IT may still be August, but the West Somerset Railway (WSR) has already started to sell tickets for its popular Christmas steam trains and activities.

The country's longest heritage line has begun advertising its festive offering which this year for the first time includes an adults only ‘Bad Santa’ train.

The Quantock Belle will steam out of Bishops Lydeard Station at 7 pm on Friday, December 13, for an evening of merriment described as ‘not for the faint-hearted’.

A WSR spokesperson said: “Our ‘Bad Santa’, brimming with inappropriate jokes and stories, will accompany you on a steam train journey from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back.

“Expect an evening filled with delicious food and hearty laughs.

“Purchasing a ticket means you are ready for a night of risqué language, innuendos, and mischievous behaviour.

“This event is an excellent choice for a Christmas party, and is strictly for adults only.”

‘Bad Santa’ tickets cost £85 and can be booked here. 

Another new Christmas addition this year is a ‘Panto Train’, which this time is suitable for all the family.

Pantomime characters will join passengers for a ‘vibrant trip’ from Bishops Lydeard to Williton on 20 different services starting on December 14 and running through to New Year’s Day.

There will be morning, afternoon, and evening running times with tickets costing £25 and children under two years free.

The adventure for passengers will begin in a marquee at Bishops Lydeard Station with a short presentation of the characters before embarking on the train.

The WSR spokesperson said: “Immerse yourself in a panto experience with flair, complete with abundant audience interaction.

“Witness the narrative come to life while seated in the cosy confines of the train.

“Your return journey will see sing-along with the panto characters and more fun and laughter.”

Reservations are required for the ‘Panto Trains’ and can be made here.

The WSR’s regular festive favourites will also feature in the Christmas programme with the return of the ‘Santa Express’, ‘Festive Quantock Belle’ and the ‘Carol Train’.

The ‘Santa Express’ return service from Bishops Lydeard to Williton offers a ‘magical ride’ in festively adorned heritage carriages ‘brimming with Christmas joy and anticipation’.

Santa himself will ensure delivery of his Christmas presents and refreshments by joining the trips, which operate at 10.30 am and 1.30 pm between December 1 and Christmas Eve.

Tickets at £27.50 can be booked here.

The ‘Festive Quantock Belle’ will run on December 1, 8, 14, and 21, serving a choice of turkey or vegetarian dinner with Christmas pudding or crumble.

The Quantock Belle is also offering a festive afternoon tea on December 15 and 22.

The ‘Carol Train’ on December 14 and 21 allows passengers to disembark at each stop to join with a brass band to sing Christmas carols.

The WSR also has a two-day Christmas market on its Minehead Station on November 30 and December 1 with a special steam service collecting passengers from Bishops Lydeard at 10.50 am, returning at 3 pm.