Bruton - Least Used Station in Somerset

Summer is here! So it's time to get out round some least used stations again .. Where are we up to? Deep out in the west country of Somerset is where - a county with only 19 stations in total, and the least used one is Bruton.
Joining me is the extremely knowledgeable Mark, a man who loves quizzes, and quiz shows ...
The ORR Station Statistics are here: dataportal.orr...

[@peel_acres]

Thanks Geoff. It was great fun and an absolute pleasure. Pleased to see my now comically bad Kevin Smith knowledge get an airing. Hopefully I'll get my first choice subject next time I'm on. Wales' finest The Manic Street Preachers!

[@iankemp1131]

Bruton is relatively well used, because there are so few stations in Somerset! I actually used it 40 years ago to visit the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore, and had my closest brush with death. I cycled there from Frome (train was a 31 with 4 Mk 1 coaches and a proper guard's section) and back to Bruton, and was caught in a heavy storm descending the Mendips, so didn't hang about. Suddenly found I was approaching a Give Way sign, put my brakes on - and they didn't work due to the wet! I shot clean across the A359 - and mercifully nothing was coming either way at that moment.

[@davekirwin]

That 'fake' signal box is quite well done - the GWF was a nice touch too.

[@grassytramtracks]

Great Western Failway?

[@BuzzinsPetRock78]

Well done to the garage owner, that's the only way a garage should look if build next to tracks :) And a nice video as usual, thank you.

[@grahammckay-smith4187]

The station used to be much more used when the very posh public school boys travelled by train rather than daddy's Bentley

[@samanthasquire5411]

Graham McKay-Smith omg yes 😂😂

[@anonmedia1883]

Still use the train when the Bentleys in the shop 🙃

[@passthebutterrobot2600]

As least used stations go, Bruton looks very well kept

[@DSHTrains]

There is not an entirely large amount of stations in Somerset, hence why the least used has a large passenger number.

[@cesariojpn]

0:33 Ahhhh, that theme music......

[@no_one_of_that_name_here]

cesariojpn A sign of good things to come

[@rail_roadgaming677]

I like this music

[@maxedoughty]

I was wondering when you were going to make this video! I'm from Bruton, and Gordon lives across the road from me! He has a mini train track that goes around his garden that you can ride on - it's so much fun! 😄

[@danielbrydon3869]

There is literally nothing in Bruton lol

[@Razaak666]

Ever been to Shindig Festival?

[@maplady572]

I need to make friends with Gordon!

[@michaelprince5458]

My nan lived in bruton till her death in 1992 ...June Conway and she lived down amors Barton in a big cottage...loved bruton as a kid

[@tantive4]

I’m loving the Pacer t-shirt

[@DanLoudShirts]

available in the RAIL section at www.dztz.co.uk!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Bruton looks like a lovely tradtional railway station! We need more stations like Bruton! By the way if you ever visit Bekonscot Model Village one of their locomotives is called Bruton!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Another enjoyable video Geoff! 😊

[@isaac_mp4]

DoubleDeckerAnton I never thought I'd see DDAnton comment on a Geoff Marshall video. I love this "collab" between my favourite travel KZbinrs

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Geoff Marshall ...hi Geoff...yes I think about 500 people subscribed to me over the 24 hrs when they put me on 'creator on the rise' in June! But the channel has been going a bit mad really as old videos posting last year suddenly started to get 'crazy views'. By the way, im enjoying your channel and 'the Londonist' too!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Joseph Hardman ...hi Joseph...I've been watching over 100 KZbin channels over this past 2 years...ranging from small channels to very large channels! I like Geoffs style of filming...Also I watch 'Julian Mcdonnells' films too which film a lot of London that we don't get to see!

[@isaac_mp4]

DoubleDeckerAnton argh he noticed me *hides* 😂

[@IainG81]

This was lovely, I hadn't seen this one before. The West County has many great places to go.

[@2112jonr]

Interesting to see that HST stop sign. I've been on a couple of IC 125s from PAD to BRI on a Saturday that have been redirected through Bruton and Castle Cary via Bradford on Avon due to engineering works around Chippenham/Swindon. But from memory it's never stopped at Bruton. BTW, the route from Bradford on Avon via Avoncliff and Freshford to Bath is absolutely gorgeous. My vote for the best stretch of train line in Britain (sadly no castles though :) )

[@realales1097]

I'm afraid that if you went via bradford on avon you didnt pass bruton

[@grassytramtracks]

There's one train very early in the morning from Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington via Bradford on Avon and Westbury, but no return train, but that doesn't go through Bruton. The reason why there's a HST stop there is because for a few years, there was a HST on summer Saturdays from Bristol to Weymouth, which does go through Bruton, and I guess that perhaps because it's on the main route to get from London to Devon and Cornwall, (even though those trains don't stop there) they have the sign also so that if a train needs to make an unscheduled stop, so they can do it in the right place

[@stevies.1975]

I would so love to see how you plan these videos, as quite clearly a lot of effort goes into planning ahead..... And it sure as hell works. Well done! Oh! And more importantly, thanks for this Bruton vid. One of my favourite stations in Somerset. Castle Cary being another one.

[@vinniesuperstar8923]

I love how Gloucester AND Pilning get a mention!

[@ellipses73]

Nice. I like to walk between stations, and the the walk between Bruton and Castle Cary is a particularly nice one. I wouldn't have fancied it in the heat of the day you were there!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Keep on filming these - for us vicarious web travelers!

[@naturallyherb]

I've passed through Bruton while on a South Western train between Basingstoke and Yeovil Pen Mill! Also, nearby Frome has an abandoned platform where a set of tracks were ripped out.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Is it me or does Britain have better train stations in general than the US? I really like these stations that you visit. Well decorated, well designed, and quaint! Definitely better than the worst station ever, NYC's Penn Station. The only good thing about it is it's home to the only Krispy Kreme donut shop in the Empire State! And the thing is, NYC's Penn Station used to be so beautiful and magnificent. That is, until it was demolished in the 60s to make way for Madison Square Garden.

[@esd9782]

Britons stations are thecoldest and like brittish things are made properly

[@esd9782]

Most of our station and have Krispy Kreme donuts

[@TheSniper9752]

Avery Lopez-Baines, Train services in general suck in America. Thanks to BNSF and other Freight companies owning the majority of railways.

[@MrEmmeCinque]

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@pixoontube2912]

You need to watch Wendover Productions video "Why trains suck in America". This video explains quite a lot. And yes, Europe has better rail networks than the US.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

HSTs stopped there last summer. There was a Saturday Bristol - Weymouth and return service on summer Saturdays that stopped at Bruton.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

I don't know, but last year (2017) was the last of the summer HSTs to Weymouth, for what it's worth.

[@michaelocyoung]

Still a thing but it's a daily thing (0903 off PAD) and it goes Reading- Castle Cary - Taunton etc.

[@michaelocyoung]

As for 802s -- will have to see if they fit on the Newquay branch.

[@southwesttrainspotting7636]

Newquay still a thing, every weekend from May until September (daily from July). Not sure if it will be next year, depends on if the 802s will fit through Luxulyan Tunnel on the line haha. Pembroke Dock is also still a thing and the 800s aren't cleared down that way.

[@limeyfox]

Newquay and Pembroke will both receive 800 / 802s from next year.

[@harveydee9115]

Amazing video! Absolutely loved it! The reason the trains to and from London were really busy was probably because they were on divert so there wasn't may trains down to penzance and most of them were running via bristol so you got one of the few through westbury so that is why it was very busy. I also couldn't find any HST services that stop there but the SWR service gives Bruton a direct service to London. Hope this helps..

[@johnholt890]

I have been privilege to have a tour around the Garage including Gordon’s office in the signal box. He is a brilliant chap with a great collection of historic vehicles and several WW2 ones including a huge piece of towed artillery.

[@zeddessell]

This station was listed for closure in the Beeching report. It never closed, though.

[@safetyfirst5917]

Maybe he went there and thought it was nice

[@grassytramtracks]

​@@safetyfirst5917if he did that, probably less lines would have shut

[@shadowstransport8412]

I remember going to this quaint town and a very nice station driver are very friendly

[@RogerRoving]

Next time you’re in Bruton go to Sexey’s Hospital in Bruton - freely open every day. A set of almshouses like a miniature Oxford College with hall and candle-lit chapel. There are may other interesting features of this little town.

[@kattieadevereux-ward1684]

Hi, I’m from Somerset so this is really cool!! I only use the trains to get to London, Bristol, Cardiff or the beach 😂

[@samward2382]

I live in somerset! In Taunton, by the mainline junction to the West Somerset Railway. Geoff, you should come and spend a day on the steam trains and do a video while you’re at it!

[@wbbf]

i loved them when i was younger. definitely a good idea!!!

[@johnbouttell5827]

BRUT was launched in 1964. In 1973 BRUT 33 was launched as everyday cologne. BRUT products range from aftershave, eau de toilette, deodorant, antiperspirant and shower gel.

[@safetyfirst5917]

All from one bottle? Impressive chemistry

[@freddiegoldstone3379]

Did anyone else notice it says Burton in the text when the music is playing

[@freddiegoldstone3379]

ah yes you got me there geoff didn't see that

[@safetyfirst5917]

*credentials not crudentials. Sorry jefe

[@alexdavis5766]

I know Kevin Smith and have been to the stash in Red Bank NJ a few times. He’s a lovely man!

[@moretimeneeded56]

Smashing video thanks for posting

[@ianinvancouverbc]

I just worked on an episode of Supergirl with Kevin Smith directing - he brought us cookies...

[@davidlathrop9360]

That ending shot. Loved it.

[@Pridestein2009]

Someone from Somerset here, watching on 3 August!

[@willwallace4979]

When ever i see bruton I think of myself

[@ryandarbyshire5046]

12:14 my favourite scene from Young Ones.

[@Paul020253]

In the 60s, the jazz-rock-blues fusion band Pentangle had a track on their first album (called The Pentangle) which was a version of the folk song "Bruton Town"

[@nwae8812]

Great video. Brings back memories for ex pats down under.

[@davinacaine3615]

After seeing you tube temperature video I took my thermometer with me while travelling last week. It was 32.3 when waiting for my return train at Paddington Station last Thursday

[@gabbyelliott-stokes9591]

Hope you enjoyed down here in Somerset. Always pass Bruton on the train when going from Yeovil pen mill to Bristol temple meads or Bath Spa.

[@LisaMarli]

Love these Least Used Stations. A man built a signal box to be his office. That's a true geek. Shame he wouldn't be filmed.

[@StavTech]

Bruton's got two (at least, I forget now) big boarding schools with people from all over the place, which probably is most the passengers for the station.

[@maxedoughty]

It's got two private and one state boarding schools. :) Yes, if it's exeat or the end of term, you'll see a lot of boarders waiting on the platforms!

[@williamandrews8627]

Bruton got Three boarding schools and one primary school.

[@DavidLandonCole]

King's School (where I went); Sexey's School; and Sunny Hill

[@paulsengupta971]

A boarding state school? I didn't know they even existed.

[@DavidLandonCole]

Paul Sengupta there aren't many, but they do exist. I think they're quite popular with military families.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Can’t wait to see you visit Nethertown again! That’s the least used station in Cumbria. You could always combine it with a visit to the Ratty Railway (Ravenglass & Eskdale). Plenty of places to stay over. Bower House Inn is good near Irton Road.

[@Welwyn22]

Will be travelling this way on Saturday to visit the East Somerset Railway. Just a pity they don't use the physical connection from Bruton for visitors, especially now there's no bus service on weekends. As such I have no choice but to go to Frome station and take a taxi.

[@chrismccartney8668]

Great video love the fake signal box and telephone box

[@universaltrainsstudio8534]

My first video I watched of you is when the last old Victoria train went through the Victoria line to seven sisters! 🤣

[@luxford60]

My cousin lives in Bruton. Before moving there his nearest station was Seven Sisters.

[@liamtrainspotter]

Hsts used to stop on the Weymouth wizard on summer Saturdays but now the Weymouth wizard is a class 166

[@k1an24]

That 166 departing was like a race car lol!

[@gilhams]

Thornford Bridge Halt and Chetnole a bit further down the line (in Dorset) are generally quieter than Bruton - they're request only stops.

[@limeyfox]

There used to be an HST at Bruton on Summer Saturdays, on the Weymouth-Bristol ‘Weymouth Wizard’ holiday service :-)

[@swtrains1499]

I do like Bruton, I live not very far away from here and although I have never stopped here the views look amazing I might have to go

[@LiftFan]

I like in Frome so I've spent far too much time waiting at Westbury when connecting from a train I have to often wait there for at least an hour...

[@jordanzc6510]

Since your comment, no better connections for Frome have been made :( Always a long wait at Westbury and it's hardly a station designed for long waits..

[@phwbooth]

Thanks, Geoff.

[@AllThingsTransport.]

Ages ago and still used rarely now but hsts used to stop at Bruton when they were very busy and the IETs ate allowed to stop but only when castle Cary busy

[@asd36f]

2:12 - I couldn't help myself answering those geography questions LOL

[@PiousMoltar]

Nice Team America reference

[@jaggass]

I thought Gainsborough Central would have been the most least used train station. It only gets a few services every saturday.

[@memofromessex]

I couldn't help but think of the folk song In Bruton Town

[@michaelocyoung]

DETECTIVE HAT ON 0:34 - you're in a 4-seat 1st Class table adjacent to a buffet 0:53 - you're in a 2-seat 1st Class table in a composite carriage I'm guessing a composite carriage subbed for a STD class hence the declassification, and also hence the reluctance of people with STD tickets to sit in it?

[@peel_acres]

Damn it, we've been rumbled, Geoff.

[@matthewalbery8827]

Isn't composite when there is a compartment for staff, or parcels, rather than multi-standard?

[@michaelocyoung]

Not on Mk3 stock - that's a TGS (trailer guard standard/second - as in Carriage A on HSTs, the bit with a guard office and bike space). Mk2 stock had a Brake Standard Open which had luggage area, guards van and a hand brake reflecting their use mainly as loco-hauled. On our internal system any carriage which has mixed class accommodation, including those on the 166s etc, shows up as COM.

[@norbitonflyer5625]

Composite means more than one class - a compartment for staff makes a carriage a brake. (e.g Brake First, Brake Standard, Brake composite)

[@philipwright5350]

Geoff. You do a lot of traveling on trains. I loved trains when I lived in England. Sadly there are not many here in the U.S. My local station was Wantage Road that was chopped by Dr Beeching in 1964. Do you ever get bored with them?

[@godfreytables3141]

Regarding the dummy in the phone box - it seems to be a local thing... At Avoncliff station there are at least two properties nearby that have mannequins looking out of the window. They've been there for years and I've always wondered what it's about.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Statistically it might be "least used", but it's actually quite busy. Somersetshire CC needs to pull its socks up and reinstate a proper rural railway with a station in the middle of a field next to an unclassified road.

[@couldbeblue]

I like how the title says Bruton but then in the opening it is burton

[@neilpavett3413]

I've driven though Bruton on quite a few occasions and I've hardly ever seen another human. Not surprising that the station is so quiet.

[@stuartmilerosborne]

Hi Geoff did you know that John Steinbeck has links to Bruton as he hung out in the area in the 1950s when researching a book. Not a lot of people know that as Michael Caine would say. I visited in a about 2012 as I rather like JS ....Thank you for solving one mystery for me as my assistant Agnes went off to get some chips and never came back . I can see that she is still trying to phone me as she gets lost easily ....cannot say I fancy the chips after nine years 😁😁😁😁

[@JamieKnight23]

"Oooh, nice clock" 😂

[@LemoncloudGT]

There currently is a to programs about Paddington station on channel 5 on a Monday at 9pm I love watchin it

[@Gorantaylis]

A scenic county like Somerset needs more than just 19 stations - time to reopen some lines methinks...

[@safetyfirst5917]

The shark lord aka opposite Beeching

[@michaeleddy2415]

What a coincidence I head to Somerset on the same day of this video being uploaded

[@ollykehoe5054]

I believe a small number of HSTs stop at Bruton on more local services. This also happens at Devonport with both full length and half length HSTs.

[@grassytramtracks]

For a few summers they did run the Weymouth Wizard, a once a day HST service to Weymouth on Saturdays only

[@grassytramtracks]

For the 2021/22 period, the least used station changed from Bruton to Freshford

[@bethburnett3883]

Oooh went through this one on my way home yesterday and quite a few people used it

[@jamielnash5049]

4:40 that's the same time I breathe underwater for

[@callumltfc]

& Cheers For Showing The Class 66 😍😍

[@pauloneufneufneuf]

I wonder what the station is with the biggest passenger differential between the quietest day of the year and the busiest. My guess is it's in Somerset, not too far from Bruton, and I'd estimate it's busiest day in most years has around 10-20 thousand. :)

[@jordanzc6510]

Wonder if the festival has anything to do with that, eh? ;)

[@petereaton3602]

You should have seen bruton station in the fifties and sixties it had ponds gardens beautiful gardens beautiful buildings waiting rooms it's all gone

[@Rog5446]

When I hear Bruton, I think of the folk song Bruton Town, where two brothers slain their sister's lover.

[@breachtones]

Yessssss finally the county where I'm from

[@pollinseclectic8254]

There's a mistake at the beginning of the video. Mark says name of the station - Bruton. On the screen the name Burton appears

[@RichardWatt]

If I was Geoff's guest, I'd want to do a Chuckle Brothers tribute for the numbers to appear on screen.

[@jeffwiseman2820]

One of these days, you will have to go to India and comment on the train service there, and take lots of shots out of the open doors, which seem to be permanently left open even when they're traveling at 160 km an hour

[@villageorganist]

Love the Pacer shirt!

[@villageorganist]

Geoff Marshall :Duly ordered!

[@yolandamartin3978]

That bench is at Hammersmith

[@justandy333]

Twas a sad day when the Hsts were withdrawn. As a kid (and as a adult) that was half the fun of a train journey, being able to stick you head out the window like a spaniel with you hair flapping in the breeze, very exhilerating. In my younger days when I knew we'd be riding on one I'd nick mums mirror so i could check the coast was clear before sticking my head out. I wasn't totally stupid. ;)

[@SpoonyMcSpoonface]

The signal box was off the country end of the down platform.

[@jpbdude4223]

Now I really want his 15 to 1 episode to be found by me

[@slaycattrains]

I went to Bruton on a school trip

[@connorgeorge6294]

For once this is a Least Used Station that I have been to before Geoff, this has only happened once before with Dilton Marsh, Wiltshire

[@neilpavett3413]

I have driven through Bruton loads of times and have hardly ever seen a person, let alone a train.

[@crownjulesgaming542]

When you sped up the 166 departing it sounded like a power saw

[@CJonestheSteam72]

I saw the front of the signal box yesterday, and looks gorgeous. Was it historically on a junction?

[@speedbird8419]

There is a summer camp there called mill in the brue which I have been to

[@callumgreen9317]

Yay Westbury my grans station love visiting it

[@jimbob9824]

You should do a busiest unstaffed stations series

[@nleak92]

Do love the hsts at Paddington

[@Finley_Stuff]

The HST's were a pain because people never closed the doors or closed the window

[@johnusher1921]

Might be the least used station in Somerset, but seems to have a fair level of traffic. Perhaps we also need just the least used stations overall?

[@peterdobinson]

HST's do seem to stop occasionly at Bruton www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/V20428/2018-08-06 It's a bit odd as the category shows as a test train!

[@jacktaylor-stoakes3636]

I've been to Bruton