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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The West Somerset Steam Express - 18 July 2026
One-day steam excursion from London to Somerset coast on two heritage locomotives
The Railway Touring Company operates The West Somerset Steam Express, a one-day steam excursion on 18 July 2026 from London Paddington to the Somerset coast at Minehead. The journey showcases two heritage steam locomotives in a single day: a main line engine carries passengers from London through the Vale of Pewsey, passing the Kennet & Avon Canal and a Wiltshire White Horse near Westbury, to Bishops Lydeard. There, a West Somerset Railway locomotive takes over for the final stretch through the Quantock Hills to Minehead, the longest heritage railway route in the country. Passengers have about two hours to explore this Bristol Channel seaside resort before the return journey. The trip suits steam railway enthusiasts, first-time steam travellers, and photographers drawn to heritage locomotives and countryside views. Three dining tiers are available, from Standard seating to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure date is currently listed: 18 July 2026. Confirm availability and any future dates with The Railway Touring Company.
- First Class and Premier Dining seats may be available as tables for two; check the optional extras when booking.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The West Somerset Steam Express
Steam hauled from London Paddington via Slough, Reading and Newbury to Bishops Lydeard, where a West Somerset Railway locomotive takes over for the run through the Quantock Hills to Minehead, with about two hours to explore before the return journey.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Two steam locomotives handle the journey in one day: a main line engine carries passengers from London Paddington through the Vale of Pewsey past a Wiltshire White Horse to Bishops Lydeard, where a West Somerset Railway locomotive takes over for the run through the Quantock Hills to Minehead.
- Day 1About two hours to explore Minehead, a Bristol Channel seaside resort, before boarding the return steam service to London.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The price from GBP 120 (Standard) includes the full journey on two steam locomotives from London Paddington to Minehead and return.
- What meals are included?
- Standard fare includes a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and sweet treat, plus afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- Which trains operate this journey?
- A main line steam locomotive hauls the train from London Paddington to Bishops Lydeard via Slough, Reading and Newbury. A West Somerset Railway steam locomotive takes over for the run through the Quantock Hills to Minehead.
- How much time is there in Minehead?
- About two hours to explore the seaside resort before the return journey.
- When does the trip run?
- 18 July 2026 is the confirmed departure date. Contact The Railway Touring Company to check for additional dates.
