Based in the West Country, The Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership is a DfT accredited regional partnership made up of local people, station groups, statutory and voluntary organisations and businesses. All working with the same aim and goals to stimulate the region and the railway. The rail partnership covers the 53km route and stations of Tisbury Wiltshire, Gillingham Dorset, Templecombe Somerset, Sherborne Dorset, Yeovil Junction and Crewkerne in Somerset and is part of South Western Railway’s West of England Line between London Waterloo and Exeter St. David.
Accreditation means the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership (BVCRP) is considered to be an ‘excellent trusted partnership,’ recognised by the DfT as having high standards of governance and financial propriety, with objectives and activities supported by the Government. BVCRP is one of the only partnerships on the South Western Railway network to have achieved this coveted status. (It’s like Ofsted for schools!)
Having a mainline railway service and station is a significant endowment for any area. Having an official rail partnership offers opportunity to bring with it significant investment into the region, The key focus of the Blackmore Vale Line Community Rail Partnership is promoting the area to prospective rail passengers stimulating tourism and the local economy. And working to increase community involvement in its award-winning stations and encourages residents and visitors to use the stations for a wide range of journeys.
‘Go Green By Train’ is the campaign to highlight the train as a greener travel option, and BVCRP has taken up the baton to endorse this message. Encouraging sustainable onward connectivity by promoting local bus services, and electric car, scooter and bike hire.
Relax and enjoy the scenic route between Tisbury and Crewkerne as the train travels across the three counties of Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, taking in the most picturesque countryside and connecting with the many walks including the Liberty Trail, White Hart Way, and National Cycle Routes along the way. On approaching Crewkerne the route borders the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), before entering the lush green valleys and hills of the Blackmore Vale. Leaving the Blackmore Vale after Gillingham to run along the Vale of Wardour and the stunning countryside of the Nadder Valley. Before arriving at Tisbury, the only ‘dark sky friendly’ railway station in the UK and gateway to Cranborne Chase AONB and International Dark Sky Reservation.
Tisbury offers the delights of the many independent family-run shops and locally sourced produce. Gillingham is north Dorset’s only station and gateway to the Blackmore Vale. Templecombe is a national award-winning small station. Step back in time at the annual medieval Pageant. Visit Sherborne and enjoy castles, cream teas, and a wide range of specialist shops. Alight at Yeovil Junction and become an engine driver for the day at Yeovil Railway Centre or take a bus service into Yeovil Town. Check your timetable for connecting train services to Yeovil Pen Mill for Weymouth and Bath, Bristol and beyond. Crewkerne station is the gateway to one of South Somerset’s most charming market towns characterised by many fine examples of renowned Georgian architecture.