and you are welcome to get off here to look around our Engine Shed and Workshop, with a short walk back to Cranmore Station. Alternatively you can ride the train the whole way and walk up and back to the Engine Shed and Workshop. We have a small Museum on the platform, our shop and café are open and the Signal Box and Miniature Railway are open on specific days only.

*Please note that our Sunday Lunch trains can take longer than the 35 minutes usually advised with additional waits on the track. If you are restricted on time we recomend planning your visit to avoid these trains. The trains affected are the 12.30pm & 2.00pm trains on 26th May, 9th June, 30th June, 7th July, 21st July, 11th August, 8th September, 22nd September, 6th October and 20th October 2024.

We run many great events throughout our season including a Steam Gala, Dining Trains, many Children's Events and pop Events too. See our Events page for details.

The limit of operation for the East Somerset Railway is Cranmore Station but the track continues on to the mainline between Frome and Castle Cary, near the village of Witham. This line is used for heavy quarry traffic from the Merehead Quarry and the last mile or so before Cranmore Station is very rarely used for excursion traffic to the ESR.

Yes of course, we would love to help you celebrate your special event.  Email us on [email protected] with details  or contact our office on 01749 880417(Monday-Friday 9.30-3.30)

The Engine Roster is subject to change but if you would like know which engine is due to run on a particular date please either email us or call the office on 01749 880417 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-3.30pm).

All dining experiences must be booked in advance. If you have any issues using a voucher please contact [email protected] or call 01749 880417.

At the East Somerset Railway we accept two type of vouchers.

East Somerset Railway Vouchers

These vouchers have been bought directly from the East Somerset Railway.

To book this voucher online select book now and choose the experience your voucher covers. You will then need to add the Pre-paid voucher option which relates to your voucher into your basket.

When you go to check out you will need to enter your voucher number in the box labeled 'Would you like to use a gift voucher?'

If your voucher number is not accepted please call the office on 01749 880417 (mon-Friday 9.30-3.30) so we can assist you further.

Third Part Vouchers

The East Somerset Railway accepts a range of vouchers from companies including Buyagift, Red Letter Days, Intotheblue, Activity Superstore and Virgin Experiences.

When booking using these vouchers you will need to go to book now and select the experience which relates to your voucher. Put the Pre-paid item into your basket. 

When ready go to check out.

As it is a third party voucher DO NOT enter your voucher into the box labeled 'Would you like to use a gift voucher?'. This box will only accept vouchers issued by the East Somerset Railway and WILL NOT accept third party vouchers.

Instead select check out. When entering in your details you will be prompted to enter your voucher number.

What happens after I have completed my booking?

After you have completed your booking, your voucher will be manually checked by a member of the East Somerset Railway team. If there are any issues with your vouhcer (for example you have booked the incorrect experience) you will be contacted by a member of the East Somerset Railway team.

Vouchers without an expiry date?

In the past some vouchers have been issued without expiry dates. If you voucher does not have an expiry date then you will have until 31st October 2024 to use these. After these date they will be considered void.