World Cup of Stations (original) (raw)

Welcome to our annual World Cup of Stations Competition where 48 shortlisted stations battle it out head-to-head in a public vote. In this year’s World Cup of Stations we are celebrating the incredible local businesses on the doorstep of our wonderful stations, connecting our communities.​

It's time to support your station's local businesses! Vote for your favourite in the list below - whether it's your go-to coffee spot, the shop that saves the day with last-minute gifts, or the hairdresser who always gives you the perfect trim. Show them some love!

Get involved by sharing on social media using #WorldCupofStations

Holly Tucker, MBE

Founder of Holly & Co & NotOnTheHighStreet

This year’s World Cup of Stations competition highlights something I’m deeply passionate about – local businesses. Small businesses are the heart and soul of train stations, playing a vital role in serving their communities while creating job opportunities for local residents.

The variety of businesses located in or near stations is remarkable, and judging by the shortlist, this competition will be a tough one. I encourage everyone to support their favourite station and make their vote count because the station with the most votes will come out on top.

Martin McTague

National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses

Railway stations up and down the country are home to a huge range of small firms, serving their local community, regular commuters and day trippers on a daily basis. These businesses contribute such a lot to our local economies and are a great source of employment. Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to local high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade.

This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around transport hubs across the UK, showcasing the products and services they have to offer.

In 2023 we teamed up with Community Rail to find the UK's best loved station. Wemyss Bay station managed by ScotRail, won for their great volunteers work in developing a vibrant and colourful community garden as well as opening the Station Bookshop.

The competition shone a spotlight on the variety of stations and the creative ways they are used, often with help from Community Rail volunteers who work tirelessly to improve our great stations for local residents, the environment and the local economy.

See the value of rail

Exploring how rail travel supports spending and business growth in local communities, from stations to high streets