THIS year marks two centuries of rail travel in the UK – and with a government report last week unveiling the worst stations for delays, all eyes are on our railways.
Luckily, some of the country’s stations are so pretty you wouldn’t mind getting stranded at them if your train was cancelled.
From 19th-century buildings in the countryside to tiny platforms with views of a castle, Sophie Swietochowski picks out her favourites and looks at where you can stay nearby.
CORFE CASTLE, DORSET
AS the name would suggest, Corfe Castle station sits at the foot of a hill and a small castle, buried deep in Dorset countryside.
It’s tiny and charming with only two platforms overlooked by a footbridge and rolling green fields.
There’s also the dinky Swanage Railway Museum next door, which opens later in the year, as well as a converted carriage selling a range of second-hand books.
STAY: Spend a week in the quaint Rempstone Farmhouse, a five- minute drive away, which has room for six people in the cosy-yet- spacious property — it also features two log burners.
Seven nights’ self-catering is from £182.67pp. See sykescottages.co.uk.
CROMFORD, DERBYSHIRE
YOU may recognise the Grade II-listed Cromford station from the cover of Oasis’s 1995 hit single, Some Might Say, with its characterful station house standing proud in front of the metal footbridge.
It dates back to 1849 and has now fully blended with its rural surroundings with moss and shrubs weaving through the brickwork.
STAY: The rustic two-person Stable Cottage mirrors the charm of the station, all wonky brickwork, but modern on the inside.
Seven nights’ self-catering is from £266pp, based on two sharing. See sykescottages.co.uk.
WEMYSS BAY, RENFREWSHIRE
BUILT in 1865 and tucked away in a teeny village on the western coast of Scotland, Wemyss Bay must be one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the country.
A huge circular structure sits at its centre with a steel roof, while a traditional pier runs alongside the building, jutting out into a blustery ocean. Ferry passengers can hop off the water straight on to a train.
STAY: Serenity Lodge is about as close to the station as you could get, sleeping six in three modern bedrooms and with a wooden terrace overlooking the water.
Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £444 in total. For details see sykescottages.co.uk.
ST PANCRAS, LONDON
STRIKES and weather delays have left me with time to kill at St Pancras on my frequent commutes.
Fortunately there’s plenty going on within the station walls to help while away the hours, from chic shops to classy restaurants and Searcys champagne bar.
It’s a stunning building, too. The red-brick exterior is a contrast to the semi-modern interior, which is the result of an £800million refurbishment unveiled by the late Queen in 2007.
STAY: Push the boat out and spend the night in the fancy St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, attached to the station, which has deluxe double rooms from £280 per night. See marriott.com.
RIBBLEHEAD, NORTH YORKS
BURIED among swathes of greenery and craggy grass hills is Ribblehead Station with a name as quirky as its design.
It was previously named Batty Green station, when it opened in the mid 1800s.
The vast open landscape opposite means it could easily win an award for the station with the best views, too.
STAY: It would be foolish not to check in to The Station Inn while you are in this neck of the woods.
Six of the nine rooms and bunkhouses are dog-friendly and each is named after the nearby camps that housed construction labourers working on the nearby viaduct.
Rooms cost from £110 with breakfast. For further details see thestationinnribblehead.com.
DAWLISH STATION, DEVON
OVERLOOKING the breathtaking Devon coast and built in 1846, Dawlish station bears no resemblance to the chaotic stations we see in most UK cities today.
The building itself isn’t remarkable, but its location sure is.
Take a train journey from here to one of the nearby towns, to enjoy unbeatable views as the winding track follows the coastline.
Just make sure you grab a window seat!
STAY: For equally exceptional views, stay at the two-person St Julien apartment which has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea.
Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £380pp, based on two people sharing. See sykescottages.co.uk.
