New train line to connect two of the UK’s prettiest cities – for the first time in 20 years

A BRAND new train line will connect two of the UK's prettiest cities for the first time in two decades.

Travelling between Oxford and Bristol will now become a whole lot easier as Great Western Railway restored its direct services.

A direct service between the iconic university town and the Western city last ran in 2003.

But in response to the increasing demand for leisure train travel, GWR will provide two return Saturday services between the cities starting today (September 14).

With the quickest direct travel durations between the two cities beginning at just over one hour, customers will be able to see the classic landmarks for these two popular destinations.

Today's service will be departing from Oxford at 12.03pm and will be calling at Swindon (12.34pm); Chippenham (12.45pm); Bath Spa (13.00pm) and Bristol Temple Meads (13.12pm).

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “We’re always looking at innovative ways of creating new business and improving connectivity."

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning at Oxford City Council added: "An Oxford to Bristol service is a game-changer for the region, linking two dynamic economic areas and opening up new opportunities for business and leisure.   

“For the first time in 20 years, we will be able to get on a train in Oxford and get off it in Bristol! This makes travel to the whole southwest easier and faster. 

“This project helps unlock our city’s growth potential as well as helping to alleviate traffic congestion around Oxford. It’s a smart, sustainable step forward." 

The new services are part of a trial to assess demand and will run until December, running throughout the period of the Bath and Oxford Christmas markets.

Oxford is famous for its dreaming spires, world-leading university and storytelling heritage. 

From free dinosaur exhibits and creepy prison tours, it is the UK city break perfect for kids and family.

It comes as the first part of the East West Railway (EWR) Line is slated to open in 2025, providing direct service between Oxford and Bletchley.

Meanwhile, the happiest city in the UK has been revealed - and it's home to one of the best pubs in the world.

Recent research from the Happy City Index (HCI) revealed the world's happiest cities, with one English city creeping into the top ten.

The annual report named Aarhus (Denmark's second-largest city) as the happiest city in the world.

Zurich in Switzerland nabbed second place, while the German capital of Berlin took the third spot.

Bristol was the only UK city listed in the top 10, coming in at seventh place.