The East Somerset Railway (ESR) is an ex-Great Western Railway branchline running through the Mendip hills near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. Steam trains run all year, with a 5-mile round trip through the rolling countryside. The West Somerset Railway is a true country branch line of the old Great Western Railway . The historic steam locomotives, coaches and wagons, and the buildings of our ten unique stations linked by a twenty mile scenic journey will repay hours of exploration. The surrounding countryside is as varied as it is beautiful. The gently rolling Quantock hills and distant Exmoor, unspoilt villages and farms nestling in leafy lanes, the cliffs and coast of the Bristol Channel with views of distant South-Wales, confident Church Towers, Dunster's imposing Castle and Minehead's seaside charm are all waiting to be discovered.