A FAMILY-friendly exhibition train has arrived on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) and will be on static display at Bishops Lydeard Station until Saturday (November 29).

The train, called ‘Inspiration’, is touring Britain as part of the national Railway 200 celebration of the bicentenary of the modern railway.

It is co-curated by the Railway 200 team and the National Railway Museum and includes four eye-catching carriages:

• Railway Firsts showcasing groundbreaking innovations in railway history

• Wonderlab on Wheels offering engaging hands-on activities to explore the science and engineering behind railways

• Your Railway Future uncovering some of the more hidden roles in rail and encouraging people to consider a career in rail to shape the next 200 years

• Partner Zone promoting the work of the West Somerset Railway Association

Admission to visit the train is free of charge, but tickets should be booked in advance from the WSR website or by calling 01643 704996.

The 'Inspiration' train which is to visit the West Somerset Railway.
The 'Inspiration' visitor experience train is on display at the West Somerset Railway’s Bishops Lydeard Station this week. (Contributed)

A special shuttle train will operate between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard stations on Tuesday and Friday, November 25 and 28, which is free to travel on for holders of tickets to visit the Railway 200 ‘Inspiration’ train.

A large heated marquee will welcome visitors and will include a pop-up cafe and shop with an opportunity to buy a Christmas gift or a souvenir.

‘Inspiration’ is a unique visitor attraction and has proven so popular it was fully booked at several locations, with nine out of 10 people saying they would recommend it.

The station’s Gauge Museum is also open to visitors, with exhibits including a Great Western Railway sleeping car restored by the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) as part of its heritage carriages project.

The WSRHT also includes education among its objectives and will be welcoming school groups.

It performs outreach work in conjunction with the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA).

School visitors will be welcomed in a separate area away from the rest of the public.

Bishops Lydeard Station is likely to be busy on Saturday morning as a steam train will depart at 10.30 am for the WSR Christmas Market on Minehead Station, calling at Williton and Watchet en route.

It will mark the start of the WSR’s programme of festive trains, details of which can be found online or by calling 01643 704996.

The WSR is also looking ahead to 2026 when it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.