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Take a trip on The West Somerset Railway......

England’s longest “heritage” railway is the West Somerset which runs for 20 miles between Bishops Lydeard (four miles from Taunton and 6 from Junction 25 on the M5) and Minehead. For half the journey trains pass through the Quantock Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and then between Exmoor and the Bristol Channel coast. There are 10 stations along the route offering a variety of destinations to combine with the train journey including the ancient harbour town of Watchet, Cleeve Abbey and Torre Cider Farm at Washford, medieval Dunster with its Castle and of course the seaside at Minehead. For those staying in Minehead, West Somerset or Greater Exmoor the trip to Bishops Lydeard can be followed by Taunton itself or the splendidly restored formal gardens at Hestercombe House.

The WSR carries some 200,000 passengers per year and Group Travel is an important part of its business. The Railway’s Commercial Department has been attending Excursions for a number of years and has found it an invaluable meeting place for contacts both new and established. The Railway also seeks to promote short break and other stays in the area around it and carries appropriate information to that end. Train services operate on selected dates during most of the year, on 5 days a week during April, May and October, and daily from mid-May to the start of October. There are regular special events held throughout the year for both the railway enthusiast and the wider public. The latter goes from children’s “”Meet and Greets” with popular characters to the Annual Real Ale Festival.

The official Company website can be viewed at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk and carries general information about the Railway, including Group Travel arrangements, plus regularly updated news about events. For those who prefer the general telephone number of the Railway is 01643 704996 whilst the Tours Office is open Mondays to Fridays via 01643 700384. 

Article Supplied by West Somerset Railway.

Upcoming Change to our contact details.......

Magical Christmas at The Rare Breeds Centre.....

7^th and 8^th 14^th and 15^th and 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd December

Traditional Christmas festivities begin on the farm this year with the well-known Ashford Sings Choir returning to perform their lively repertoire for all our visitors on Saturday 7^th December from 1pm. This sing-a-long takes place in the Children’s Barn with the animals, Christmas tree and nativity scene and is not to be missed…mulled wine (non-alcoholic for those driving) and mince pies will be served to keep you warm!

Santa will be in his enchanted grotto along with his friends and animals to meet and entertain the children, with songs and stories and a few surprises in this magical atmosphere.  Sessions are for 35 minutes with up to 30 children and their families in each time slot. Each child will meet Santa individually to chat to the great man and receive their quality present, whilst you take that very special photo!

Yes……Mr Wong the ‘one man panto’ is back with more wondrous adventures for all the family to join in with…….’it’s behind you’! This is a show that our regulars love and they have travelled Mr Wong’s imaginary world with him….don’t miss the show…it’s such a treat! Performances are at 12 noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. In addition we have a craft room where the children can make a little festive present to take home and there will be a festive quiz trail too with sweetie rewards for collection in the shop.

The Granary restaurant will be open with scrummy food and drinks to warm your cockles ….all at very reasonable prices and don’t forget we make our own Christmas wreaths and table decorations here at the farm. The shop may also have that Christmas present you were looking for too! Our Santa sessions get booked up very, very  quickly so book early so you are not  disappointed…visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk  to book online and see prices and times or call 01233 861508 for more information and book over the phone!

If you don’t want to see Santa, normal prices apply and we are open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm

Salter's Steamers with over 150 years experience.....

Salter's Steamers are a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over 150 years (est. 1858).

As one of the longest established firms on the Thames we own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Our cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest modern standards.

We offer a variety of hugely popular boat trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in England. During the summer our scheduled trips operate from every major location on the Upper-Thames between the university city of Oxford and the London boundary city of Staines (including such famous places as Reading, Henley, Marlow and Windsor). To book your group in for one of our trips please contact TEL: 01865 243421 or visit www.salterssteamers.co.uk

Take your group to the home of Wedgwood.....

The Home of Wedgwood......

Set in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, Wedgwood Visitor Centre and Museum combine to offer ‘something for everyone’, and is the ideal venue for a quick shop and coffee break or a full day excursion.

Factory Tours provide a genuine glimpse into the wonderful world of Wedgwood ceramics.  It’s here where visitors can watch the master craftsmen as they create iconic Jasper pieces, fine bone china tableware and many products from the prestige catalogue. The Master Ceramic Experience, meanwhile, provides a great hands-on opportunity for visitors of all ages - making, decorating and even throwing their very own piece of pottery.  Visitors are positively encouraged to roll up their shirt-sleeves and “have a go” at mastering the skill and craft of ceramic making for themselves!

The award-winning Wedgwood Museum captures the story of more than 250 years of Josiah Wedgwood and his unique Company.  The self-guided, interactive tour takes a journey of discovery through the eye-catching artefacts and exhibits that have shaped the English ceramic industry, for centuries.The day-out continues at The Wedgwood Restaurant, which is renowned for its range of speciality main courses, light lunches and snacks, and naturally everything is served up on Wedgwood’s finest bone china!

And of course, no visit would be complete without spending some time (and some cash!) in the Retail Store and Factory Outlet Shop. Together, these boast the largest selection of tabletop, crystal and gift products by all our brands including Wedgwood, Waterford Crystal, Royal Albert and Royal Doulton - with permanent discounts of up to 75%, and seasonal sales. Open seven days a week with free coach parking, Wedgwood is just 10 minutes from Junction 15 of the M6.  Don’t forget to take advantage of driver and organiser incentives.

Visit www.wedgwoodvisitorcentre.com for further details.

Article Supplied by Wedgwood

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