Let’s start with the bad news. It was a travesty that only one of our proud, often historic, railway station in the Bristol region was shortlisted for the the South West in the World Cup of Stations - and then a further blow for Yatton not to make it to the final.
So we decided to create our own World Cup of Bristol Stations, celebrating the passenger stops we use, and sometimes love, for their facilities, beauty and quirkiness.
And yes, we accept there aren’t too many to chose from (thank you Beeching) but we hope this list will remind you of the great stations we have to offer in the region, and why we need some more to help ease congestion and support the environment.
Have we missed a station? Email [email protected]
1. Bristol Parkway
The sister of Temple Meads and the second busiest railway station in Bristol with 1.4 million entries and exits from passengers in 21/22. South Gloucestershire Council even has big plans to modernise it by make it a gateway for the region with better access. But for now, it’s a small and tidy station with a cafe and waiting room upstairs. Plenty of parking too.
2. Bristol Temple Meads
For size and history, you won’t find a better station in the Bristol region, perhaps the South West region, than Bristol Temple Meads. With 6.6m going in and out of the station each year, and with direct trains as far as Edinburgh or Penzance, almost everyone in the city will have used it at once. Some of it is dated, and works are planned for the roof and a new entrance, and it can get too busy but when discussing the best stations in Bristol, Temple Meads just has to be there.
3. Yate
It’s a good time for Yate railway station which news trains between Yate and Bristol are now running half hourly, as opposed to every hour. The station itself is unusual in that it sits under Badminton Road with one platform either side of the bridge. There’s plenty of parking but again, toilets.
4. Yatton
On the line between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol, this station was shortlisted for the South West station of the year - and for good reason. The station is a hub of activity with the GWR team in the booking office work closely with the station garden volunteers to ensure planters are kept hydrated throughout the warmer months. During spring and summer, the specially-chosen pollinators provide a haven for bees and butterflies. The popular Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Hire is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company also based within the station building, serving delicious refreshments throughout the day.