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England's longest heritage railway – 20 miles of stunning Somerset scenery by steam train. Chug along the coast to Minehead, hop off at pretty villages, and there's a buffet car serving proper Somerset cider.
f you've ever fancied a proper steam train ride – the kind where you can smell the coal and hear that gorgeous chuffing sound – this is the one. The West Somerset Railway runs 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard near Taunton all the way to Minehead on the coast, and it's absolutely glorious.
The journey takes about an hour and a half, winding through the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel coast. You'll pass through some beautiful little stations – all immaculately kept with hanging baskets and old railway signs – and there are plenty of places worth hopping off. Dunster's got a stunning Norman castle and a medieval yarn market, Watchet's a lovely harbour town, and Blue Anchor has a beach right there if the weather's nice.
Best bit? There's a licensed buffet car serving proper Somerset cider, cream teas, and hot Cornish pasties. A pint on a steam train – doesn't get much better than that. They also do special themed trains: Fish and Chips trips, Cream Tea specials, and festive trains in December.
It's run almost entirely by volunteers who clearly love what they do – they've kept this railway going since the 1970s and it shows. Even if you're not a train enthusiast (and I'm not particularly), there's something special about watching the countryside roll by from a vintage carriage. Perfect day out, rain or shine.
One of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world, right here in Somerset. Two thousand years of history, steaming hot springs, and you can still taste the water if you're brave enough.
England's earliest Gothic cathedral in England's smallest city. The architecture is jaw-dropping, there's a medieval clock with jousting knights, and the whole area is absolutely beautiful.
Europe's largest collection of naval aircraft, including Concorde. You can walk through an aircraft carrier, watch real jets taking off next door, and easily spend a whole day here.
