Could Your Local Railway Station Be Crowned Britain's Most Loved?

For many train travelers, time spent at their local station is an integral part of their travel experience.

The look and feel of the station, along with the services and amenities it provides, all greatly enhance the enjoyment and efficiency of travel.

Passengers are encouraged to celebrate and support their favorite London, East and South East stations by voting for them in the World Cup of Stations 2024 – hosted by the Rail Delivery Group.

The annual competition highlights stations each year, and this year’s theme is stations with great businesses on the premises, or nearby, that play a vital role in supporting and enriching the community, as well as the hard work that makes stations stand out – like London Kara’s Kitchen in Shoeburyness which boasts delicious home-cooked meals and a welcoming environment, or Coffee Buzz in West Hampstead, a great place to grab a quick quality coffee before catching the train.

According to the latest research, the average train passenger spends £32 near their departure station on their favorite businesses. These expenses include grabbing a latte to go, getting fit for a day out, and enjoying activities with friends.

In addition to the railway being a supporter of the local economy, local amenities are also a driving force for people traveling by rail. For a third of the research respondents (34%), the ability to shop in and around the station was one of the main reasons they chose to travel by train.

This positive impact is not only recognized but also celebrated in the upcoming World Cup of Stations 2024, which will take place from October 14th to October 18th.

As highlighted by last year’s competition theme, more than 1,200 stations across the UK are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, who help make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities.

Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic maintenance, and includes gardening and food growing, local art projects and workshops, and visits with children and young people. It aims to promote a sense of community and support for local businesses that improve the travel experience and contribute to the UK economy.

Having started in 2019, the competition is growing; more than 70,000 votes were cast last year for 48 shortlisted stations in 11 regions competing for the title, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland walking away the winner and Denmark Hill in London and Leamington Spa in Warwickshire runners-up.

Voting for the London, South East and East of England areas will start from 14 October 2024*. The winners of each heat advance to the semi-finals and then the champion is announced.

Which station can are you voting for?

London

West Hampstead
Bowes Park
Richmond
Thornton Heath

Southeast

Lewes
Hollingbourne
Oxford Parkway
Emsworth

East of England

Shoeburyness
King’s Lynn
Norwich
Lowestoft

How to vote

The World Cup of Stations is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of community spirit and local business, so mark your calendars and get ready to vote for your favorite station.

To take part in this exciting event and support your favorite station, visit the Rail Delivery Group’s World Cup of Stations website when voting opens for the London, East and South East heats on 14 October. Here you will be able to see every nomination and cast your vote*.

Your vote not only helps highlight the most popular stations, but also supports local businesses, recognizes their efforts and encourages further development.

Rail Delivery Group

If you have traveled by train or booked a trip for friends or family, you have used one of Rail Delivery Group’s (RDG) services. They are integral to the operation of the railway and play a vital role at every stage of the railway

customer journey. RDG provides customers with information about their train service, helps them reserve their seat, offers them discounted fares through Railcards and helps arrange assistance for those customers who need additional support when traveling by train.

This commitment extends beyond just improving train services. By hosting events such as the World Cup of Stations, it aims to foster a sense of community and support for local businesses that enhance the travel experience.