Welcome to our annual World Cup of Stations competition, where a group of shortlisted stations in Britain battle it out head-to-head in a public vote.
The theme for 2026 is 'the stations creating connections that matter' and this year's winner is Irlam, in Greater Manchester!
2026 Winner - Irlam
Irlam, in Greater Manchester, is the new holder of the World Cup of Stations title!
The station, operated by Northern, sits just outside Manchester and connects commuters to Manchester and leisure travellers to the surrounding parts of Lancashire and beyond. Over 350,000 passengers pass through each year.
Having originally been opened in 1873, the station has served its community for over 150 years. In that time, the old station building fell into disrepair for 25 years until, in 2015, it was renovated and reinvigorated.
The 100-year-old building now houses The Station: a café, bar, social venue and event space that is the true beating heart of its community. It’s a warm and welcoming space for people to relax, catch up with friends, hold meetings and attend social events – all surrounded by masses of railway memorabilia that nods to Irlam’s history.
On top of the coffees, dinners, dances and even weddings, the station also plays an educational role, with the Friends of Irlam Station group hosting school groups and demonstrating the classic signal box and steam locomotive to local children.
Irlam truly does create connections that matter!
The previous winners
Ashington Station’s win celebrates a remarkable comeback story, with passenger services restored in December 2024 after a 60-year hiatus. The reopening has transformed the lives of many local residents, linking the town to Newcastle in just over 30 minutes and supporting access to jobs, education, and leisure. The station has also become a hub for community life, featuring local artwork and serving as the start and finish of the Ashington Local Heroes Walking Tour.
Ashington was once considered the ‘world’s largest coal-mining village’, with the station originally opening in 1872 to serve the Blyth & Tyne Railway - a network built to move coal from the collieries of South East Northumberland to the ports along the Blyth and Tyne rivers. Its reopening honours this industrial heritage while reconnecting the town to the wider region and supporting its ongoing growth and renewal.
With its proud sporting legacy, from football legends Jack and Bobby Charlton to cricket stars Mark Wood and Steve Harmison, Ashington has always been a town of local heroes. Now, its station has joined that legacy and will continue to play a key role in the town’s ongoing story.
Maghull station in Merseyside was crowned the 2024 World Cup of Stations champion, and ‘Station with the Best Local Businesses.’
Station staff, volunteers, train operators', and passengers from across the country embraced the competition, with over 100,000 votes cast throughout the week. Maghull’s success was driven by its thriving local businesses, The Coffee Carriage café, and the station’s vibrant green space, which has been maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Wemyss Bay station managed by ScotRail, won for their great volunteers work in developing a vibrant and colourful community garden as well as opening the Station Bookshop.
Worthy runners up were Denmark Hill and Leamington Spa.
