Travelling to South Somerset
With our close proximity to London and the Midlands, South Somerset is one of the most accessible and popular destinations in the South West for restful weekend getaways as well as active holidays.
If you are visiting us from another country, Bristol, Exeter and Bournemouth airports are only about an hour away and ferry ports in neighbouring Dorset also connect us with the European continent. We really are in a perfect spot to start your South West adventure.
Download your free South Somerset map below.
By Car
South Somerset has an excellent road network and is easily accessible from different parts of the country.
- Travelling from the Midlands and the North of England, use the M5 junction 24 (Bridgwater) or junction 25 (Taunton).
- From London and the South East use the M25, M3 and the famous A303.
- From Hampshire and Dorset use the A35 or the A37.
- From Devon and Cornwall use the A30 and A303.
The AA Route Planner and Google Maps can help you plan your journey with directions, timings and estimated mileage.
BBC Radio Somerset travel news gives up to date information about local travel on 95.5FM
AA Route Planner Google Maps BBC Somerset Radio
By Electric Car
There are 3 rapid electric vehicle chargers in the following South Somerset District Council car parks:
- Memorial Hall Car Park, Wincanton, BA9 9JJ
- Limington Road Car Park, Ilchester, BA22 8LX
- West Street, Ilminster, TA19 0DW
Tariff for use; 0.30p per kWh
Connector 1
Type: Rapid Charge Point
Power output: 50 kWh
Connector 2
Type: Rapid Charge Point
Power output: 50 kWh
Connector 3
Type: AC Charge Point
Power output: 22 kWh
In addition there are open access EV charging installations at Cocklemoor Car Park, Langport, TA10 9RA and Somerton Car Park TA11 7PS and for campers/visitors at Thorney Lakes Caravan and Camping, Thorney TA10 0DW
To view all EV charging facilities visit www.openchargemap.org
Attractions and other hospitality businesses continue to add charging points so it is worth checking directly when visiting on websites etc.
Public Transport Options
For details and help planning transport routes in South Somerset we recommend you visit TRAVELINE T: 0871 200 2233 or Travelsomerset
Omio is a travel platform that allows customers to find and book trains, buses and flights across Europe. Partnered with over 800 European transport operators, Omio lets travellers search for any location, including cities, towns and villages, showing the best possible transport combinations while eliminating the need to visit multiple websites to plan an entire trip to South Somerset from abroad or the UK.
Trainline, Europe’s leading train and coach app brings together routes, fares and journey times for more than 270 train and coach companies across 47 countries for easy ticket purchase. The handy ticket alert tool can also be used to notify you when cheaper advance tickets become available, so you can plan your train travel well in advance.
By Rail
South Somerset has a reliable network of excellent rail links across the country. South Western Railway operates direct trains from London Waterloo. There are also direct connections from London Paddington, Bath and Bristol with Great Western Railway.
For timetables visit National Rail T: 08457 48 49 50
By Coach
Berrys Coaches
Established in 1920, Berrys Coaches is a family-run business operating from the county town of Taunton. Operates a twice-daily London Superfast Service from Taunton to London Hammersmith with local stops at Ilminster, South Petherton, Yeovil, Ilchester and Wincanton. Berrys also offer day excursions and a short breaks programme. Reservations can also be made at our South Somerset Visitor Information Centre, T: 01935 829333.
National Express
Operates local and national coach services across the UK. Discount coach cards are available. For new bookings, timetabling and general enquiries call National Express Customer Contact Centre T: 0871 781 8181
Reservations can also be made at our South Somerset Visitor Information Centre. T: 01935 829333.
By Bus
Bus Services
The main bus companies in South Somerset are First Bus and South West Coaches.
Timetables are available to download from First Group and South West Coaches
Slinky Bus
Operates a demand-responsive bus service in the Chard and Ilminster and Martock & South Petherton area. Full details can be found here at:
By Air
Bristol (40 miles), Exeter (44 miles) and Bournemouth (50 miles) airports are all approximately 1hr from South Somerset. For full information on arrivals and departures, airport parking and transport to and from the airports visit:
By Ferry
The closest ferry port to South Somerset is Poole (approximately 1hr 15mins drive to Yeovil).
Other ferry ports with approximate driving times to Yeovil in South Somerset include:
- Plymouth: 2 hours
- Portsmouth: 2 hours
- Newhaven: 3 ¼ hours
- Folkestone (Eurotunnel): 3 ½ hours
- Dover: 3 ½ hours
- Harwich: 4 hours
Ferries arrive into Poole Port from the following destinations:
- Cherbourg (Normandy, France) - travel with Brittany Ferries on this approximate 4 ½ hour journey. Departures are daily, with a selection of daytime and overnight sailings available for a restful night’s sleep.
- Saint-Malo (Brittany, France) - travel with Condor Ferries (via the Channel Islands). Departures are daily and some sailings offer the chance to have a few hours in Jersey or Guernsey before your onward journey to Poole.
- Jersey and Guernsey (Channel Islands) - travel with Condor Ferries Departures are daily and are approx 3 hours from Guernsey and 4½ hours from Jersey.
National & Local Car Hire
Local Car & Van Hire - Please call our South Somerset Visitor Information Centre on 01935 829333 who will be happy to provide you with an up to date list of local providers.
Accessibility in South Somerset
To make things as easy as possible for our visitors, we have produced a separate Accessibility Guide. This is free to download and easy to print off too. A limited number are available in print from our South Somerset Visitor Information Centre at Cartgate Picnic Site or on request via email to: visit@southsomerset.gov.uk
Accessibility Guide South Somerset
