Could Your Local Station Win Britain’s Most Life-Changing Station?
- The public are being asked to vote for their favourite railway station from across Britain, as 20 shortlisted stations go head-to-head for the title of ‘Most Life-Changing Station’.
- The voting phase of the World Cup of Stations competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, opens on 13 October and closes on 17 October 2025.
- As the Railway celebrates its bicentenary, this year’s competition is supporting Railway200 by shining a spotlight on the incredible stories behind Britain’s stations.
- You can vote for your local station at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations
The countdown is on as the World Cup of Stations 2025 enters its final stage — with 20 stations going head-to-head for the title of Most Life-Changing Station. Hosted by Rail Delivery Group, the competition gives the public the chance to decide which station deserves the crown, drawing on everything from sporting firsts and pop-culture moments to wartime stories and even first dates. Voting opens today at 00:01 and will close on 11:59pm on 17 October 2025.
Following the nomination phase earlier this year, which saw 330 entries received from all over Britain, a judging panel comprising industry leaders, public figures and historians selected 20 standout stations to compete in the public vote stretching from Ashington in the North to Swanage in the South. Members of the public are invited to pick their favourite from the 20 shortlisted stations, with the station receiving the most votes crowned Britain’s Most Life-Changing Station.
Part of this year’s Railway 200 celebration marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, this year’s World Cup of Stations shines a spotlight on the stories behind the stations — from moments of resilience and renewal to the ways they’ve brought communities together.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “As we celebrate 200 years of rail history, it’s the stories behind the stations that remind us of their enduring value — connecting towns, people and possibilities.
“These 20 stations represent the heart and soul of what makes Britain’s railways extraordinary. From places that have sparked hope, to those that have held communities together — this is your chance to vote for the station that has really changed lives.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "Stations are the beating heart of our railway network, linking communities from coast to coast and making travel seamless and accessible for millions of people every day.
"With this year marking 200 years since the birth of the passenger railway, it's the perfect moment to celebrate our brilliant stations across the UK and share the powerful stories of how they’ve shaped lives.
"Good luck to all the shortlisted stations, and I look forward to celebrating the winner soon”.
Alice Loxton, Historian, author and broadcaster, said: “Britain’s railway stations are so much more than bricks and mortar — they are places where history and everyday life meet. From moments of personal joy to events that shaped the nation, each station has a story to tell. The World Cup of Stations is a wonderful way to celebrate that legacy, and I’m delighted to see the public getting involved in choosing the stations that have truly changed lives.”
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, added: “Train stations are vital and transformative gateways for the people and communities they serve. In this bicentenary year, please vote for the shortlisted station that’s had the biggest impact on your life.”
Voting will take place online at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations and will be open from 13–17 October 2025. Make your voice heard and help crown Britain’s most life-changing station.