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. This includes the planned opening of eight new railway stations in the city.
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.
If you know of any we have missed, or have pictures you’d like to share, contact us at [email protected]
5. Clifton Bridge
Opened in 1867, the station below the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge served as a stop on the Bristol and Portishead Pier Railway. Opening with one platform, a second was added in 1880 - but it was closed in 1964 to passengers. It was renamed Rownham between 1891 and 1910 to avoid confusion with Clifton Down. After most of the site was demolished, it became the headquarters for Avon and Somerset Police’s police and dog section. | Bristol Archvies
6. Fishponds
A stop on the line from Bristol to Gloucester or Bath, the station opened in 1866, before closure in 1966. The station, toward the top of this picture next to New Station Road, had two platforms. It was demolished after closure. | Bristol Archives
7. Ham Green Halt
The single platform station was opened to service Ham Green Hospital in 1926. It was situated in Pill and was a stop on the Bristol and Portishead Pier Railway. The station closed in 1964. | Bristol Archives
8. Nightingale Valley Halt
The station was opened on the Bristol and Portishead Pier Railway for visitors to Leigh Woods. It opened in 1928, but closed just four years later in 1932. A tiny shed served as a shelter for passengers. | Bristol Archives