Travelling by train

[slats]

Hi all , was looking at our options for getting down to the festival this year and was hoping someone might be able to give me a bit of advice about getting the train down from Blackburn/Manchester?

I know its going to be a lot of messing around lugging bags on and off trains but I was wondering getting the train down would be a good or bad idea.

Would the trains be booked up well in advance?, Are there enough services running to fit everyone on once you start getting close to the area (when all the services come together?), Would we be better off going straight to castle cary and getting the free bus to the festival from there or getting off in Bristol and getting a bus from there?

Or is it realy just too much messing around with all the changes and much easier booking a coach?

Many thanks

[pezzypops]

from the official site:

Rail and Ride Link

Free shuttle coaches will run from Castle Cary Railway Station to Pilton and back throughout the Festival, from Wednesday to Monday, stopping overnight when trains are not running. The last bus from the Festival to Castle Cary railway station will be at 5pm on the Monday. Passengers should be aware that they will not be allowed to use this service unless they are in possession of a Festival ticket.

Facilities are being provided at Castle Cary station including refreshments, toilets, first aid and customer help points and telephones. Unfortunately it will not be possible to park at the station during this time and there are no left luggage facilities. Passengers are especially asked to take care while on station platforms and to ensure that luggage is not left unattended and rucksacks and tents do not overhang platforms and risk being caught by moving trains.

Whilst we have planned one of the most extensive services ever, queuing for trains remains likely. Leaving the Festival, trains are least crowded Sunday afternoon and in the early hours of Monday morning and passengers are strongly advised to take advantage of these extra services.

[davidd]

think the last time we went on the train we had just the one change at bristol,and from there to castle cary and the bus. it wasn't too bad, but obviouslt it depends on how much you're lugging around. went on the coach last year and it was quite a bit easier to tell you the truth, just chucked everything on the coach and lugged it from the drop off to where we decided to camp .

[jameshunt]

from the official site:

from the north west i think the best way is to go to euston in london, get the tube round to waterloo and there'll be trains from there to castle cary.

the free shuttle from castle cary would be quicker & easier than coming in from bristol but i've never gone by train so i can't help you with specifics.

[Prest02000]

Blackburn to Preston, Preston to Bristol and then either Bristol to Glasto on the bus or train to castle C then the bus.

In 2000 did Preston to Bristol, Bristol to CC then the Bus. It was ok, just a nightmare getting back as everyone just jumped on whatever trian they fancied, all part of the fun though eh.

[pie_and_a_pint]

I'd strongly advise you to avoid going via London. You will get a much cheaper ticket if you follow the advice of Prest02000 above, or perhaps Blackburn - Manchester - (Birmingham) - Bristol

[jameshunt]

I'd strongly advise you to avoid going via London. You will get a much cheaper ticket if you follow the advice of Prest02000 above, or perhaps Blackburn - Manchester - (Birmingham) - Bristol

[pezzypops]

yeah, i thought i might have the wrong station.

ignore what i said