Irlam crowned World Cup of Stations 2026 champion

After a week of campaigning and public voting, Irlam in Manchester has been crowned the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion, celebrating a station where railway heritage and community life come together. 

From children discovering local history on school visits to friends meeting in its popular café, Irlam has become much more than a place to catch a train. Tours, railway memorabilia and events connect generations with the station’s past while creating new memories and friendships today. Some couples have even chosen to celebrate their wedding there. 

Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate “The stations creating connections that matter”, this year’s competition gave the public the chance to choose their Station of the Year. Irlam’s success is a tribute to the station team and volunteers who have helped make it a welcoming place for passengers and the wider community. 

Following over 150 nominations from across Britain, a judging panel selected 20 stations for the public vote. Irlam progressed to the final alongside Berney Arms, Brookwood, Cardross and Yatton, before securing 4786 number of votes to take the title.

Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Congratulations to Irlam and everyone who has helped make it this year’s winner. 

“Our stations connect us to the people and places that matter. This competition has also shown how they bring communities together, creating opportunities, supporting local activities and giving people places where they feel welcome. 

“To be chosen by the public as their Station of the Year is a wonderful recognition of everyone who helps make Irlam special. Thank you to everyone who voted and to all the shortlisted stations for sharing their stories.” 

Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Irlam has won this year’s World Cup of Stations competition and would like to thank everyone who voted. 

“The credit must go to the volunteers at Friends of Irlam Station and the Hamilton Davies Trust, who have transformed this station into a thriving community hub that brings people together. 

"The station has a unique charm and is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a meal in the café, take a tour of the gardens to see some amazing 3D artwork and visit the heritage hub.” 

The Rail Minister, Lord Hendy said: "Irlam is a brilliant example of what a railway station can be - connecting communities to growth, jobs and homes as well as their loved ones. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers whose hard work has made it this year's deserving winner. 

"This is great reminder of why investing in our railways matters. It’s not just about getting people from A to B on time, but creating a network people can rely on and be proud of with staff and stations at its heart." 

This year’s competition celebrated the different ways stations connect people and places, from helping people reach jobs, education, family and friends to supporting local businesses and creating spaces where communities can come together. 

Irlam follows last year’s winner, Ashington, which was recognised after passenger services returned to the town following a 60-year absence. 

Find out more about this year’s competition at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations.