The West Somerset Railway on the Web

 Dunster by Candlelight 2002

Dunster by candlelight, with the Castle high above

Dunster by Candlelight is one of the most popular events held in West Somerset during the winter season. This year the event is planned for 6 and 7 December 2002.

The highly picturesque village - with its famous castle, church, working mill, yarn market and many other historic buildings - steps back into history with the peaceful glow of candles in virtually every window.

Each year thousands of visitors from all parts of the country come to enjoy shopping and entertainment, and just to savour the unique atmosphere. In addition, there is a lantern parade through the village, plus entertainment from Morris Dancers, Magicians, Handbell Ringers, medieval minstrels...

Parking is never easy, so why not let the train take the strain! The award-winning West Somerset Railway will be running special trains to Dunster by Candlelight on both days of the event from Bishops Lydeard, Williton and Watchet. With the choice of alighting at Dunster and walking to the village (about 15 minutes) or travelling from Minehead Station by special reserved bus link.

Simply park your car at the station car park, join the train, sit back in your seat and enjoy the journey.

Our train services to Dunster by Candlelight are always very popular, so advance booking is essential.

Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December 2002

  • Travel to DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT by STEAM!
  • Special steam trains depart from BISHOPS LYDEARD at 4.45pm and 5.45pm
  • Special diesel train departs from BISHOPS LYDEARD at 4.00pm
  • These trains also call at WILLITON and WATCHET
  • Choice of either
    • alight at Dunster and walking the mile to Dunster village. Bring a torch!
    • or at Minehead for transfer by special reserved bus link to Dunster
  • Around TWO HOURS or so in Dunster
  • Fares to Dunster or Minehead from
    • Bishops Lydeard: Adult £9.50, Child £4.75
  • ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL - please ring 01643 704996 for details

And another special train, this time from Bristol...

A rare chance to travel by an InterCity High Speed Train along the West Somerset Railway to Dunster and Minehead for the popular annual "Dunster by Candlelight" event – when the village is totally lit by candles. See the working water mill, street entertainers and endless attractions, plus plenty of olde-worlde charm, pub, tea rooms and shops. Either alight at Dunster for the short walk to the village (bring a torch!), or continue on to Minehead for travel by bus to Dunster village. The train originates from Bristol Temple Meads (4pm approx), calling at Nailsea & Backwell, Yatton, Weston-super-Mare, Highbridge and Taunton. Fare: £22 Adult, £17 Child - £3 less from Weston, £5 less from Highbridge, £7 less from Taunton. First Class £9 extra. For details, contact Cheshire Railtours, Golsoncott Cottage, Rodhuish, Minehead TA24 6QZ Tel: 01984 640005


This page is not from the official West Somerset Railway Web Site