Skimbleshanks The Railway Hut

03/05/2024

Wait for it… what the experts call a ‘double header’. It’s been a busy first day for the WSR Steam Gala. All from the window at Skimbleshanks. Not a bad view, eh?

https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

01/05/2024

It’s that time of year again…the crowning of the May Queen at Dunster Castle with The Original Sailors Hobby Horse

01/05/2024

How lovely is this little video, by one of the friends of WSR? A vintage recreation of the station, minus Skimbleshanks, obviously, but we love it 😍 Looking forward to the steam gala this weekend 🚂 courtesy Kai Jones

Dunster Model Railway, a layout based on a preserved countryside station on the West Somerset Railway. This video showcases a typical steam gala running day ...

30/04/2024

Well, look what’s arrived this week! You’d be forgiven for thinking we’d skipped the summer issue and gone straight into autumn, what with the weather and the farmer ploughing the field at the weekend too. But, no. It is indeed the summer issue of our favourite read Exmoor Magazine

29/04/2024

Goodness! What a lovely review from our most recent guests. Always humbled when I read these. Thank you so much 🙏
To check out all our reviews or reserve your own stay, visit: https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut 🚂

28/04/2024

The diary is filling up fast but we still have availability for Spring Bank Holiday weekend, if you’re quick! 🚂

To check our availability and secure your dates, visit: https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

28/04/2024

Definitely worth a follow 👻

Dunster, Somerset

If you enjoy seeing rare historic photos along with other interesting historical posts don't forget to follow Extours so you don't miss out on our regular posts

www.extours.co.uk

29/03/2024

23/03/2024

And…we’re off! What a miserable day though! Glad our weekend guests were able to view the first train of the season from the warmth and comfort of our cosy hut.
Welcome back, old friend and best wishes West Somerset Railway for a successful 2024 🚂

For the best seats in the house, visit: https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

23/03/2024

A very interesting evening with Extours at the Minehead Ghost Walk last night. We joined the earlier walk so my 10yr old could take part and Bobbie was as knowledgeable, informative and attentive as always (we’ve done a few of these now!)
If you love local history with a mix of the paranormal, check out Extours online to book one of their many local walks 👻🚂
Photo’s courtesy of Kristy Johnson

21/03/2024

Highly recommend a Dunster Ghost Walk if you’re staying with us. You learn so much about the history of our little village and who knows, you might just get to meet some of its past inhabitants 👻🚂

👻 England's Most Haunted Village? Join Us and Make Up Your Own Mind! 👻

The long-awaited return of the Dunster Ghost Walk is finally here! After receiving an overwhelming number of requests, we're thrilled to announce that our haunting adventures will resume for three nights only in May. Join us as we once again uncover the mysteries of Dunster, a village steeped in legend and lore.

Dates and Times:
Mark your calendars for the following dates and times:

May 5th: 7pm & 9pm
May 17th: 7pm & 9pm
May 18th: 7pm & 9pm

Led by our knowledgeable host, Bobbie, you'll journey through the cobbled streets of Dunster, delving into its forgotten past and encountering its spectral inhabitants. From ancient buildings to ghostly encounters, Bobbie's expertise will illuminate the hidden corners of this historic village.

But our ghost walks are more than just stories – they're interactive experiences that allow you to become a part of the tale. Engage in authentic ghost hunting using real paranormal investigation devices and methods, bridging the gap between past and present in an immersive adventure that promises to leave you spellbound.

Book Your Tickets Now:
Secure your spot for this extraordinary adventure by visiting www.extours.co.uk. Availability is limited, and these exclusive May dates are sure to fill up fast!

The 7pm walk welcomes participants under 16 years old, with a recommended age of 11+. Please note that our paranormal investigations may be scary for younger individuals. Well-behaved canine companions are also welcome to join.

Check out some of our amazing feedback here: Extours. Why not give us a follow while your there?!

Don't miss your chance to unravel the mysteries of Dunster and experience the thrill of the unknown. Join us as we venture into the realm of the supernatural. 👻

17/03/2024

Looking for a last minute getaway at a great price? Leave the car here and explore beaches, woodlands and medieval villages on foot.
We still have some availability for the Easter holidays. To check your dates, visit: https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut 🚂

06/03/2024

Another reason to stay with us… We’ve watched this train roll by many times and are always a little envious as it looks very special, particularly after dark! 🚂🥂

Our Quantock Belle service operates between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, recreating that wonderful, nostalgic atmosphere of the great days of steam.

Whatever the occasion may be – a special anniversary or birthday celebration, a cosy dinner for two, or a Sunday lunch out – we are sure you will find dining on the Quantock Belle a delightful and memorable experience!

This year we will be joined by Chef Sam le Roux.

The Quantock Belle operates on a number of dates and is extremely popular. Advance booking is therefore mandatory.

When booking your tickets, you will need to know the menu for your date of travel. Menus are listed at the bottom of our Quantock Belle webpage (link below). Select the relevant date to see the menu choices for your day of travel. Once you have decided, please then click book tickets at the top of the webpage.

Your fare includes:
- Return travel at your reserved dining table
- A three-course meal with tea or coffee served during the journey
- A comprehensive bar service, including a varied wine list and soft drinks, is provided to your table by our attentive liveried stewards throughout the day and charged towards the end of your return journey.

A vegetarian option (homemade gluten and dairy-free) is available as an alternative to all advertised menus but we must be notified at the time of booking. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know on 01643 704996.

Dessert is served on the return journey to Bishops Lydeard and accompanied by a continuous tea and coffee service.

Tickets are sold individually or as a guaranteed table for two (price includes a £15 supplement to guarantee your table). The guaranteed table for two ticket covers two people. If you book four tickets, you will be seated together but please note if you purchase less than four, you may be seated with another party unless you purchase the guaranteed table for two option.

Tables are selling quickly, so make sure you book your preferred date now to avoid disappointment!

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/the-quantock-belle-dining-train

📷 Photo credit: Jack Boskett

06/03/2024

A short drive from us here in Dunster, this is such a special thing to do. Having done it ourselves, I highly recommend it 🦙🚂

🦙 ALPACA WALKING!! WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR 2024!!

☀️ We have weekend and weekday slots available in March and April which include bottle feeding our tame lambs 🐑

🦙 We only go out in small groups, maximum 8 people, based in Luxborough TA23

🦙Message us for more info or to book, £40 per couple or discounts for larger groups

03/03/2024

Still got it…🥰🚂🙏

03/03/2024

Special birthday…romantic weekend…parent and child adventure? With castles, countryside and coastline all within walking distance, why not see if your dates are available, park up and explore from here. Were all ready for you 🚂🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

26/02/2024

I love these transitions. You can see how our village has hardly changed

16/02/2024

Introducing the Dunster Winter Festival
Well done to Gaynor Gough whose suggestion ‘Dunster Winter Festival’ has been chosen from almost 150 entries as the name of the event that will replace Dunster by Candlelight. After much
deliberation, the Committee agreed it best reflected their plans for December 2024. Thank you to the school children, residents, and visitors who took the time to enter the competition.

Save the date, and join us at the Dunster Winter Festival on the weekend of 6th to 8th December!

Keep up to date with the latest news at Dunster Winter Festival https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556628566611 and see the full press release at https://www.discoverdunster.info/dunster-winter-festival/

Dunster By Candlelight

Photo Credit: Nina Dodd. Photo of Gaynor receiving her prize from Dunster Living.

13/02/2024

Just a little light reading 350km north of the arctic circle Exmoor Magazine

06/02/2024

Well, this is exciting! Exmoor Magazine 😆 and right on time! 🚂

05/02/2024

All done, at last. A slight change of colour and a couple of new bits here and there, but basically the same cosy Skim, just new again! I Love this space and hope our guests will too.
To check our availability for your chosen dates, go to: airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

Thanks again to our friends at The Colour Centre Minehead Ltd for all their help and advice. Our first stop for all our decorating projects here at The Railway Hut 🚂

25/01/2024

Love this old photo of Dunster Station. Did you know there used to be a signal box at the end of the platform? 🚂

https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

Happy from Dunster!
This old photo of Dunster Station shows a train departing for Minehead complete with the old signal box.

This signal box was brought second-hand from Maerdy, and was put into use when the line from Dunster to Minehead doubled in 1934. In November 1977, the box was moved, in one piece, to Minehead.

23/01/2024

Progress has been slow, what with birthdays and visits to family. Thanks to our friends at The Colour Centre Minehead Ltd we are well underway now and as you can see, we’re toning it down just a little. Very pleased!
Why not get ahead of the game and check out our availability from March onwards: https://airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

18/01/2024

Frosty sunrise… my favourite ❄️

12/01/2024

Thank goodness!!

SAVE THE DATE!
Following the news that 'Dunster by Candlelight' committee had announced that 2023 was to be their last event, Dunster business owners, event organisers and promoters met on Wednesday and unanimously agreed to work together to keep the candles burning and create a brand new Christmas event on the first weekend in December. Watch this space for more information! Exmoor Magazine Somerset Life Magazine Visit Somerset Visit Exmoor VisitEngland

01/01/2024

We weren’t around to catch this magical sight ourselves but thankfully, our friends at Dunster Info were. How beautiful! I do hope it runs from Minehead this year 🙏🚂

30/12/2023

After a new year cancellation due to the weather 😢 we’ve taken the decision to close our doors until March 1st 2024.
We’ve been open for 3yrs and although old Skim still looks good, it’s time for a full interior redecoration and hopefully, make a better job of the outside space- I’ve never been happy with it.

So a very Happy New Year to all our friends and we’ll be back soon 🚂

airbnb.com/h/steam-railway-shepherds-hut

24/12/2023

Wishing all our friends and guests the happiest of Christmas’s.
However you celebrate and whenever you are, know that you made a difference to our lives this year and we are very grateful to have welcomed you here. Thank you for choosing us. Much love 🚂🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🎅🏼