The UK’s 12 most beautiful train stations

Like most Edinburgh architecture, Waverley station’s exterior stands proud on the beauty factor – but what really draws attention to this building is its fabulous interior ceiling. With a vast glass dome in the centre and intricate details surrounding it, the whole thing provides a sort of whimsical style respite from the heavier mediaeval architecture nearby. The actual station has a surprisingly mighty 20 platforms, making it quite the travel hub. 

While you’re there: don’t miss grabbing a delicious loaded focaccia from Alby’s, the city’s favourite sandwich powerhouse. 

Although Kings Cross opened in 1852, the modern interior which was completed in 2012 did well to elevate the look of the famous station to a new level. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the UK’s most busiest stations with 11 platforms, as well as an additional fake platform 9¾ for Harry Potter fans. The web-like internal ceiling structure in the main concourse is one of the building’s newer additions, providing a welcome contrast to some of its older foundations.

While you’re there: treat yourself to a cheeky shopping splurge or bite to eat at the nearby Coal Drops Yard.

Having opened in 1840, Bristol Temple Meads is one of the oldest railway stations in the UK. This Grade I listed property is built in the Tudor style, giving it an almost castle-like feel which stands out from the surrounding town quite significantly. Temple Meads was designed by an amalgamation of architects but most notably Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was also the brains behind the beginnings of London Paddington. However, it was actually Brunel’s younger colleague Matthew Digby Wyatt who introduced the Gothic style to Meads in the 1870s: call it a joint effort, of sorts. 

While you’re there: grab a drink from Hyde & Co, one of Bristol’s not so secret ‘secret’ bars. 

Ah, good old Cardiff. This station is the largest and busiest in Wales and is found right in the centre of the Welsh capital. Although Cardiff Central first opened in 1850, the delightful, characterful building we know today was thanks to its rebuild and Art Deco-style redesign in the early 1930s. The entrance was built out of Portland stone, giving it its off-white colour – which, paired with its symmetry, clock tower and subtle green accents, makes the whole thing feel very Wes Anderson. 

While you’re there: stay the night in one of Cardiff’s most unique Airbnbs: a lodge that stands on Cefn Mably lake. 

This mystical Welsh railway seems to resemble more of a quaint Tudor house rather than a working station. Nonetheless, Berwyn has been up and running since 1865, bar a 22 year hiatus after flood damage in 1964. The site looks down to the River Dee and promises serious views of the neighbouring lush countryside. It’s operated by the heritage Llangollen Railway and the singular platform leads directly across the chain bridge which peers over the Langollen canal – talk about views on views.

While you’re there: don’t miss your chance to admire the great Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which stands right next to the River Dee.

Clad with bright yellow and green panels, this cheerily colourful station is located on Corfe Castle – a village sitting on the Isle of Purbeck – and looks onto the castle ruins of the same name. The only rail in use here is a heritage railway, although the station itself also houses the Swanage Railway’s Railway Museum, open on most operating days. 

While you’re there: head 20 minutes up the road to Lulworth Cove and reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the Dorset coast.

This Scottish railway might not boast as impressive a façade as other UK train sites, but once inside, you’ll probably be surprised. Even though there are only two platforms, it houses a seriously impressive glass ceiling in a circular design, creating a proper feeling of openness and calm. Wemyss Bay also stands as a terminal for the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry connecting the mainland to the Isle of Bute, so this charming station has it all – and looks particularly spectacular on days with rare Scottish blue skies. 

While you’re there: hop on the train to nearby Glasgow and visit the city’s famous botanical gardens.

It might already be on our list of the most beautiful train stations in the world, but the grand-standing station of Huddersfield rightfully gets a second feature. Its lofty design was created in the neoclassical style and is fit with all the trimmings, including corinthian columns and a generally imposing façade. In addition to its impressive details, Huddersfield Station is also home to a cat named Felix who patrols the six platforms.

While you’re there: hop on a 20-minute train to Leeds and tuck into some truly authentic Mexican food at the family-run restaurant Lupe’s Cantina Mexicana. 

It seems like Oasis made a good choice in picking Cromford station as the location for the cover of their 1995 single, ‘Some Might Say’ – with its quaint buildings, singular platform and bordering woodland, the whole thing looks like it would fit into a Sylvanian Families town quite successfully. This unique station stands on the Derwent Valley Line and is operated by East Midlands Railway.

While you’re there: take a hike in the neighbouring Peak District and lap up some wonderful scenery.

We know, we know: London has a great spread of stations and they all carry their own niches. St Pancras might not claim the prize for being the oldest or perhaps the busiest, but we’d argue it should take to the stage when it comes to the most beautiful: its red-brick gothic structure and intricate design will keep you impressed time and time again. It has a whopping 15 platforms and the Eurostar is one of its managing rails.

While you there: Grab a novel for your train journey at the nearby floating bookshop, ‘Word on the Water’.

Although this station technically opened in 1844, the splendid building we see today can be credited to decades later, when Norwich underwent a rebuild in 1886. The space was designed with the clock tower being the centre of the action: it has a grand front portico topped with curved arches and a two-storied imposing structure, making the whole thing really quite grand.

While you’re there: take a wander through the glorious Norwich open-air market, where you can grab anything from delicious churros to locally-grown flowers. 

This station verges on being an actual part of the beach it sits on, meaning it is blessed with sea showers every winter and beer splatters every summer. With only two platforms, the railway is part of the Exeter to Plymouth line, and due to its proximity to the sea wall, weather damage is proving to be a bit of an issue for the site. That said, how many times can you say you’ve walked off a stuffy train and directly onto a beach? Lush.

While you’re there: grab a 24-minute train to Torquay and journey down to Oddicombe beach, all while taking in some splendid views of the Devon coastline.