Best Places for Train Lovers in Somerset (& Devon)

Somerset and Devon is full of treats for train enthusiasts, from heritage steam railways and scenic branch lines to quirky museums and miniature railways. Whether you love the romance of steam engines, the history of the railways or simply watching trains roll through beautiful countryside, these are some of the best places in and around Somerset to indulge your passion.

Bishops Lydeard Station – West Somerset Railway

One of the area's established traditional car boots. It’s a good place for a proper rummage through second-hand goods, household items, collectables and unexpected bargains.

Pecorama – Beer, Devon

Fantastic for families and railway enthusiasts. Its Beer Heights Light Railway runs for about a mile through gardens, tunnels and countryside, with views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast. There's also a major model railway exhibition.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway – Torquay, Devon

A wonderfully unusual railway experience, carrying visitors down the steep cliffs towards Oddicombe Beach. It's short, but the combination of engineering, coastal scenery and the journey down to the beach makes it memorable.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway – Devon

A traditional open-air market in one of Somerset's busiest seaside areas. Good for bargain hunting and browsing lots of different stalls, while being easy to combine with Brean's other attractions.

Vivary Park Miniature Railway – Taunton

A charming miniature railway in one of Taunton's best-known parks. Particularly good for younger children, as it can be combined with the park, playground and a family day in town.

Perrygrove Railway Adventure – near the Somerset border

One of the biggest names for car-boot fans in the area. It combines indoor and outdoor selling, making it more dependable in poor weather, and it's close enough to Cheddar Gorge to build a whole day around the visit.

Seaton Tramway – Seaton to Colyton, Devon

One of the region's most distinctive railway-style attractions. The heritage trams travel through beautiful countryside and nature reserves, making the journey itself the main attraction.

Bath & West Steam Railway – Shepton Mallet

A traditional car-boot option that's particularly about the thrill of finding cheap second-hand items and one-off bargains rather than polished artisan shopping. Located in Burnham-on-Sea

Midsomer Norton South Station

A great Somerset railway-history attraction where volunteers have recreated the atmosphere of the old Somerset & Dorset Railway. Ideal for lovers who enjoy restored stations, locomotives and rail heritage.

Sandford Railway Station Heritage Centre – Sandford

A particularly nice community option because proceeds help maintain the sports field and support the local community. The 2026 season runs on Sundays from April into October.

Yeovil Railway Centre – Yeovil

One of Somerset's best places for serious railway enthusiasts, with historic locomotives, rolling stock, railway buildings and special running days. It's also a good place for children to see railway preservation up close.

Trago Mills Railway – Newton Abbot, Devon

A fun addition to a family visit to Trago Mills, with the railway offering children a ride around part of the extensive site. It's particularly good because there are lots of other family attractions to enjoy at the same time.