(Photo by Shaun Davey)
Step Back in Time: The 1940s Weekend with West Somerset Railway
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the past while enjoying the beauty of the British countryside, the West Somerset Railway’s 1940s Weekend is an experience not to be missed. Held annually in mid-September, this vibrant event is a perfect blend of nostalgia, history, and community spirit.
The 2024 edition will take place on September 14th and 15th, when the entire region along the West Somerset Railway transforms into a time capsule of the 1940s, recreating the wartime atmosphere with a delightful array of activities and performances.
A Scenic Railway with a Historical Twist
The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK, running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, passing through picturesque villages such as Watchet, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, and Washford
During the 1940s Weekend, the railway stations and surrounding villages go above and beyond, recreating the ambiance of wartime Britain. Steam trains chug along the tracks as passengers in vintage attire fill the carriages, surrounded by music, dancing, and displays that take you right back to the era.
What to Expect at the 1940s Weekend
From the moment you arrive at the stations, you’ll be greeted by a spectacle of historical reenactments, complete with costumed performers in period uniforms, tea dresses, and perfectly coiffed hairstyles. The stations are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, such as taped-up shop windows and signs reminiscent of wartime rationing.
For steam train tickets head to West Somerset Railway
Each station along the line offers a unique set of activities, making it worthwhile to explore more than just the starting or ending points.
(Photo by Tim Weatherall)
Minehead Station
Minehead, the end of the railway, is where the action is most concentrated. Over the weekend, the station comes alive with performances by vintage singers such as the Liberty Sisters, Pashy Pops, and Johnny Victory
Whether you’re enjoying classics like “The White Cliffs of Dover” or dancing along to upbeat swing tunes, Minehead is the perfect place to soak up the 1940s atmosphere.
The highlight of the event is the Saturday night platform dance, a ticketed event held at Minehead Station. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their finest 1940s attire, don their dancing shoes, and enjoy live music under the stars, creating an authentic wartime experience. This is a popular event, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Watchet Station
This harbourside town goes all out, with a vintage market, antique and flea market, table top sales, vintage cars, pop up tea rooms for your cream teas.
Musical performances all over town including on the platform, swing dances at East Quay the art gallery, themed meals at the local pubs and cafes and performances at the Boat Muesum and along the esplanade.
Hidden Gems Along the Line
Each stop on the railway line offers its own unique charm and activities. Crowcombe Heathfield station features vintage car displays and 1940s artefact exhibitions while Stogumber is known for its wartime shop setup, sentry hut, and a selection of vintage vehicles. For those interested in wartime cooking and homefront life, Williton Station offers demonstrations on rationing and Ministry of Food cooking
The historical displays are complemented by reenactments, such as air raid warden displays, civil defence demonstrations, and even a mock unexploded bomb scenario. Visitors can witness life as it was during the 1940s, from the responsibilities of wartime civilians to the importance of military vehicles and homefront preparedness.
Roaming Acts and Street Performers
Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy a variety of roaming acts that add a playful and interactive element to the experience. Characters like Dotty and Biscuit, impersonators of Laurel and Hardy, and portrayals of historical figures such as King George VI and Winston Churchill roam the platforms, delighting guests with their antics.
These performances offer a fun and light-hearted contrast to the more serious reenactments, making the weekend a diverse and well-rounded event for all ages.
Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Fun
The 1940s Weekend is a family-friendly event, with children under five able to ride for free on the steam trains.
There’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, from vintage vehicle displays to interactive historical exhibits. Additionally, dogs are welcome on the trains, so you don’t need to leave your furry friends behind.
The inclusion of children’s activities and family-friendly performances ensures that the weekend is suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether it’s learning about life on the homefront or enjoying the spectacle of a steam train ride, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Local Villages Join the Festivities
The magic of the 1940s Weekend isn’t limited to the railway stations; the local villages also get involved. Throughout the weekend, shops along the line tape up their windows and embrace the wartime theme, with locals dressing in period attire to create an immersive experience for visitors. Village halls host tea dances, while vintage jeeps and tanks are proudly displayed by enthusiasts.
The sense of community is palpable, with everyone coming together to celebrate the history and spirit of the 1940s. From food stalls offering wartime-inspired snacks to small exhibitions highlighting local history, the villages add an extra layer of authenticity and warmth to the event.
Travel and Tickets
Getting to the West Somerset Railway is easy. The nearest mainline train station is Taunton, and from there, a bus service connects you to the starting point at Bishops Lydeard.
Tickets for the event are available on the West Somerset Railway’s website, with various options including adult, child, and family rover tickets that allow unlimited travel along the line for the weekend
If you plan to attend the Saturday night dance, don’t forget to purchase your platform dance ticket, as this is a separately ticketed event. Standard tickets for the daytime events are priced reasonably, and children are free to explore the stations with their families at most stops.
Where to Stay
For those looking to make a weekend of it, the West Somerset Railway is conveniently located near several beautiful accommodation options. We have a wide variety of self-catering cottages there’s something to suit every taste and budget. If you want to explore more of the local area, Exmoor National Park is just a short drive away, offering stunning landscapes, walking trails, and wildlife.
For accommodation options, visit The Best of Exmoor to find a perfect stay near the event. Make your 1940s Weekend experience even more memorable by enjoying the beauty of Exmoor and all it has to offer.
The West Somerset Railway’s 1940s Weekend is not just an event but a journey through time. With its combination of historical reenactments, vintage music, and scenic steam train rides, it offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of vintage fashion, or simply looking for a fun day out, this weekend promises to transport you back to the golden days of the 1940s.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event—book your tickets, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready for a weekend of nostalgia and fun!