The West Somerset Railway (WSR) is a 23-mile long steam heritage railway running through the heart of West Somerset – the longest in fact in England. Started in 1871, the railway is one of the largest tourist attractions in the area bringing around 300,000 visitors each year. The organisation has become an integral part of the wider local community, providing employment and volunteering opportunities and boosting the local economy through tourism.

The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is a community led, member driven, charitable association. Our aim is to preserve and restore the heritage of the WSR, to fundraise, promote education, ensure community involvement, and to leave a legacy for future generations. Our services include: heritage restoration projects, supporting friends of station groups, running free ‘railway walks’ for disadvantaged people, informing people about the history of stations and locomotives, organising educational visits, and running events including: an annual steam gala, Halloween events, 1940s weekend and even Santa trains for the younger generation!