station

THERE is a train station in the UK that is often said to be one of the best in the world – and as my regular station, I agree.

London St Pancras first opened in 1868, then a major terminal for the Midland Railway with routes up north.

However, it only became known as St Pancras International in 2007, after the introduction of the Eurostar.

Now, it has become a huge hub of a station, especially with the transformation of the area.

Just outside is Granary Square home to Coal Drops Yard with restaurants, shops and pop up markets.

And of course it is home to the famous British Library, one of the world’s biggest free libraries.

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The opening of the Google HQ has since led to it becoming a tourist hotspot, with cuisines ranging from Korean and Mexican to Indian and Sri Lankan on offer.

But back in the station – as someone who is often then after a late night out, it is easily one of my favourites in the UK.

It is certainly one of the country’s most beautiful, with the exterior red brick juxtaposed with the more modern glass interiors.

There is the famous free piano that often attracts both tourists and celebtrities.

Most recently, famous faces include Jeff Goldblum, Alicia Keys and Jessie J.

And of course there is Searcy’s, a cool champagne bar with yes, a champagne button, found in the train carriage-like booths.

It even lays claim to being Europe‘s longest champagne bar, stretching 98-metres.

A little known secret is to head to the nearby Booking Office 1869 bar too.

Visit at 5:05pm and you can get a free cocktail and history lesson…

London St Pancras station is also the only one to offer direct trains to Europe.

While other stations are hoping to relaunch European trains – including Ashford and Ebbsfleet – St Pancras is the only one with Eurostar trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Need somewhere to stay? Where better than the iconic St Pancras London Hotel.

Spice Girl fans head straight to the curved stairway, which featured in one of their music videos.

Otherwise it recently rebranded its restaurants, becoming a Hawksmoor, complete with a martini bar.

So with fantastic bars and restaurants, celebrity sighting and a huge amount of destinations on offer?

It’s no wonder its my favourite.

In the mean time, here are some of the world’s most beautiful stations.

And here is everything to know about the UK’s busiest train station getting a mega revamp.

You’ll have to hurry

The UK’s tiniest railway station measures just 15 metres in length and can only accommodate one train door opening at a time. Among the hundreds of stations dotted across Britain linking villages, towns and cities, one holds the record for being the smallest.

Beauly Station in the Scottish Highlands claims this unique distinction. Its platform is considerably shorter than a single train carriage, meaning passengers must be given advance notice if they wish to alight there.

An announcement alerts travellers to plan accordingly if Beauly is their destination.

The station boasts a rich heritage, having first opened its doors in 1862. But by 1960, fierce competition from local bus services forced its closure.

More than four decades later, following determined campaigns by local residents, it reopened. Since 2002, Beauly Station has featured a modest 10-space car park, bicycle storage and shelter facilities, reports the Express.

Whilst there’s no ticket office, the diminutive station remarkably handles approximately 35,000 passenger journeys annually, according to figures from the Carno Station Action Group. Located roughly 10 miles west of Inverness, it serves ScotRail services.

Trains calling at Beauly travel onwards to Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dingwall, Invergordon, Ardgay and Inverness.

The station wasn’t always this compact, having previously boasted two platforms. Originally constructed for the Inverness to Invergordon line in the 1800s, it featured twin platforms, a passing loop and a goods shed.

During the 1960s, Beauly was amongst numerous stations axed. All stations between Inverness and Dingwall were shut down.

The solitary platform at Beauly standing today was constructed in 2002 when the station reopened. The reinstatement scheme came with a £250,000 price tag.

Class 158 trains normally operate on this line, which extend beyond Beauly’s platform length.

Usually, only the front door of the train opens to allow passengers to board and alight.

BRITAIN’S busiest station will be hit by a string of closures which will impact millions of passengers for the whole of next month.

Network Rail explained the closures will enable vital maintenance, renewals and repairs to be undertaken.

Rail bosses have revealed plans for an entire month’s worth of major disruption at Liverpool Street Station.

All routes and services to and from the station will be impacted by works throughout the month of March.

Liverpool Street’s mainline station along with its concourse will close for a total of five days but these will be spaced out throughout the month.

The closures will impact Elizabeth line, London Overground and National Rail services, including Greater Anglia and c2c.

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However, the closures are planned for the weekends only and should not affect week day journeys.

On March 15th the whole station will be closed and London overground services will run from London Fields.

There will therefore be no access to the main concourse. but the Elizabeth line services will be running.

On March 21-22, the Elizabeth line services will again be running, but again there will be no access to the main concourse as the station will be closed.

There will be no Overground Weaver line trains on both of these days and on March 22 there will be no Elizabeth line trains.

The whole station including the concourse will be closed once more during March 28-29 and there will be no Overground Weaver line trains on both days.

Although the Elizabeth line trains will continue to run – there will be no access to the station on those dates.

Last year it was confirmed that Liverpool Street is the busiest train station in the UK.

IBIS Brighton is a modern, seaside hotel that is just a 10 minute walk from the beach.

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the Ibis Brighton?

A big selling point of this one is its location.

It’s only a two-minute walk from the railway station, so no arduous lugging of luggage or need for a cab.

Plus, Brighton‘s famous Lanes, Royal Pavilion and Churchill Square shopping centre are just five minutes’ walk away, and it is a ten-minute stroll to the seafront.

What is the hotel like?

You know what you’re getting with Ibis – a clean, minimalist, modern and affordable hotel, all decorated in its trademark red and black.

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Free croissants at reception were a nice touch and the staff were helpful and welcoming.

Parking is not provided but there is an NCP car park nearby.

What are the rooms like?

At this 140-room, tenfloor hotel, there is a simple choice of single or double/twin rooms.

We stayed in a top-floor double, which had a great view of the city.

It came with a very generously sized bathroom, with walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries.

Our room also had a flatscreen TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, and free wifi. 

Double rooms start from £64.

What is there to eat or drink there?

The restaurant offers classic fare including chicken and chips, pizzas and curries, which were very tasty.

But if you want something more elaborate, you are spoilt for choice in Brighton – from modern Mediterranean eatery Burnt Orange and top gastropub The Ginger Pig, to champagne-and-oysters bar Riddle & Finns.

Plus, the city is a great place for vegans and vegetarians, with Terre A Terre and Food For Friends delivering imaginative and beautifully presented dishes.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

This Ibis branch has a funky and colourful modern reception area, which was designed with the help of a local artist and showcases images created by emerging Brighton talent.

Definitely a place to go back to – it was perfect for a budget city break.

A host of pubs, bars and restaurants are within easy reach, too, so you are right in the heart of the action from the moment you leave the hotel.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, there are plenty of family rooms available.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, there are some accessible and wheelchair rooms available. 

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

THE Hilton Manchester Deansgate is the height of convenience for your next stay in Manchester, as well as providing guests with a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication.

Here’s everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant.

Where is the Hilton Manchester Deansgate?

The unmissable 23-storey building is just a 3 minute walk from Deansgate Station, providing an easy transport link to Manchester Piccadilly Station.

The hotel is also just a mile from the Manchester arena.

What is the hotel like?

The buzz and noise of Manchester are instantly left behind in the hotel lobby.

The foyer is sleek and modern, with an elegant spiral staircase at its far end. This atmosphere of class and sophistication is reflected throughout the hotel.

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What are the rooms like?

Yes, they are rather spacious, with huge, comfy beds, free wifi and a large TV.

My room had an armchair and a desk with a vanity mirror that was ideal for getting ready for a night out.

The ensuite bathroom had a large walk-in  shower.

But the best feature of the room by far was the grand floor-to-ceiling windows, offering amazing views of the Manchester skyline.

Double rooms starting from £117 per night. For more information, click here.

What is there to eat and drink there?

Make sure to book a table at the 2 AA Rosette Podium Restaurant, which offers relaxed fine dining.

My starter, the cured salmon, didn’t disappoint. I opted for the potato fried in peanut oil as a main.

The spiralised spud was soaked in a mushroom sauce and topped with nuts. It was totally hearty.

I tried to resist dessert but ordered a lychee sorbet wrapped in a thin layer of chocolate. To this day, I still think about all three dishes.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Head to Cloud 23 on the hotel’s 23rd floor for a drink with a view. The spicy margarita packs a real punch.

If drinking is less your thing, opt for an afternoon tea at Cloud 23.

You can enjoy a Traditional afternoon tea, a champagne afternoon tea, or even a mocktail afternoon tea, all with a stunning view of the Manchester skyline.

Additionally, why not indulge in the hotel’s health club facilities, featuring a steam room, sauna, indoor pool and fitness centre.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

Yes, the hotel is family friendly, offering amenities such as interconnecting rooms to provide more space for families to allow for the most comfort during their stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, the hotel is accessible, providing accessible rooms and facilities to its guests.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

IF you’re sick of waiting on busy railway station platforms, then you might want to head to one of the world’s quietest.

Seiryu Miharashi Station in Japan is often called the world’s loneliest train stations, being completely secluded from nearby towns and villages.

Built in 2019, it cost around 112 million yen (£533,000) at the time.

The station has no entrances or exits, so the only way to get to the station is by train.

But don’t expect any scheduled services, or even any commuter trains.

Trains only stop there on request, as there is nothing else nearby such as houses or roads.

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In fact, the station was only built to be a viewing platform stop, as it overlooks the Nishiki River.

Despite predictions of up nearly 5,000 passengers a year, as few as 1,000 make the visit there – work out to fewer than three a day.

If you want to see it for yourself, there is a special sightseeing train that runs once a month.

This has to be reserved in advance, with a minimum of 15 passengers for the service to run.

Tickets cost 5,000 yen (£24) for adults and 4,000 yen (£20) for kids, and includes round trip train tickets and a bento lunch box.

Pay an extra 1,000 yen (£4.80) for an upgraded snack box which includes sake or specially made sweets.

Otherwise other regular trains on the Nishikigawa Seiryū Line run through the station, but do not stop.

When it comes to lonely stations in the UK, there is one that has jut 68 passengers a day.

Elton and Orston station, Lincolnshire, on the East Midlands Railway, network was named one of the least used stations in the UK in 2024.

Otherwise there is also Denton in Greater Manchester, which has just one train service a week on Saturday morning called the Denton Flyer.

Here are the world’s most beautiful train stations.

And a new train station is set to be the world’s biggest – costing £5.82billion with 16,000 passengers every hour.

LONDON Liverpool Street station is set to undergo a huge transformation – but it will result in years of ‘chaos’ for commuters.

The proposed plans are set to redevelop the busiest train station in the UK and could cost as much as £1.2billion.

Network Rail has proposed a project to expand the country’s busiest train station that will completely change it and the surrounding area.

The proposals include improved accessibility and the building of a 19-storey office block over the station concourse.

According to The Standard, these plans have had around 2,500 objections but more than 1,100 supporting comments.

Campaigners believe that the works will result in almost a decade of chaos for commuters and tourists alike.

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One architect who has opposed the plans said during a recent campaign meeting that the disruption could last for 10 years.

As part of the planning process, Network Rail has revealed the extent of disruption that commuters would face despite the station remaining open during the works.

There would be an impact on some London Overground routes on Greater Anglia services including those from Chingford, Cheshunt and Enfield Town.

Documents reveal that platforms 1 and 2 which are used by London Overground trains would be closed for up to two years.

Proposals also suggest that later on, the area between platforms 9 and 10 would be needed for the building of a new upper concourse.

But Network Rail says these platforms as well as platforms 16 and 17 would remain open throughout the work.

Services could possibly face ‘thinning’ which is likely to result in overcrowding – particularly at rush hour.

The Stansted Express could possibly face disruption too.

Part of why Liverpool Street is so busy is due to the addition of the Elizabeth Line which was added in 2022.

However this would be unaffected by the construction to the main station.

If the proposals go ahead, work would start at the beginning of 2029 and last seven years, with the new station completed by mid-2036.

Network Rail’s scheme is set to be considered by the City of London Corporation’s planning committee on February 10, 2026.

Network Rail recently revealed a new fly-over video to show their proposed plans which has a large concourse area set to ease congestion during busy times.

It includes increased step-free access across rail and underground platforms, eight new lifts and more escalators which will increase from four to ten.

To reduce queues, additional ticket barriers would be added along with more toilet and family facilities on all levels.

On the upper concourse will be more cafes and food outlets and outside will be more green spaces.

Renders also show what the new office building that’s set to be built above the station concourse near the Grade II* listed Andaz Hotel will look like – with rooftop gardens.

Talking about the potential disruption, a spokesperson for Network Rail said to The Standard: “The scheme has been carefully designed and phased to ensure that the station remains open and operational during the works.

“There will be changes to entrances and routes and the only platform closure can be accommodated across the remaining platforms for that short period.

“We are engaging with our transport partners and ensuring customers can continue to use Liverpool Street with as little disruption as possible during the works is as important as the transformation for the future.”

Plus, this UK seaside town has revealed a new £14million transformation of historic train station.

And this small English town’s huge £12million railway upgrade could soon be scrapped.

ONE of the UK’s original Victorian seaside towns is set to get even more beautiful – thanks to a multi-million pound train station renovation.

Scarborough Train Station has revealed new images of the £14million upgrade which is set to be completed by March.

Repairs have been underway at the station in the popular seaside town at the cost of £14million.

The project includes a new station roof, drainage system as well as the restoration of the stonework and general preservation of the Grade II-listed building.

Still yet to be finished is the waiting room and ticket office which will also be refurbished.

The changes made are set to ‘enhance passenger experience’ at the station – which has remained open during the works.

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One of the most recognisable parts of Scarborough Station is the clock tower which is being restored thanks to a grant of £203,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust. 

Ann Shannon, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We’ve been able to repair all four clock faces, fully refurbish the tower and finials, and upgrade the uplighting.

“The finish line is now in sight, and visitors will see a real difference both inside and outside the station, with the beautifully restored clocktower providing the crowning glory.”

Trains from Scarborough generally call at Sheffield and York.

The town of Scarborough was made Britain’s first seaside resort in the early 17th century after the discovery of mineral waters running from the cliffs through the town.

This saw an increase of tourists visiting the town and the addition of bathing ‘machines’ – for people to change into swimwear which arrived in 1735.

With a rising number of holidaymakers, it opened a train station in 1845 to connect Scarborough to York.

Scarborough is well-known for being an incredibly popular destination for families heading to the seaside in the summertime.

The town has two beaches, North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach, and has been welcoming holidaymakers to its shores for over 400 years.

North Bay is the quieter spot along the coast, while South Bay is where you’ll find amusement arcades, cafes and a busy harbour.

Other seafront attractions include the miniature railway called North Bay Railway, Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough Sea Life Centre.

The Grand Hotel in Scarborough is one of the seaside town’s most recognisable buildings and sits high above the promenade.

The building was completed in 1867 and at the time was the largest hotel in Europe – and one of the largest in the world.

It’s had some famous faces stay there over the course of history too from Winston Churchill to The Beatles.

When the Sun’s Alex Lloyd visited last summer, she discovered brightly coloured beach huts on South Bay which can be rented from £50 a day in peak summer.

She also visited the South Cliff Gardens and hopped onboard the town’s funicular railway.

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Despite visiting this city numerous times, I’ve never managed to navigate my way without getting lost – from confusing roads and tram lines to the maze-like train station

With the aid of my phone maps and clear road signs, you’d think I’d be able to comfortably navigate myself around a UK city that I’ve visited countless times. But no matter how many times I drive and walk around Birmingham, I always end up confused and lost, and my recent visit was no different.

As a convenient halfway point to meet my family or friends, and with its Utilita Arena for concerts, I’ve visited the UK’s second-largest city on a number of occasions. I’ve driven into it multiple times, but I’m always left permanently scarred. I mean, have you seen Spaghetti Junction?

I should note that I’m a competent driver and often travel long distances, but driving into Birmingham is no mean feat. I’ve found myself driving back on myself, taking the wrong turning, hitting a dead end, encountering unexpected roadworks, and constantly circling roundabouts – even with the help of Google Maps!

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The worst panic of all came when I was driving through the city a few years ago and found myself, alarmingly, driving down the same road as a tram line. My maps had led me in this direction, so I followed, yet the anxiety set in as I saw the tramlines, expecting the trolly-car to come hurtling up into me.

I continued to follow the road with nowhere else to turn, before I thankfully came back to a normal road. Little did I know that this could happen in some areas of Birmingham, as the West Midlands Metro shares some parts of the street with cars.

West Midlands Metro warns of the potential danger. “Please don’t obstruct the tramway – it sounds obvious, but remember we are on fixed rails and can’t get around you,” it pleads.

“Wherever possible, avoid driving directly on the tracks, particularly at speed, because they can become slippery, especially when wet. Please pay attention to highway regulations and remember that trams have different signalling systems to those of cars and other vehicles – even when we are using the same stretch of road.”

Those caught in restricted areas of tram roads could be fined. But it can be confusing for visitors. One resident shared on Facebook: “There are certain parts of the network where you can’t avoid sharing with the trams, Beeston/Chilwell springs to mind, but there are others.”

Another added: “Depends where in the city. There are places where you can drive in the tracks and places where you can’t, normally places where you can’t, you will get stuck.”

Personally, for me, it’s a route I won’t risk again.

Birmingham is sometimes known as the ‘workshop of the world’, thanks to its historical transformation from a medieval market town into a major ‘motor city’. The city prioritised cars as the future of transport, introducing inner ring roads, flyovers, and interchanges to welcome more people into the area and facilitate easier travel.

Yet for me, I vowed never to drive in the city again. And it’s not just me who has failed to navigate the impressive yet complicated roads of Birmingham, including its residents.

One person shared on Facebook: “A lot of drivers in Birmingham are confused by red lights, give way, traffic priority, roundabouts, timed bus lanes, and lane closures.”

Another shared: “I haven’t driven in Birmingham city centre for years now, it’s been confusing for a long time now not just recently.” A third also confessed: “I don’t ever drive in town. Either I would be heading to Scotland or a dead-end street due to getting lost because of the changes.”

From my driving experiences, it meant my recent trip to Birmingham was by train. I wrongly thought it would be the easier option. I boarded the overcrowded, stuffy but thankfully direct train to Birmingham on a Saturday morning, and was relieved to be dodging the traffic and avoid the fear of navigating the roads. But I still found myself lost.

Birmingham New Street Station is large, stretching out across 12 platforms, yet what confused me was the different zones. While they’re clearly labelled and colour-coded for the different platforms, I still found myself lost and confused with various directions and barriers to navigate. Plus, finding the exit was another ordeal for me.

Locating a toilet at the station was even more complicated. I followed the signs, but still had to go back through a barrier with my train ticket. And meeting people at the station is a challenge in itself, requiring me to go through yet another barrier to reach my family, who were in a completely different area.

I must have spent a good 20 minutes wandering around the station, trying to get my bearings and failing miserably. But to my defence, I’ve only boarded the train to Birmingham on a handful of occasions, and it sure beats the roads and extortionate car parking prices.

Only adding to the complications of visiting Birmingham is navigating the roads and paths on foot. In a bid to find my hotel, I turned to my trusty phone maps and followed the route, but I mistakenly risked a shortcut, only to find a boarded-up path and roadworks – Birmingham really doesn’t like shortcuts.

I also encountered a long-winded route to get to dinner that evening, and then on my way back to the station, I was taken through a pedestrian underpass under a roundabout, which was equally confusing. Perhaps my maps were just as confused as I, or maybe it was simply user error.

Whatever the reason, travelling around Birmingham has left me defeated. While it’s a fantastic city with brilliant transport links and a catalogue of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and a vibrant nightlife, I have to build up the momentum with every visit, bracing myself for getting lost in the well-connected yet confusing city.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com