London has two very different contenders in the running to be named Britain’s best railway station.
Both are among 20 finalists in the Rail Delivery Group’s annual World Cup of Stations, which this year celebrates “creating connections that matter.”
Two London stations shortlisted for Britain’s Best Station Award
The grand, Eurostar-bound St Pancras International and South Tottenham, a modest Overground stop whose community garden has quietly become a lifeline for local residents.
St Pancras needs little introduction. Its soaring Victorian architecture, shops, cafés and restaurants have made it a destination in its own right, while its international rail links connect London to destinations across Europe.
Its communal pianos and seasonal displays including its much-loved Christmas decorations give travellers a reason to linger long after they have bought their ticket.
South Tottenham, by contrast, is competing on a far smaller but arguably more intimate scale. The London Overground station, served by the Suffragette line, has been recognised for transforming previously unused land beside the platforms into a sensory community garden.
Station assistants Ray McDonagh and Azaz Khan began the project as a modest effort to brighten up a neglected patch of land.
It has since become a valued outdoor space for schoolchildren including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities as well as older residents and people living with dementia from nearby Priscilla Wakefield House.
The garden now hosts community events and acts as an informal meeting point for neighbours. It has also picked up recognition of its own, including Overground in Bloom and TfL in Bloom awards.
“The garden belongs to the community,” McDonagh said. “The real reward has been watching children learn, friendships grow and neighbours get to know each other.”
How the World Cup of Stations competition works
The shortlist was drawn from more than 150 public nominations across Britain, with a judging panel selecting 20 stations for their impact on passengers and local communities.
South Tottenham and St Pancras are competing in the southern division alongside Brookwood in Surrey and Bishopstone in East Sussex.
Public voting opened on Monday, October 12 and closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, October 18. The leading station from each of the five regional groups will advance after voting on Wednesday evening, leaving five finalists; the overall winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 20.
Why these two London train stations have been shortlisted
St Pancras International Victorian architecture, international connections, food and retail, pianos and seasonal displays.
South Tottenham A community sensory garden created from unused station land, supporting children, older people and residents with dementia.
Rail Delivery Group co-chief executive Dan Mann said the award is intended to highlight the railway’s wider social value. “Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference,” he said.
Votes can be cast at the Rail Delivery Group’s World Cup of Stations page until Sunday evening.
