GWR warns passengers to check trains as new winter timetable begins

Great Western Railway (GWR) has urged passengers to check their journeys ahead of the introduction of its new winter timetable from Sunday 14 December.

The timetable includes amendments across the network designed to improve service performance and respond to changes in demand. GWR is also encouraging travellers to book in advance and reserve seats for the Christmas period.

Journey planners are up to date with information covering Christmas and New Year, and advance fares are already on sale at GWR.com.

Key changes this winter:

Castle Class retirement

• GWR will retire its three remaining Castle Class train sets, which have run local routes between Plymouth and Penzance for nearly 50 years.

• They will be replaced by existing trains and recommissioned Class 175s, with further rollouts planned through 2026.

Christmas and New Year travel

• Busiest days: 22–23 December and 27–28 December.

• Peak travel times: 10:00–14:00.

• Early shutdown on Christmas Eve; no services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Track work and diversions

• 27 December–4 January: track renewal affecting London Paddington services; no direct trains to Cheltenham Spa-passengers should change at Swindon or Bristol Parkway.

• 24–31 December: Network Rail upgrades west of Cardiff Central; trains diverted via Ninian Park, adding a few minutes to journeys.

GWR also reminds passengers to consider luggage carefully. There is space for cabin-style bags, laptop bags, and handbags under seats and in overhead racks. Large suitcases (up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm) are limited to luggage racks at the end of carriages. Extra-large or difficult-to-move items are not recommended, and staff cannot assist with them.

Passengers are advised to check journey times before travelling and to plan trips for quieter times where possible.