Trains to Somerset

London to Somerset by train

There are lots of ways to get from London to Somerset by train. The main stations in the county include Bath Spa, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater. All trains to Somerset from London are Great Western Railway (GWR) services departing from London Paddington. GWR runs services to areas in the west and south-west of the UK.

It takes just 1h 35m to get to Taunton, 1h 46m to reach Weston-super-Mare, and 2h 23m to Bridgwater on the fastest direct services. There are also plenty of direct services to Bath Spa, which usually take around 1h 30m. Trains run along the Bristol-Exeter line, the major railway branch running through Somerset. While there are plenty of direct services to Somerset (including all of the routes above), indirect journeys will usually require a change at Bath Spa.

The best places to visit in Somerset

Famous for its cider production, this gorgeous and largely rural county is full of popular destinations and hidden gems. You can travel by train from London to Somerset (bath) in around 1h and 30m, swapping the city for charming history and nature. Major stopping points include Bath, where you can visit the Roman Baths and see the Gothic Bath Abbey. This is one of the UK's most visited towns, drawing those who appreciate its amazingly well-preserved ancient history. Taunton is the county town and is the location of the 12th century Taunton Castle and Vivary Park, making it a superb destination for a family trip.

Go for walks at Ninesprings or visit Montacute House in Yeovil, which is also near Yeovilton, a naval air station that puts on shows in the summer. Also in Somerset, you can visit the home of the nation's favourite cheese in Cheddar. With the dramatic Cheddar Gorge and the haunting Gough's Cave, it features some of the most unique outdoor attractions in the UK. All of these wonderful locations are easily reached from London, often departing from Paddington. Other cities close to Somerset include Bristol, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Southampton and Oxford.

Anyway, here are our top five picks for visitors to Somerset.

Bath (Bath Spa Station)

This magnetic town is known for its historic architecture and great shopping opportunities. Check out the SouthGate shopping centre with its boutique arcade, as well as the small shops around the beautiful Pulteney Bridge.

Taunton

This quintessentially Somerset town is full of great sights but retains its characteristically relaxed atmosphere. The Museum of Somerset is located here, which will help you further appreciate this great county.

Glastonbury (Castle Cary Station)

Famous the world over for its legendary music festival in the summer, this town is well worth a visit throughout the year. Glastonbury Abbey remains one of the enduring icons of Somerset, with its own unique legends to discover when you visit it. Be sure to bring a good camera for the abbey and the striking countryside nearby.

Yeovil (Yeovil Junction or Yeovil Pen Hill Station)

Aviation enthusiasts flock to Yeovilton Naval Air Base when air shows are taking place, and you can also visit the amazing Fleet Air Arm Museum throughout the year. Nearby Ham Hill has both Roman and Iron Age archaeological sites as well as a nature reserve.

Frome

With Longleat Safari Park and the Rock Lane Chapel, an art centre housed in a stately home, Frome is a great destination for travellers of all ages. The town is also surrounded by a wonderful landscape including the splendid Shearwater Lake.

 

Getting to Somerset from the rest of the UK

The popular holiday destination of Somerset is very easy to get to by train, but you’ll be amazed at how removed it feels from its urban neighbours. London to Bath trains don't require a change, often stopping at Reading, Didcot Parkway, Swindon and Chippenham on the way. This service is provided by Great Western Railway. The train is very regular, usually departing every 30 minutes to get you to Somerset in no time.

You can travel from Oxford to Yeovil Junction in 3h and 30m, usually changing at Basingstoke for CrossCountry services. The main stopping points include Reading, Salisbury and Gillingham. From Bristol Temple Meads to Taunton, it's a mere 30-minute journey on certain services.

 

Somerset Train Stations

Check out the key stopping points around Somerset. Head to the better-known towns for historic interest, or escape to the country with a stay in charming and serene villages that are among some of England's most quaint and historic locations.

• Bath Spa
• Bridgwater
• Bruton
• Castle Cary
• Crewkerne
• Frome
• Highbridge and Burnham
• Keynsham
• Nailsea and Backwell
• Oldfield Park
• Taunton
• Templecombe
• Weston Milton
• Weston-super-Mare
• Worle
• Yatton
• Yeovil Junction
• Yeovil Pen Mill

 

Frequently asked questions

How can I get cheap train tickets to Somerset?

It's easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Somerset. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. 

Are trains running to Somerset?

Trains run frequently almost every day to Somerset, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Somerset.

How long does it take to get to Somerset by train?

You can view train timetables and travel times to Somerset in our Journey Planner. Somerset is well connected to major cities around the UK by train, just enter your departure station and travel date into our Journey Planner to see how long it takes.

Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Somerset?

Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Somerset, these include:

• Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
• 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
• 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
• 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
• Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
• Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
• Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)

Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.