Things To Do Around Shepton Mallet

The Royal Bath & West Showground

Just three miles outside Shepton Mallet is The Royal Bath and West Showground. It is the centre for a wide range of events throughout the year including agricultural, bike, gardening and flower shows and horse trials. The showground has a good range of facilities including restaurants and conference facilities.

The most popular event is the huge annual Bath and West Show. It runs for four days over late May and early June. It's a great family day out with competitions exhibiting the best of British livestock and stalls with local produce including food, flowers, and crafts. There are also horse competitions and arena displays. Check the links right for more information.

If you fancy something with a bit more street, try Westfest, a huge indoor dance music event with arenas showcasing the very best DJ's, MC's and live acts from all over the country. It has been held annually at The Royal Bath and West. Check out the Slammin Vinyl link right for information on Westfest.

Accommodation can get quite scarce when the big events are on so book well in advance. Down the road at Pilton is where the world famous Glastonbury Festival is held. For more information check our Glastonbury pages, link right.

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East Somerset Model Railway

The East Somerset Railway is based in Cranmore in Somerset, just three miles east of Shepton Mallet. It was opened as a broad-gauge line in 1855 with a line running from Witham to Shepton Mallet in 1858. It was sold to Great Western Railway in 1874 until passenger services were withdrawn in 1963. Then in 1967 the artist, David Shepherd, better known for his realistic animal paintings bought two steam engines and based them at Cranmore which led to the station and track being restored. It finally opened as East Somerset Railway in 1974.

Today the line runs between Cranmore and Mendip Vale. There is a programme of events throughout the year including special events at Easter, Thomas the Tank Engine days and Santa Specials. You can book a "Wine and Dine" trip on the train with special offers on Mother's Day and Christmas. Murder Mystery evenings are also held regularly. If you want a more hands-on experience you can try the "Driver-for-a-Fiver" event. You get to drive an engine up and down the sidings. The East Somerset Railway enthusiasts also run Footplate Courses for a more in depth driving experience.

Check out the East Somerset Steam Railway website, link right, for up-to-date timetables and events.

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