A reopened railway station and a trial bus service could give people travelling from Yeovil another way to reach destinations across Somerset. Castle Cary railway station officially reopened on Monday 17 August after a six-month, £835,000 restoration, while the new 567 bus service is due to run until February 2027.
The bus does not change rail services in Yeovil, but it could provide an onward connection for travellers using Castle Cary. The route links the station with Glastonbury and Street, potentially widening the public transport options available to Yeovil residents.
What has changed at Castle Cary station?
The station’s original entrance is back in use and now includes an accessible ramp. The ticket office has been relocated to improve the movement of passengers through the building.
Inside, the waiting room has been refurbished. Historic features uncovered during the work were retained, while period-appropriate timber furniture was added to reflect the station’s early 20th-century character.
Passengers also have more seating on the main platform, a digital departure board and upgraded toilet facilities. The improvements include a larger accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities.
The restoration was paid for through £560,000 from the Department for Transport and £275,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust. Great Western Railway, the Department for Transport, the Railway Heritage Trust and Oxford Architects supported delivery of the project.
How the 567 bus trial could affect Yeovil journeys
The 567 service is being introduced on a six-month trial running until February 2027. It connects Castle Cary station with Glastonbury and Street, creating another possible route for people travelling from Yeovil and elsewhere in Somerset.
Travellers will need to check train and bus information before setting out, especially when their journey depends on making a connection. The trial’s success is expected to depend partly on whether bus departures line up with train arrivals and departures, as well as on passenger numbers.
The full timetable is available through Somerset Bus Partnership. The practicality of the route will vary from journey to journey, depending on the connections available.
Possible future station improvements
Further changes are being considered at Castle Cary. These include a possible third car park to meet rising passenger numbers and additional step-free access through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.
The station handles more than 370,000 passengers each year and is described as the main rail hub for large parts of eastern Somerset. Great Western Railway operates Bristol-to-Weymouth trains from Castle Cary, along with faster services between Exeter and London Paddington via Taunton.
For Yeovil travellers, the reopened facilities and the 567 trial offer a possible alternative for onward journeys across Somerset. However, the service will not directly alter Yeovil’s rail connections, so passengers should confirm the latest train and bus arrangements before travelling.