{"id":6945,"date":"2024-09-12T12:55:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T12:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6945"},"modified":"2025-07-16T09:14:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T09:14:23","slug":"40s-weekend-west-somerset-railway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/40s-weekend-west-somerset-railway\/","title":{"rendered":"40&#8217;s Weekend with West Somerset Railway"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: right;\">(Photo by Shaun Davey)<\/p>\n<h3><b>Step Back in Time: The 1940s Weekend with West Somerset Railway<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the beauty of the British countryside, the West Somerset Railway\u2019s 1940s Weekend is an experience not to be missed. Held annually in mid-September, this vibrant event is a perfect blend of nostalgia, history, and community spirit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2025 edition will take place on <strong>September 20th and 21st,<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when the entire region along the West Somerset Railway transforms into a time capsule of the 1940s, recreating the wartime atmosphere with a delightful array of activities and performances\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk\/events\/view\/forties-event-on-the-west-somerset-railway-14th-and-15th-september-2024\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Somerset Railway<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mineheadbay.co.uk\/point-of-interest\/1940s-weekend-1-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minehead Bay<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovewatchet.co.uk\/events-september-2024\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watchet<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6946\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/6695_at_stogumber_6_24_2-image500x281-crop-autorotate-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"772\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/6695_at_stogumber_6_24_2-image500x281-crop-autorotate-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/6695_at_stogumber_6_24_2-image500x281-crop-autorotate.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><b>A Scenic Railway with a Historical Twist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK, running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, passing through picturesque villages such as Watchet, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, and Washford<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Somerset Railway<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the 1940s Weekend, the railway stations and surrounding villages go above and beyond, recreating the ambiance of wartime Britain. Steam trains chug along the tracks as passengers in vintage attire fill the carriages, surrounded by music, dancing, and displays that take you right back to the era.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What to Expect at the 1940s Weekend<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the moment you arrive at the stations, you\u2019ll be greeted by a spectacle of historical reenactments, complete with costumed performers in period uniforms, tea dresses, and perfectly coiffed hairstyles. The stations are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, such as taped-up shop windows and signs reminiscent of wartime rationing\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For steam train tickets head to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk\/events\/view\/forties-event-on-the-west-somerset-railway-14th-and-15th-september-2024\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Somerset Railway<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each station along the line offers a unique set of activities, making it worthwhile to explore more than just the starting or ending points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6947\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-270x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"758\" height=\"842\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-270x300.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-923x1024.jpg 923w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-768x852.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-1384x1536.jpg 1384w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall-1845x2048.jpg 1845w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tim-wetherall.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">(Photo by Tim Weatherall)<\/p>\n<h3><b>Minehead Station<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minehead, the end of the railway, is where the action is most concentrated. Over the weekend, the station comes alive with performances by vintage singers such as the Liberty Sisters, Pashy Pops, and Johnny Victory\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re enjoying classics like <\/span><b>&#8220;The White Cliffs of Dover&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or dancing along to upbeat swing tunes, Minehead is the perfect place to soak up the 1940s atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The highlight of the event is the <\/span><b>Saturday night platform dance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a ticketed event held at Minehead Station. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their finest 1940s attire, don their dancing shoes, and enjoy live music under the stars, creating an authentic wartime experience\u200b. This is a popular event, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Watchet Station<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This harbourside town goes all out, with a vintage market, antique and flea market, table top sales, vintage cars, pop up tea rooms for your cream teas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musical performances all over town including on the platform, swing dances at East Quay the art gallery, themed meals at the local pubs and cafes and performances at the Boat Muesum and along the esplanade.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Hidden Gems Along the Line<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each stop on the railway line offers its own unique charm and activities. <\/span><b>Crowcombe Heathfield<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> station features vintage car displays and 1940s artefact exhibitions\u200b while <\/span><b>Stogumber<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is known for its wartime shop setup, sentry hut, and a selection of vintage vehicles. For those interested in wartime cooking and homefront life, <\/span><b>Williton Station<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers demonstrations on rationing and Ministry of Food cooking<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The historical displays are complemented by reenactments, such as air raid warden displays, civil defence demonstrations, and even a mock unexploded bomb scenario\u200b. Visitors can witness life as it was during the 1940s, from the responsibilities of wartime civilians to the importance of military vehicles and homefront preparedness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6950\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"828\" height=\"552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wsr_1940s_weekend_wendy_dancing_at_crowcombe_heathfield2_min-image2000x1335-crop-autorotate.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Roaming Acts and Street Performers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy a variety of roaming acts that add a playful and interactive element to the experience. Characters like <\/span><b>Dotty and Biscuit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, impersonators of <\/span><b>Laurel and Hardy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and portrayals of historical figures such as <\/span><b>King George VI<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Winston Churchill<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> roam the platforms, delighting guests with their antics\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These performances offer a fun and light-hearted contrast to the more serious reenactments, making the weekend a diverse and well-rounded event for all ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Fun<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 1940s Weekend is a family-friendly event, with children under five able to ride for free on the steam trains\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, from vintage vehicle displays to interactive historical exhibits. Additionally, dogs are welcome on the trains, so you don\u2019t need to leave your furry friends behind\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inclusion of children\u2019s activities and family-friendly performances ensures that the weekend is suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether it\u2019s learning about life on the homefront or enjoying the spectacle of a steam train ride, there\u2019s something for everyone to enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Local Villages Join the Festivities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The magic of the 1940s Weekend isn\u2019t limited to the railway stations; the local villages also get involved. Throughout the weekend, shops along the line tape up their windows and embrace the wartime theme, with locals dressing in period attire to create an immersive experience for visitors\u200b. Village halls host tea dances, while vintage jeeps and tanks are proudly displayed by enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sense of community is palpable, with everyone coming together to celebrate the history and spirit of the 1940s. From food stalls offering wartime-inspired snacks to small exhibitions highlighting local history, the villages add an extra layer of authenticity and warmth to the event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6951\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/west_somerset_railway_1940s_event_2023_watchet_station_min-image500x395-crop-autorotate-300x237.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"812\" height=\"642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/west_somerset_railway_1940s_event_2023_watchet_station_min-image500x395-crop-autorotate-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/west_somerset_railway_1940s_event_2023_watchet_station_min-image500x395-crop-autorotate.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Travel and Tickets<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting to the West Somerset Railway is easy. The nearest mainline train station is Taunton, and from there, a bus service connects you to the starting point at Bishops Lydeard\u200b.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tickets for the event are available on the <\/span><b>West Somerset Railway\u2019s website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with various options including adult, child, and family rover tickets that allow unlimited travel along the line for the weekend\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to attend the Saturday night dance, don\u2019t forget to purchase your platform dance ticket, as this is a separately ticketed event. Standard tickets for the daytime events are priced reasonably, and children are free to explore the stations with their families at most stops.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Where to Stay<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those looking to make a weekend of it, the West Somerset Railway is conveniently located near several beautiful accommodation options. We have a wide variety of self-catering cottages there\u2019s something to suit every taste and budget. If you want to explore more of the local area, <\/span><b>Exmoor National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is just a short drive away, offering stunning landscapes, walking trails, and wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For accommodation options, visit<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestofexmoor.co.uk\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Best of Exmoor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to find a perfect stay near the event. Make your 1940s Weekend experience even more memorable by enjoying the beauty of Exmoor and all it has to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6888\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/4-300x42.png\" alt=\"start your holiday search by clicking the link\" width=\"929\" height=\"130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/4-300x42.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/4-768x107.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/4.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The West Somerset Railway\u2019s 1940s Weekend is not just an event but a journey through time. With its combination of historical reenactments, vintage music, and scenic steam train rides, it offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you\u2019re a history enthusiast, a lover of vintage fashion, or simply looking for a fun day out, this weekend promises to transport you back to the golden days of the 1940s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event\u2014book your tickets, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready for a weekend of nostalgia and fun!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Photo by Shaun Davey) Step Back in Time: The 1940s Weekend with West Somerset Railway If you\u2019re looking to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the beauty of the British countryside, the West &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/40s-weekend-west-somerset-railway\/\" aria-label=\"40&#8217;s Weekend with West Somerset Railway\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6948,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[190,44,36],"tags":[399,391,392,401,390,389,395,110,396,394,398,400,215,397,402,393],"class_list":["post-6945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exmoor-attractions","category-whats-on-exmoor","category-things-to-do-on-exmoor","tag-1940s","tag-40s","tag-40s-weekend","tag-events","tag-fourties","tag-fourties-weekend","tag-historical","tag-minehead","tag-reenactments","tag-steam-train","tag-swing-music","tag-tanks","tag-things-to-do-in-somerset","tag-vintage","tag-watchet","tag-west-somerset-railway"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>40&#039;s Weekend with West Somerset Railway | The Best of Exmoor Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk\/blog\/40s-weekend-west-somerset-railway\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"40&#039;s Weekend with West Somerset Railway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"(Photo by Shaun Davey) Step Back in Time: The 1940s Weekend with West Somerset Railway If you\u2019re looking to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the beauty of the British countryside, the West &hellip; 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