World Cup of Stations - logo

World Cup of Stations

As part of Community Rail Week 2023, Rail Delivery Group have teamed up with Community Rail Network to host the World Cup of Stations. This annual tournament established in 2019, celebrates the UK’s best stations by having them battle it out head-to-head in an online public vote.  

This year we are looking to crown ‘The UK’s Best Loved Station’ and shine a spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that support our stations through Community Rail.  

World Cup of Stations 2023 competition

World Cup of Stations - logo

Over 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities. Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, and workshops and visits with children and young people.

Community Rail Network represents station adoption groups across Britain (alongside over 75 community rail partnerships) supporting them to be effective in benefiting their communities and railways, socially, environmentally, and economically.

We have partnered with Community Rail Network, by holding this year’s competition during Community Rail Week, to showcase community rail and the benefits the railways bring to residents, the environment and the local economy. 

World Cup of Stations - infographic
We received in excess of 100 nominations for stations to feature in this year's competition, recognising the efforts of so many across the country in the following categories:
  • Creating social spaces:

    stations rejuvenated by local adoption groups who are creating spaces for the local community

  • Supporting local business:
    adoption groups using station spaces to host and celebrate local businesses
  • Education stations:
    educational spaces and workshops arranged by adoption groups held in their station
  • Tourism stations:
    adoption groups using their station to promote local attractions
  • Sustainable stations:
    environmental efforts by local community groups to improve their station’s green credentials
48 stations from around the country were shortlisted by Tim Dunn, and these stations will compete in the World Cup of Stations 22-26 May, during Community Rail Week.
Region Shortlisted Station 1 Shortlisted Station 2 Shortlisted Station 3 Shortlisted Station 4
East Lowestoft Southminster Beccles Thetford
East Midlands Sleaford Ambergate Kettering Market Rasen
London Tolworth Denmark Hill Highams Park Chingford
North East Manors MetroCentre (Gateshead) Haltwhistle Shildon
North West Runcorn Goostrey Birkdale Hindley
Scotland Kilmarnock Nairn Pitlochry North Queensferry
South East Swaythling Whyteleafe Bognor Regis Hollingbourne
South West Liskeard Yatton Okehampton Penmere
Wales North Llanrwst Llandudno Conwy Tal-y-Cafn
West Midlands Coventry Evesham Leamington Spa Wylde Green
Yorkshire Scarborough Bingley Mirfield Sowerby Bridge
Tim Dunn's bonus round Bishopstone (Sussex) Lancaster Wemyss Bay Glenfinnan
Regional group rounds listed below will be held 22-24 May, semi-finals 25 May culminating in the winner being crowned on 26 May.
  • Monday 22nd May:
    London, South East, South West, East
  • Tuesday 23rd May:
    East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, Yorkshire & Humberside
  • Wednesday 24th May:
    North West, Scotland, Wales, Tim Dunn's bonus group
World Cup of Stations - infographic

The vote in the Grand Final is open until midnight.

For more information about community rail and how you could get involved working with your local station, please get in touch with Community Rail Network

The previous winners

World Cup of Stations - trophy
Stourbridge Junction
2021
After narrowly missing out in 2020, Stourbridge - and George the station cat - engaged 'cats of Twitter' fans once more to finally win the title.
Glasgow Queen Street
2020
Glasgow Queen Street took full advantage of their popular £120m redesign which doubled the size of the old station.
Huddersfield
2019
Our inaugural winner, Huddersfield successfully mobilised fans and the 'cats of Twitter' through the use of their famous station cats Felix and Bolt.

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