A NEW partnership is expected to bring a tourism boost to West Somerset by bringing visitors to Dunster Castle by steam train.

Visitors can now arrive in vintage style every Wednesday via the West Somerset Railway and a special coach link between Dunster station and the castle.

Seamus Rogers, National Trust property manager at Dunster Castle said: "The steam train ride through the foothills of the Quantocks and along the coast is delightful and prepares the traveller for the drama of Dunster Castle, perched high on its mound, overlooking the Bristol Channel.

"The Luttrell family, who owned the castle for 600 years, were instrumental in the coming of the railway and many visitors used the train to arrive.

"We are delighted to be reaffirming the link with this joint initiative which we hope will introduce more people to the delights of West Somerset."

Every Wednesday until the end of October the Dunster Castle Express will leave Bishops Lydeard station at 10.25am, arriving at Dunster station at 11.33am for a special coach connection to the castle.

After a leisurely visit to the castle, gardens, and medieval village, visitors are then returned to the station in time for their return train, which arrives back at Bishops Lydeard at 5.21pm.

Seamus added: "By working together to create this full-day itinerary we are offering something quite unique to visitors, and hopefully we will attract new audiences to both the West Somerset Railway and the castle."

The castle is now open for the season and this year there will be even more for visitors to see.

The interior of the 17th century stables can now be seen in its full architectural magnificence thanks to the introduction of new, low energy lighting.

In the main house, the distant sounds of 1920s jazz may be heard emanating from the 'gentlemen's quarter', harking back to the house in its early 20th century heyday when it hosted regular weekend shooting parties.

Visitors will also be encouraged to have a go at some of the pastimes of the day, such as snooker or croquet.

There are also new rustic play features for children in the river gardens and a new garden interpretation scheme tells the story of the garden through the ages.

Tickets can be purchased on the day, but booking in advance is recommended.