East Somerset Railway
ENTRY
from £9
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Shepton Mallet
What it’s like
A 2.5 mile steam train ride through Mendip countryside, plus an engine shed, signal box and a play area for the ones who get bored of sitting still.
The main event is the train itself: a proper steam engine hauling you 2.5 miles through the Mendip countryside from Cranmore Station and back, about 35 to 40 minutes round trip. That's short enough that a fidgety six-year-old will cope, but the Day Rover ticket lets you hop back on and do it again if the first go goes down well, which is the sort of detail that makes the £15 adult price feel less steep.
Off the train there's the engine shed and workshop where restoration work is actually happening, a signal box you can look round on running days, and a David Shepherd Discovery Centre if anyone wants the history rather than just the ride. The Play Area and Play Pod with Thomas & Friends toys and storytelling sessions are there for the ones more interested in games than gauges, and there's a miniature ride-on railway running on specific days too, so check the timetable if that's the bit your child has set their heart on.
It's only open Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends, and the Engine Shed shuts on Thursdays specifically, which is a bit of a faff if that's the day you've got free. The Station Café does the basics, sandwiches, toasties, cakes, that sort of thing, and there are picnic areas by the play area and car park if you'd rather bring your own. Parking's free with no height restrictions, and dogs travel free too as long as they stay off the seats.
Heritage carriages have fixed seating and can't take wheelchairs, though there's an adapted carriage with ramp access for anyone who needs it. If you fancy the Ride and Ramble walk back through the countryside, it's uneven ground with brambles and nettles, so long trousers and proper boots are the sensible call rather than an optional extra.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- No set age range given, but the play area and short ride suit younger children well
- Booking
- Walk-ups available. Dining experiences must be booked in advance
- Parking
- Large free car park with disabled spaces
- How long to allow
- Standard round trip approximately 35 to 40 minutes
- Food
- Station Café offers cakes, sandwiches, toasties, breakfasts, daily specials, Greek street food
- Picnics
- Picnic areas welcome. Grass areas next to play area and car park, additional tables by miniature railway
- Wheelchairs
- Adapted carriage via ramp for mobility impaired
- Dogs
- Travel free. Must stay on floor and off seats
- Getting there by bus or train
- Bus No.162 (Frome-Shepton Mallet) stops few minutes walk away, Monday-Friday only
- Worth knowing
- Day Rover ticket allows unlimited train rides on day of visit
- Day Rover tickets let you ride the line as many times as you like that day
- Engine Shed is closed on Thursdays even when trains are running
- Bus 162 from Frome or Shepton Mallet stops a few minutes' walk away, but Monday to Friday only
- The miniature railway only runs on specific days, so check before you set your heart on it
- Sunday Lunch trains run longer than the standard 35 to 40 minute trip
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£15 for an adult Day Rover, £10 for a child aged 5 to 17. Family Day Rovers work out at £42 for two adults and kids, or £32 for one adult and kids.
Do we need to book?
You can walk up on the day for standard train rides. Dining experiences like the Sunday Lunch or Cream Tea need booking in advance.
Is there parking?
A large free car park with no height restrictions, and disabled spaces near the front.
How long does a visit take?
The standard round trip is 35 to 40 minutes, though Sunday Lunch trains run longer with extra waits along the track. Add on time for the engine shed, play area and shop if you want the full day.
What days is it open?
Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends, though the Engine Shed doesn't open on Thursdays. Worth checking the timetable for exact running dates.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Station Café does cakes, sandwiches, toasties, breakfasts and daily specials. There are also picnic areas by the play area, car park and miniature railway if you bring your own.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes, dogs travel free and get a treat from the shop's jar, as long as they stay on leads and off the seats. They're not allowed on dining trains or on character event days like Bluey & Bingo or Day Out With Thomas.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
There's ramp access to the platform and an adapted carriage for mobility impaired visitors, but the main heritage carriages have fixed seating and can't take wheelchairs.
What's there to do besides the train ride?
The engine shed and workshop show restoration in progress, there's a signal box, a museum, the David Shepherd Discovery Centre, and a play area with Thomas & Friends toys and storytelling.
Can under-5s go free?
Children under 5 travel free as unticketed riders alongside a paying adult.
Can we do the Ride and Ramble walk?
You can, but it's uneven ground with brambles, nettles and the odd tick about, so long trousers and walking boots are the sensible option, not a suggestion.
Can we hire it for a party or event?
You can email or call the office (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm) to arrange a special event or private hire.
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