• The “Quantock Belle” Luxury 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.

 • Enjoy fine food and wine 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 might be, such as a romantic dinner for two, a family Sunday lunch or a special celebration, our dining service will provide you with a memorable experience.

 • The “Quantock Belle” is staffed entirely by volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association and runs on selected Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch times between April and October.

 • Additional services also operate over the Christmas period.

 •  All meals are freshly prepared and cooked on board the train, with our stewards and wine waiters providing a complete dining service to your table throughout the journey. A carefully selected wine list is also available to compliment your meal.

 • The “Quantock Belle” is always extremely popular and, as accommodation is limited, advance booking is essential. The fare includes all meals, first class travel for the 40-mile return journey from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, a reserved table and VAT. It is regretted that concessions or child fares are not available.

 • A three course luncheon with coffee is served on the outward journey to Minehead, where the afternoon is free for you to explore the gardens, beaches, shops or harbour of this pleasant seaside town. A Somerset Cream Tea is served on the return journey.

 • Departure from Bishops Lydeard Station is normally at 12.55pm, returning from Minehead late afternoon.

Sunday Luncheon trains run on
the following dates in 2008:

 • The all-inclusive fare is £34.00 per person.

 • A three-course dinner with coffee is served on the outward journey to Minehead during which there will be a short scenic stop to enjoy the coastal views over Blue Anchor Bay. On arrival at Minehead time is available to take in the sea air before joining the train for the return journey, when coffee, chocolates and a selection of luxury biscuits will be served.

 • Departure from Bishops Lydeard Station is normally at 7.15pm.

Saturday evening trains run on
the following dates in 2008:

 • The all-inclusive fare is £36.00 per person.

Sample Menu – Sunday Luncheon
(subject to variation)

Tomato and Basil Soup
Mushrooms in white Wine
Chilled Fruit Juices

Somerset Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Roast Potatoes
Selection of Vegetables

Jam Roly Poly with Custard Sauce
Lemon Torte
Fresh Fruit Salad

Coffee and Chocolate Mints

A vegetarian main course is available if requested on booking.

 • Advance booking is essential for all trains. Please telephone 01823 433856 to check availability of seats and to make a provisional reservation, which is held for 7 days whilst payment is completed. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted. The office is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9.30am - 5pm. There is an answerphone service when the office is closed.

 •  Celebrate Christmas on the “Quantock Belle” and join us on one of our special luxury dining trains that will be running on the dates shown below.

 • Dunster by Candlelight – Friday evening 5 December
A two-course dinner with coffee is served together with mince pies, shortbread and coffee on the return journey. The all-inclusive fare (which also covers the bus link from Minehead Station to Dunster village) is £32.00.

 • Sunday Luncheon – 7, 14, 21 December
A traditional three course Christmas luncheon with all the trimmings is served on the journey to Minehead, with seasonal fare on the return. The all inclusive fare is £39.00 per person.

PLEASE NOTE that bookings for the Christmas services will not commence until 3 September 2008.

 • A limited number of non-dining seats are usually available on "Quantock Belle" services. Why not bring your own picnic meal, and we will serve drinks from our bar car as you relax in style and enjoy the passing West Somerset scenery from the comfort of your seat. Non-Dining seats are available at £13.40 per adult and £6.70 for 5-15 year olds. Seats must be booked in advance.

 • Departure
All trains (except specials & charters) depart from and return to Bishops Lydeard Station. Lunchtime dining trains normally depart at 12.55pm, and Evening dining trains at 7.15pm. Please check your tickets for the exact departure time that applies to the train you are booked on.

 • Steam
The "Quantock Belle" is STEAM hauled. In the event of a steam engine not being available, a heritage diesel locomotive will be used.

 • Wheelchairs
We regret the "Quantock Belle" Luxury Dining Train cannot be boarded in a wheelchair. Our staff are very happy to assist passengers to their seat. Folding wheelchairs can be stored during the journey.

 • Vegetarian
If you require a vegetarian menu, please tell us when you book your seat.

 • Parties
Company and Group reservations are very welcome and we will be pleased to accommodate your special arrangements.

 • Sundry notes
Refunds cannot be made in respect of non use of tickets. We reserve the right to re-book seats that have not been paid for within fourteen days of a telephone reservation. For the comfort and safety of passengers, smoking is not permitted in the dining or bar cars. Passengers are respectfully requested to wear suitably smart dress. Dining Trains are not suitable for babies or small children, except when carried in the Non-Dining section of the train. There are no price concessions. Passengers are carried subject to the Conditions of Carriage of the West Somerset Railway plc and, whilst every effort will be made to maintain the advertised services, no liability for loss, inconvenience or delay caused by cancellation or alteration can be accepted.

QUANTOCK BELLE GIFT VOUCHERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE – PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR DETAILS.