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The headquarters and Registered Office of the WSRA are at Bishops Lydeard. The station was extensively restored by volunteers during the mid-1970s and, since June 1979, has been the southern terminus of the Railway. Its role has therefore changed from being a typical GWR branch line country station to a station that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
Built with only one platform when opened in March 1862, the station originally consisted of the main building and goods shed. The second platform, signalbox and passing loop were added in 1906. Whilst still maintaining its period atmosphere, many significant (but sensitive) improvements have been made to the station in recent years - including the interior conversion of the former goods shed to "The Gauge Museum" (complete with model railway), the construction of a new shop and booking office in period style, enhanced toilet and car park facilities and re-introduction of traditional semaphore signalling to control train movements.
The station is also the base of the Taunton Model Railway Group.
As well as boasting a large free car park, the station is also served regularly by First Southern National bus services to and from Taunton. Bishops Lydeard village is a short walk from the station and has some interesting old buildings, shops, inns and a beautiful parish church with one of the finest towers in Somerset.
On Platform 2, where most WSR services arrive and depart, is a small waiting room, the booking office, restored signalbox and shop. Bishops Lydeard Station Shop sells a wide range of souvenirs, books, videos and model railway equipment, and offers a mail order facility. All profits from this are used by the West Somerset Railway Association to fund projects on the line.
Traditional semaphore signalling has recently been commissioned at the station, controlled by the 1906-built signalbox on platform 2. Adjacent to the signalbox is a siding where the West Somerset Railway Association's "Quantock Belle" Luxury Dining Train is normally stabled. The former goods shed is now a visitor centre, with space for an engine or coach to be displayed, a working signalbox and signals, displays and exhibits, old photographs, signs, railwayana, slide shows and, upstairs, a large model railway.
As well as 'normal' WSR train services, Bishops Lydeard also sees a number of through charter trains (steam and diesel) from the national network and is also the 'unloading point' for items of rolling stock delivered to the line by road. The station has also been the temporary base for a number of main line approved steam engines, including GWR 4-6-0 No 6024 King Edward I and the unique BR 4-6-2 No 71000 Duke of Gloucester.
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