Bristol might today just be served by six major railway routes - but 50 years ago, before the infamous Beeching Cuts, there were many more with evidence still visible of some of the routes now, including the Mangotsfield and Bath branch line which now serves as the Bristol to Bath railway path.
Another old line still visible is the Portishead Railway with disued stations at Ashton Gate and Clifton Bridge - however, this line could soon be brought back into use after plans to reopen it took a major step forward earlier this month.
Other routes are harder to find. The Bristol and North Somerset Railway, which included Brislington and Whitchurch among its stops, is one which only becomes clear in Pensford where the viaduct once carrying trains still stands proudly.
With each line lost many stations also went. And some stations along current lines have also gone. Here’s a look back at some of the stations, plus still some in use today, including Bristol Temple Meads:
5. Staple Hill Railway Station
The station opened in 1888 and was on the Bristol and Gloucestershire Railway Line operated by Midland Railway. Its setting made access difficult with a zigzag path taking passengers to the platform. It closed in 1966. | Know Your Place
6. Avonmouth Railway Station (current)
The former Avonmouth Dock station, opened in 1868, was renamed Avonmouth Dock Joint in 1885 before, in 1966, being renamed Avonmouth. This picture is from the 1930s and is after the station was rebuilt in 1926. It is a stop on the Severn Beach Line. | Know Your Place
7. Avonmouth Railway Station (old)
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
8. Stapleton Road Railway Station
Just under two miles from Temple Meads, the station, which opened in 1863, was once one of Bristol’s busiest stations. But the expansion of Temple Meads saw services reduced in the 1960s. Today it has trains stopping on the Severn Beach Line. An hourly service also serves the stop between Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood. | Know Your Place