Discover Williton: Railway History, Trails and Culture

Williton combines railway history, traces of the past and routes through the Somerset countryside. The town lies on the edge of the Quantock Hills and close to the Brendon Hills and Exmoor National Park. This makes it possible to plan a trip that combines culture, activity and discoveries for different age groups.

Railway History at the West Somerset Railway

One of the defining experiences is the West Somerset Railway. The 20-mile heritage railway runs through the countryside and along the Somerset coast. As a rural branch line of the former Great Western Railway, it preserves railway and industrial history. Williton station is the most important intermediate station for passing trains. It is located about one mile east of the town centre. For planning your day, it is also useful to know that the station has a café and a shop with indoor seating, as well as benches on the platform.

The station building itself also deserves attention: Williton station's booking office dates from 1862 and retains its original fittings. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Williton can therefore tailor their stay to their interests – perhaps with a day centred around the heritage railway or a combination of local history and walks.

Historic Details in the Town

St Peter's Church preserves an alabaster font from 1666 and a poor box from 1680. At the junction of High Street and Bank Street, there is also a medieval wayside cross near its original location. It still marks Williton's most important crossroads. Williton Hospital is also noteworthy for visitors interested in history: it is housed in a former workhouse dating from 1838 to 1840, designed by George Gilbert Scott and William Moffatt. This former workhouse is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of the workhouses built by the two architects.

North-west of Williton, the Battlegore burial mounds recall a late prehistoric presence from the Neolithic or Bronze Age near the settlement. Another historical aspect was provided by the former Bakelite Museum. It displayed historic plastics, including radios, telephones, egg cups, musical instruments and toys. The collection had been moved to Williton in 1994 and opened to the public there the following year; the collection displayed in Williton was placed in storage in 2018.

Trails, Workshops and Activities for Families

For a manageable walk, the circular route through Aller Farm, Capton and Sampford Brett is a good option. It is approximately 3 miles long, takes about 1½ hours and starts at St Peter's Church. Somerset Council also publishes a walking and cycling map for Watchet and Williton. This allows you to plan your days according to your preferred pace without making your stay exclusively about a single attraction.

Hayley's Williton CIC offers arts and crafts workshops in Williton. Williton Memorial Ground includes a children's play area. Families can therefore complement their stay with cultural experiences and creative activities. When choosing accommodation, consider whether your itinerary will focus more on the West Somerset Railway, historical sightseeing, walks or activities like these.

Discover More Places

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Williton, you can find more destinations here: Baltonsborough, Redlynch, Brompton Regis, Chilcompton, Burnham-On-Sea, Nether Stowey, Cucklington and Martock.

For the overarching travel overview: Somerset.