Before the boom in car travel, people in Bristol could take a train from the city centre to all four corners of the city and surrounding area. Whether it be jumping on the Midland Railway to Staple Hill, or boarding the Bristol and North Somerset Railway to Brislington, the railways, along with the tramways, were a viable, if not sometimes unreliable, option to get around the city.
Today, it’s a different story with many of the tracks pulled up and stations demolished and replaced with other developments. Oh wouldn’t hindsight have been helpful as now city leaders look for ways to introduce greener transport schemes to reduce congestion and pollution in the city, including new railway stations.
But enough of pondering the demise of the old railway network - here’s a chance to look back at the glory of the railways in Bristol, and the many stations across the city. Some of which you’d struggle today to find where they were even located.
1.
Incredible view of Clifton Bridge station with Brunel’s bridge in the background - one of a number of disused stations featured in this gallery | Bristol Archive
2. Ashley Hill
The station was on the Bristol and South Wales Union Line. It opened in 1864, and closed in 1964. A new station at the site called Ashley Down opened in September 2024. The station is another stop on the line between Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood. Pictured here are children from the Ashley Down Orphan Homes, opened by George Muller. | Bristol Archives
3. Ashton Gate
Ashton Gate Railway Station was opened in 1906 after Bristol City was promoted to the top tier in England football - and served the home ground nearby. In 1914, it was briefly named Exhibition Station for the Bristol International Exhibition. The station was a stop on the Bristol and Portishead Pier railway. It closed in 1964 with short openings to serve events at the football ground. Under plans to reopen the Portishead railway line, an Ashton Gate station would be opened in the second phase of the project. | Bristol Archive
4. Avonmouth Railway Station
Avonmouth railway station was the terminus of the Bristol Port Railway and Pier. It opened in 1865 and had two platforms and an adjacent hotel. The station was closed in 1902 as the land was required for the expansion of Avonmouth Docks. | Know Your Place