Pretty English ‘food’ town reveals plans for new train station which would be its first in 60 years
A SMALL town in Somerset could soon get a new train station, if plans are approved by the UK government.
Wellington Station was slated to open in early 2026; however, the project was paused back in July after funding was halted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
This came after the Labour government announced it was scrapping the Restoring Your Railways scheme earlier this year.
Since then, Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, has called on the UK government to reopen Wellington and Cullompton train stations.
In a debate in the House of Commons, he said: “On that ground alone, the project should qualify for funding and it would bring £3.3 million of benefit to the local economy, after all, growth is vital to the whole country and reopening Wellington station would unlock thousands of homes.”
It is thought Wellington train station will open – although the Department for Transport hasn’t committed to the project.
Amos added: “We have lost £2 billion worth of transport projects over the past few months with the A303 and A358 schemes being cancelled, surely it is time we received the funding for the new stations project at Wellington and Cullompton.”
An update on the rail project is expected in the spring.
If Wellington train station does open in 2026, it will be the first time a train would have called in the town for 60 years.
Set in a wide valley between the Brendon and Blackdown Hills, Wellington has been dubbed a “food town” in recent years because it hosts various food and drink events and festivals.
It’s also a popular spot for shopping with a range of independent shops in the town.
The Somerset town is also known for its ties to the Duke of Wellington who was the Victor of the Battle of Waterloo, with the former giving the latter its name.
Wellington Monument, the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world, was built in the early 19th century to commemorate the Duke’s victory.
The town is also home to the Wellesley – a unique 1930s cinema – and Wellington Park, which was recently restored.
And Wellington isn’t the only place in the UK that could soon benefit from a new train station.
Old Oak Common is set to open in the Uk by 2029 and will become the “most connected in the country”.
The West London station will be a new HS2 station.
It was predicted to cost £1.67billion back in 2019, although is now expected to hit £2billion.
Inside will be 14 platforms – six below ground for HS2 trains, and eight above for other train lines such as Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line.
High speed trains will hit 220mph, connecting London to Birmingham via 400metre platforms that fit two trains.
However, the first stage of opening is expected to welcome the Elizabeth line first.
Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world
Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.
Davos to Geneva, Switzerland
“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey
London to Paris by Eurostar
“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail
“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton
Beijing to Ulaanbatar
“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray
London Liverpool Street Station has revealed plans for new “landmark entrances” as well as more lounges, ticket barriers, escalators, cafes and restaurants.
And a Leicester Train Station is currently undergoing a £17million revamp.