Yeovil passengers have a new public transport option for journeys across Somerset after Castle Cary railway station reopened following a six-month, £835,000 restoration. A trial of the 567 bus service is also offering possible onward connections from the station to Glastonbury and Street.
The changes may benefit residents who use Castle Cary as part of a longer journey, but they do not alter Yeovil’s own rail services. Travellers will need to check the train and bus timetables before setting off, particularly where a journey involves changing between the two modes of transport.
What has changed at Castle Cary station?
The station officially reopened on Monday 17 August after the restoration work. Its original entrance is now back in use with an accessible ramp, while the ticket office has been relocated to improve the movement of passengers through the building.
The waiting room has also been refurbished. Historic features found during the work were retained, and period-appropriate timber furniture was installed to reflect the station’s early 20th-century character.
Passengers now 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 project was funded by £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 the work.
How the 567 service could help Yeovil journeys
The 567 bus is due to operate for six months, until February 2027. It links Castle Cary station with Glastonbury and Street, giving Yeovil residents and other Somerset travellers another public transport choice when a suitable rail connection is available from Castle Cary.
Whether the service is useful for a particular journey will depend on how bus departures line up with train arrivals and departures, as well as on passenger numbers during the trial. The practical options will therefore vary depending on the connection being made.
The full timetable is available through Somerset Bus Partnership. Passengers should confirm the latest train and bus arrangements before travelling, as timetables and connections may affect the overall journey.
Possible future improvements
Further changes are being considered at Castle Cary, including a possible third car park to respond to rising passenger numbers. Additional step-free access is also being considered 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, as well as faster Exeter-to-London Paddington services via Taunton.
For Yeovil travellers, the reopened station facilities and the 567 trial create a possible route for onward journeys across Somerset. The bus does not directly change Yeovil’s rail connections, so passengers should check the latest arrangements for both parts of their trip before leaving home.