Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station : Saturday, 21st May 2022

Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station

The new interpretation of the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard station was formally opened by Rebecca Pow MP for Taunton Deane on Saturday, 21st May 2022 at an event held with selected guests.

The new interpretation, funded jointly by the National Heritage Lottery Fund and the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is the culmination of a three-year project undertaken by Trustees and volunteers. It was actually completed in 2021 but the formal opening was delayed due to the restrictions imposed by Covid 19.

Around £60,000 has been invested in new displays, an increased number of artefacts and the introduction of interactive materials and activities. The centrepiece of the museum remains GWR 1897 Sleeping Car 9038 which has been enhanced internally with examples of Victorian costumes and other exhibits reflective of the period.

The Heritage Trust gratefully acknowledges the support and funding contribution of the National Heritage Lottery Fund without which the reinterpretation of the Gauge Museum would not have been possible.

"I am delighted to have been asked to reopen the Gauge Museum on behalf of the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust and the West Somerset Railway PLC. Preserving our railway heritage and celebrating the role of the West Somerset Railway as part of our local community through this insightful museum is a an excellent achievement and I commend the Trust for developing this initiative"

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane

"The Heritage Trust has done a fantastic job to enhance the Gauge Museum as a key attraction on the WSR. A lot of hard work has gone into the project and we encourage visitors to take the opportunity to go and visit the range of new and improved displays and artefacts that the Museum has to offer"

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, WSR PLC Chairman

"The completion of the Gauge Museum Project marks a real milestone in the achievements of the Heritage Trust on the WSR. I would like to thank all the Trustees and other volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the last 3 ½ years to bring such an impressive achievement to fruition. We would also like to thank the National Heritage Lottery Fund for their contribution and support during the project and we look forward to visitors and staff enjoying what is a real celebration of the history and heritage of the West Somerset Railway”.

Mike Thompson, Heritage Trust Chairman

For further information please contact Steve Williams, Company Secretary at steve@williamsemail.uk or 07748-637209

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Rail200 Celebrations: Meet Seth - who is going to the Young Engineers Day

My name is Seth, I am 7 years old and am very excited about the “Young Engineers Day” on the West Somerset Railway. I am glad my Mummy and Daddy reserved a space early for me because both days are now sold out and I love trains.

I have two favourite locomotives on the WSR, they are 9351 the Mogul and 7822, Foxcote Manor, and I would like to be a train driver one day.

I am also looking forward to meeting Mr. Chris Vine as I have some of the Peters Railways books, I bought one from the WSRHT and I had 3 for Christmas from Grandma. My favourite story is “The Surprise Goods”.

I couldn’t choose which thing I was looking forward to most of all, the signal box visit, the train ride to Minehead, visiting the Engine Shed or watching and learning about the Turntable? So, I ask my Mummy and she said “put all of them”!

I will tell you all about the day when I get back, but I am really looking forward to it.

Seth, aged-seven.

Parental permission was saught to publish this photo for use online via this website and on our Facebook page. For more information please email info@wsrht.co.uk.

Rail200 Celebrations: Young Engineers Day with Chris Vine – April 2025 – SOLD OUT

March 17, 2025

Rail200 Celebrations: Young Engineers Day with Chris Vine - 9th - 10th April 2025

Unfortunately, this event is SOLD OUT.

Thank you to everyone who has booked a ticket.

In celebration of Railway 200 the West Somerset Railway are offering two dates where you can come for one day dedicated to learning about everything steam in our Young Engineers Days with Chris Vine.

Chris Vine is the author of the Peter’s Railway books, and he will join staff and volunteers from the West Somerset Railway and West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust, to provide a day dedicated to engineering on heritage railways. The day will take a deep dive into the mechanics and some operational factors of the West Somerset Railway and is aimed at Children aged 5-15 with an interest in the railway industry.

Prices for this event could vary from day to day, click on the link below which wil direct you to the West Somerset Railway website to see prices for your chosen date.

The day will begin at 10.30 at the Gauge Museum which is located at Bishops Lydeard station and will include:

Introductory talk from Chris Vine.
Signalbox tour
Model railway tour
Museum tour
A train ride from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead where Chris vine will join you for some activities.
Turntable demonstration.
Some free time at Minehead.
Minehead shed tour (rarely open to the public).
Return travel from Minehead back to Bishops Lydeard.
You will arrive back in Bishops Lydeard at 18.00 where the event will finish.

Also included in your ticket price is a free hardback copy of one of Chris Vine’s Peter’s Railway books.

Tickets are sold for one adult and one child, and the adult must attend for safety reasons. If you have more than one child that wishes to attend, please call us on 01643 704996 to discuss options. Unfortunately due to the areas that attendees will be required to visit we are unable to accept any children under the age of 5.

Please bring a packed lunch with you as catering is not included. We do have a cafe at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead station we also have a buffet car on board the train where refreshments can be purchased throughout your visit with us.

Calling all Schools! Trust Rail 200 Learning Packs are published!

March 12, 2025

Rail 200 Celebrations: Heritage Trust Learning Packs are published!

The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust is delighted to announce that our in-house Learning Officer, Helen Anson, has developed exciting new Learning Packs for children. These engaging resources are designed to inspire young minds by exploring the history, science, and engineering behind the Broad Gauge railway and its impact on the world of rail travel.

📚 Designed for KS1 and KS2, our free Learning Packs offer interactive STEM-based activities, historical insights, and fun challenges, helping students investigate the innovations of Brunel and the golden age of steam. Perfect for schools, home learning, and railway enthusiasts of all ages!

🏫 Teachers can access these downloadable lesson plans, PowerPoints, and activity sheets through our website. Simply visit www.wsrht.co.uk, explore the Learning section, or head to The School Programme page to find resources tailored to each Key Stage.

🚂 Bring the magic of railway history into the classroom and inspire the next generation of engineers, historians, and railway enthusiasts! ✨

West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust WSRHT

Reopening of the Gauge Museum Bishops Lydeard Station : Saturday, 21st May 2022