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» Sunday Luncheon
» Saturday Dinner
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» Important information
The Quantock Belle Dining Train service operates on the scenic West Somerset Railway between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead recreating the nostalgic atmosphere of the days of steam.
Diners enjoy good food and great company as the train winds its leisurely way through the beautiful Quantock Hills past the ancient port of Watchet and along the coastline at Blue Anchor Bay.
Whatever the occasion may be - a romantic dinner for two, a special anniversary or birthday, or just a Sunday lunch out - we are sure you will find dining on the Quantock Belle a delightful and memorable experience.
We are proud that all our regular Quantock Belle staff are volunteers and that the meals we serve are freshly prepared and cooked on board the train. During your journey, our attentive stewards and wine waiters will provide a complete dining service at your table so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
The Quantock Belle is extremely popular and advance booking is therefore essential. Our fares include:
- first class return travel at your reserved dining table
- both meals served during the journey
- VAT
Wine and drinks from the bar (including soft drinks) can be purchased on the train.
We are sure you will have a wonderful day out with us, and we look forward to seeing you on the Quantock Belle soon.
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 A special celebration
 Superb service
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A three course luncheon with coffee is served on the outward journey to Minehead, where you have the afternoon free to explore the gardens, beaches, shops or harbour of this pleasant seaside town. A Somerset Cream Tea is served on the return journey to Bishops Lydeard.
Sunday Luncheon trains in 2010 will operate as follows:
| » | March 14 (Mothers' Day) | All-inclusive fare £42
| | » | April 4, 11, 18, 25 | All-inclusive fare £42
| | » | May 2, 16, 23 | All-inclusive fare £45*
| | » | June 20 (Fathers' Day), 27 | All-inclusive fare £45*
| | » | July 11, 18 | All-inclusive fare £45*
| | » | August 22 | All-inclusive fare £45*
| | » | September 12, 19, 26 | All-inclusive fare £45*
| | » | October 10, 17, 24, 31 | All-inclusive fare £42
| | » | November 7 | All-inclusive fare £42
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| * | reduced from £45 to £42 for "Early Bird" bookings made before 30 April 2010.
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Bookings for Sunday Luncheon trains open on 20 January 2010. Call us on 01823 433856. Registered WSRA members may book from 13 January 2010).
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 A special celebration
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A three-course dinner with coffee is served on the outward journey to Minehead and there is time to take in the sea air before rejoining the train for the return journey to Bishops Lydeard, during which a cheese platter will be served, along with tea and coffee and drinks from the bar.
In 2010, Saturday Evening Dinner trains will be operating on:
| » | May 8
| | » | June 5
| | » | July 24
| | » | August 14
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The all-inclusive fare for Saturday Dinner trains is £45.00 per person.
Bookings for Saturday Dinner trains open on 20 January 2010. Call us on 01823 433856. Registered WSRA members may book from 13 January 2010).
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 First class service
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Our luncheon menus feature roast meat or poultry as the main course, with a choice of appetisers and desserts...
A typical menu will feature...
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| | Three choices of appetiser
| | Usually hot soup, a plated starter dish or fruit juice.
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| | Roast meat of the day
| | with roast potatoes and vegetables
| | We serve only one roast meat (pork, beef, lamb or turkey) on each train; please enquire when you book if you have a particular preference and can be flexible about dates.
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| | Three choices of dessert
| | Normally a hot pudding (with custard or cream), a chilled dessert (cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, profiteroles or similar) or fresh fruit salad.
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Vegetarian main course options are available if requested on booking, but we are unable to accommodate any other special dietary requirements.
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 The Quantock Belle sets off for an evening run to Minehead
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Advance booking is essential for all trains, so here are some tips to make your booking process as quick and easy as possible:
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| | 1 | Decide the date on which you'd like to travel and , if you can, pick one or two alternatives in case your first choice is not available.
| | 2 | Call us on 01823 433856 and ask for Quantock Belle reservations. If you are connected to our voicemail system just leave a message and we will phone you back.
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If you wish to pay to credit or debit card when you call, your reservation can be confirmed immediately. However, if you prefer, we can make a provisional reservation to be held for seven days, during which time you should complete payment by either calling us back with your card details or sending us a cheque payable to "WSRA Promotions Ltd".
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Celebrate the festive season on the Quantock Belle by joining us on one of our special dining trains.
Dunster by Candlelight – Friday evening 3 December
See the beautiful village of Dunster illuminated entirely by candles. Our dining train will take you to Minehead, then you will travel to Dunster by private bus for your candlelit visit. A three course dinner with coffee will be served on the outward journey with seasonal fare on the return.
Christmas Sunday Luncheon – 5, 12, 19 December
A traditional three course Christmas luncheon with coffee and all the trimmings, will be served on the outward journey, with seasonal fare on the return.
Fare for all Quantock Belle Christmas trains is £48 per person. Bookings open for Quantock Belle Christmas trains on 8 September 2010.
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 Celebrating Christmas
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You can also travel in the bar car of the Quantock Belle and, if you wish, bring your own picnic.
Non-dining seats are available at £14.80 (£7.40 for children from 5 to 15 years).
Advance booking essential.
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 Steam through superb scenery
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- In order to maintain the desired atmosphere on board the Quantock Belle, we do ask you please to wear suitable apparel (ie no jeans, shorts or sportswear - thank you).
- We cannot make any refunds in respect of unused tickets unless we are able to resell the seats prior to departure, in which case an administration charge of £10 per booking will apply. We also reserve the right to resell seats for which we have not received payment within seven days of a provisional telephone reservation.
- To comply with current legislation, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the train or at any WSR station
- When you receive your booking confirmation, please ensure the information shown is correct. Tickets and confirmation of your departure time will be sent to you nearer the date of your trip, and we suggest you plan to arrive at Bishops Lydeard Station at least twenty minutes before the departure of your train.
- The Quantock Belle does have limited access for narrow wheelchairs and our staff are happy to assist diners to their seats as necessary. Folding wheelchairs can be stored during the journey, but please mention your special requirements at the time of booking so that we know you will need assistance.
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 Dedicated service
 Wonderfully restored rolling stock
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The Quantock Belle departs from Bishops Lydeard Station which is located just off the A358 Taunton to Minehead road, approximately four miles north-west of Taunton. To find us follow the brown WSR signs, and in the vicinity of Bishops Lydeard look out for signs to Broadgauge Business Park and the WSR. There is a large, free car park at the Station.
Navigation information for Bishops Lydeard Station:
The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX
OS map grid reference: ST1629
Geographic coordinates: 51:03:16N, 3:11:40W
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 Bishops Lydeard Station
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Quantock Belle Gift Vouchers are now available - please call us on 01823 433856 for details.
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If you would like to know more about working as a volunteer on the Quantock Belle, please contact Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311 or email » manager@wsra.org.uk
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The Quantock Belle is also available for private charter. Call Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311 to discuss ideas for group outings or special celebrations.
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