![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-985000866-2da5.jpg\")
\n\t\tCampaigners want pretty Bradford on Avon reconnected to the capital (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tCampaigners want pretty Bradford on Avon reconnected to the capital (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Five years ago, the last direct train ran from Bristol<\/a> Temple Meads through to London<\/a> Waterloo, meaning towns including Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon lost their direct links to the capital.<\/p>\n Now, a campaign group is pushing for routes to these scenic Wiltshire<\/a> locations to be reinstated \u2013 and it looks like the rail bosses are listening.\u00a0<\/p>\n Following a passionate petition from the West Wiltshire Rail User Group, plus backing from council members and local MPs, South Western Railway (SWR) has launched a consultation asking passengers what they would like to see changed about current services.<\/p>\n The consultation will help to inform the 2027 SWR timetable.<\/p>\n What do campaigners want?<\/p>\n \t\t Transport campaigner Graham Ellis explained that reconnecting two existing services would benefit locations including Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, plus other smaller stations such as Keynsham and Melksham.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n \u2018There is a train which runs from Bristol to Salisbury and we\u2019re simply saying connect that up with the train from Salisbury to London,\u2019 he told the BBC.<\/p>\n Wiltshire Council\u2019s cabinet member for highways, Martin Smith, said he \u2018would strongly welcome\u2019 the introduction of a direct service to London.<\/p>\n South West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison seconded the call, telling the Wiltshire Times: \u2018Trowbridge needs to attract high quality employers and compete with areas that this government is more interested in.\u2019<\/p>\n Why visit Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon?<\/p>\n The direct line wouldn\u2019t just open up opportunities for locals; it might tempt in daytrippers from the capital too.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Trowbridge is a quiet but quaint town, with more listed buildings than almost any other town in Wiltshire.<\/p>\n The Shires Shopping Centre prioritises small businesses over big chains and there\u2019s a number of independent coffee shops and cafes on the high street<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bradford-on-Avon is perhaps the bigger draw, with tourists on social media calling it \u2018beautiful\u2019, \u2018idyllic\u2019 and \u2018gorgeous\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n @uktravel<\/a> <\/p>\n Just 2 hours from London by train, this town feels like such a hidden gem \u2728 Wander through the charming streets, walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal, and take in those beautiful honey-coloured buildings. It\u2019s the perfect place for a slow, scenic day. Stop by The Bridge Tea Rooms for a classic afternoon tea, and if you\u2019re there on a Sunday, don\u2019t miss the roast at the Canal Tavern, it\u2019s honestly so good \ud83e\udd0d \ud83d\udccdBradford-on-Avon #uktravel<\/a> #uktravelblogger<\/a> #bradfordonavon<\/a> <\/p>\n \u266c Dreamchaser \u2013 Josh Kramer<\/a> <\/p>\n The honey-coloured Cotswold stone architecture, plus winding River Avon, makes the market town reminiscent of nearby Bath (just an 11-minute train away), albeit on a smaller scale. The Catholic Church\u00a0alone looks ready for a postcard. <\/p>\n Again, you\u2019re spoilt for choice with independent eateries. A visit to the Bridge Tea Rooms is an absolute must for Instagram-worthy pictures.\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s also plenty to see for history buffs, from the medieval Tithe Barn to the dedicated Bradford on Avon Museum.\u00a0<\/p>\n We won\u2019t know for certain if the rail routes will be reconnected until later this year, but a SWR spokesperson said every suggestion \u2018will be carefully reviewed as we balance enhancing connectivity and meeting demand\u2019.<\/p>\n \u2018Responses will be provided through the formal consultation process at the appropriate time,\u2019 they added.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2239911392-ea97.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe town of Trowbridge would benefit (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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