Ashington station on the Northumberland Line has been named the winner of this year’s World Cup of Stations competition, after being voted the “most life-changing” station in Britain. The award, run by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), celebrates stations that have made a significant difference to their communities. Ashington took the top spot with 28.3% of the final vote, earning 6,881 votes overall, ahead of major contenders including Liverpool Lime Street, London Waterloo and York. The campaign to crown the Northumberland station was strongly supported by local residents, Northern staff, Northumberland County Council and England cricketer Mark Wood.

The competition, which featured 330 nominated stations, was held as part of the Railway 200 celebrations marking two centuries of Britain’s railways. RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr praised Ashington as “a brilliant example of how the railway continues to change Britain for the better,” highlighting how investment in modern stations can “link people to opportunity, pride and possibility.” Operated by Northern, Ashington station only opened in December last year when passenger trains returned to the Northumberland Line after a 60-year absence, reconnecting the town with the wider region.

According to its nomination, the new station has been “transformative” for Ashington, providing residents with quicker and more reliable access to work, education and leisure opportunities. Once known as the world’s largest coal-mining village, Ashington has a proud sporting heritage, home to football legends Jack and Bobby Charlton and England cricketers Steve Harmison and Mark Wood. Northern’s managing director, Tricia Williams, said the win showed the “positive impact” the new line and station have already had, while Northumberland Council leader Glen Sanderson said the Northumberland Line had been “transformational” for travel, learning, skills, tourism and employment across the county.

Ribblehead station, also run by Northern, finished third in the competition. Situated on the historic Settle–Carlisle line, it attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire the Yorkshire Dales and the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Its restored waiting room and ticket office now host a heritage exhibition by the Settle & Carlisle Railway Trust. This year’s World Cup of Stations highlighted how modern investment and historic preservation continue to shape Britain’s railway landscape.

Image: Northern Rail