Brookwood, South Tottenham, St Pancras International and Bishopstone in the race to be crowned World Cup of Stations 2026 champion

The race to crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion begins on Monday 12 October, with Brookwood, South Tottenham, St Pancras International and Bishopstone competing for the public’s support. 

Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate “The stations creating connections that matter”, this year’s competition gives people the chance to choose their Station of the Year. The four contenders in the South are among 20 stations shortlisted across Britain for the difference they make to the people and communities they serve. 

Following over 150 nominations from the public, a judging panel selected stations whose stories show how the railway brings people and places together. Now it is over to the public to decide which one deserves the crown. 

The shortlisted stations in the South area: 

• Brookwood has transformed unused railway land into an inclusive garden where railway families and the wider community can remember loved ones, discover shared heritage and connect with nature. Created with more than 30 volunteers, it turns the station’s unique link to Brookwood Cemetery into a lasting place of reflection, belonging and community care. 

• South Tottenham has transformed overlooked station land into a welcoming community garden where children, older people and residents living with dementia can connect with nature and one another. It is a place of belonging, friendship and everyday human connection. 

• St Pancras International brings together historic and modern architecture while connecting Britain directly with destinations across Europe. Its beauty and international reach make every journey feel like the start of something special. 

• Bishopstone’s volunteers have restored an Art Deco station and helped restore connection in the community around it. Daily activities combat loneliness, support wellbeing and give hundreds of local people friendship, purpose and a genuine sense of belonging. 

Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: "This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.  

“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.  

“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.” 

Paula Aldridge, Community Rail Manager, South Western said: "Our Brookwood reflective garden is a beautiful and peaceful space to honour and remember friends and colleagues in the railway family. Seeing people come together and install plaques for those who are no longer with us has been incredibly moving. 

"The garden is open to all and renews the connection between the railway and Brookwood Cemetery, once linked by the London Necropolis Railway. That link made Brookwood the perfect place for volunteers to transform disused railway land, using railway sleepers and sections of track, to create a special legacy for years to come." 

David Statham, managing director at First Rail London, which operates London Overground on behalf of TfL, said: "South Tottenham London Overground station shows the difference a railway station can make when it becomes part of its community. Thanks to the dedication of our station assistants, Ray and Azaz, this once-overlooked space now helps bring together local schoolchildren, older residents and people living with dementia. We're so incredibly proud to see their work recognised through the World Cup of Stations. If you've ever passed the garden or had a conversation with Ray or Azaz, we hope you'll vote for it when voting opens on 12 October." 

Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer of GTR, which operates Southern, said: “Bishopstone shows just how much a station can mean to the people who live and work around it. Our railway stations sit at the heart of the communities they serve, and Bishopstone is a wonderful example of that. 

“I am delighted to see the passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers at Bishopstone recognised through a place on this year’s World Cup of Stations shortlist. 

“Together, they have done a remarkable job transforming the historic station building into a thriving community space and I hope people across the South will get behind this very special station.” 

A spokesperson for London St. Pancras Highspeed said: "St. Pancras International has long been a gateway connecting people, places and communities between the UK and Europe, but it is also a destination in its own right. The combination of historic character, world renowned architecture, modern infrastructure and international connectivity gives the station a unique place in the railway network, and we're pleased to see that recognised through this year's competition." 

Last year, Ashington took the title following the return of passenger services after a 60-year absence. This year, Brookwood, South Tottenham, St Pancras International and Bishopstone will be hoping to follow in its footsteps. 

Voting takes place online at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations from 00:01, Monday 12 to 23:59, Sunday 18 October. On the evening of Wednesday 14 October, the leading station from each regional group will progress to the final stage, leaving five stations in the race for the crown. The station receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner on Tuesday 20 October. 

Make your voice heard and help crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion.