Best trainspotting station in the UK?

[miklcct]

So is Clapham Junction, where Southern and Overground traffic can be viewed in addition.

Queenstown Road has an unobstructed view of all running lines from the platform, which can't be done at Clapham Junction.

 

[william.martin]

Clapham junction and Stratford are pretty much always on my list of places to visit.
For some reason ever since I began these annual London trips (5 years ago) i have always accidentally ended up at Both London bridge and Blackfriars station.

 

[birchesgreen]

Stratford is a great place, lots of variety and one of those stations where something is leaving/arriving every time you move your head.

 

[jp4712]

For me, a good trainspotting station has a number of factors. One would be the quantity and variety of traffic coming through; others would include ability to take good photos, reputation/friendliness of the staff, ability to park (if coming by car), and possibly availability of toilets and a hot drink. Stafford also.

I've always enjoyed York which ticks all those boxes, but I found Sheffield - which should be a good location - spoiled by unfriendly staff. But some unmanned stations can be fun, not least because you won't get shouted at! (well not by staff, anyway...)

On this basis, Stone (Staffordshire) is worth an hour not least because it's on a tight curve so non-stoppers must come through only slowly. For photography, older wrought iron footbridges are nice: so places like Morley, Kirkby Stephen and (amazingly) Ravensthorpe.

I think the station that pleasantly surprised me was Selby - surprisingly busy for the location, plenty of shelter, helpful staff, photogenic with the swing bridge just off the platform.

Hull Trains 180 109, ambles into Selby, July 2019 by Paul Williams, on Flickr

 

[Falcon1200]

I spent many an hour at Oxford in the 1970s, and although things have changed a bit since then, it still has some interest; 3 passenger operators, through and terminating trains, and a fair bit of freight (although sadly no MGR trains to Didcot Power Station any more). It also, like other GWR stations, has Staff Information Screens which allow us to see what is on the go. Plus, now, even a Greggs!

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I don't spot but surely it depends on what you want. There is so little variety that it must get boring very quickly. It is not like when I was a lad, etc etc.

but it is an awful station, especially in the cold and the wet - the facilities are very poor .

Like yourself I don't collect numbers, but if there's something interesting worth taking a picture of I'll do it. It's been a good while since I've gone out solely to watch trains and take photos, but if I'm planning a trip I'll try to work in a longish change at places like Crewe or Doncaster. Of those two, I prefer Crewe but mostly because it's less familiar so there's more likely to be stuff I don't get to see on my usual journeys. Though at Doncaster you can at least see stuff in the sidings between the station and the works, whereas at Crewe all the ancillary bits are out of sight.

Ultimately it depends what you're interested in seeing though. In my local area, Mirfield is a decent location, with the western end of the island platform offering good views of anything passing through.

 

[william.martin]

For me, a good trainspotting station has a number of factors. One would be the quantity and variety of traffic coming through; others would include ability to take good photos, reputation/friendliness of the staff, ability to park (if coming by car), and possibly availability of toilets and a hot drink. Stafford also.

I've always enjoyed York which ticks all those boxes, but I found Sheffield - which should be a good location - spoiled by unfriendly staff. But some unmanned stations can be fun, not least because you won't get shouted at! (well not by staff, anyway...)

On this basis, Stone (Staffordshire) is worth an hour not least because it's on a tight curve so non-stoppers must come through only slowly. For photography, older wrought iron footbridges are nice: so places like Morley, Kirkby Stephen and (amazingly) Ravensthorpe.

I think the station that pleasantly surprised me was Selby - surprisingly busy for the location, plenty of shelter, helpful staff, photogenic with the swing bridge just off the platform.

Hull Trains 180 109, ambles into Selby, July 2019 by Paul Williams, on Flickr

Could probably get to Stone in about 30 mins by car, definitely one to consider

 

[william.martin]

I spent many an hour at Oxford in the 1970s, and although things have changed a bit since then, it still has some interest; 3 passenger operators, through and terminating trains, and a fair bit of freight (although sadly no MGR trains to Didcot Power Station any more). It also, like other GWR stations, has Staff Information Screens which allow us to see what is on the go. Plus, now, even a Greggs!

I got told off for looking at the platform staff departure board at New Street!

 

[70014IronDuke]

For me, a good trainspotting station has a number of factors. One would be the quantity and variety of traffic coming through; others would include ability to take good photos, reputation/friendliness of the staff, ability to park (if coming by car), and possibly availability of toilets and a hot drink. Stafford also.

I've always enjoyed York which ticks all those boxes, but I found Sheffield - which should be a good location - spoiled by unfriendly staff. But some unmanned stations can be fun, not least because you won't get shouted at! (well not by staff, anyway...)

I went through this thread out of vague interest, and this post came closest to my thoughts.

As the railway has changed so much since my spottin' days. In terms of types, there were scores of stations where you could see 20 - 30 - 40 different types of steam, diesel and electric in one day in the 60s.

But perhaps what has most changed is the lack of human beings present in the daily scene. No ticket collectors in their boxes, no porters throwing mail bags into the BSK and often no guard with whistle and green flag. And so few signal boxes with men inside and semaphores to pull off (up or down).

As such, Yeovil Pen Mill was interesting when I made a visit there 10 years or so ago. Does Banbury still have semaphores? Appleby?

If you just want a logbook full of numbers at the end of the day, Clapham Jcn always was an amazing location, of course, and must still be. But I speak of the days when Bulleid pacifics would roll through at 50 mph with pullman cars in tow, 4-Cors on the Portsmouths and 2-Bils (was it?) on the Reading lines.

 

[bennickss]

I thought all, or at least the majority, of freight avoided the station (Crewe)?

Quite a bit of freight passes crewe, either by the up/down through roads, the other slow line between platforms 11 and 12, and platform 12 itself

 

[zwk500]

I went through this thread out of vague interest, and this post came closest to my thoughts.

As the railway has changed so much since my spottin' days. In terms of types, there were scores of stations where you could see 20 - 30 - 40 different types of steam, diesel and electric in one day in the 60s.

But perhaps what has most changed is the lack of human beings present in the daily scene. No ticket collectors in their boxes, no porters throwing mail bags into the BSK and often no guard with whistle and green flag. And so few signal boxes with men inside and semaphores to pull off (up or down).

As such, Yeovil Pen Mill was interesting when I made a visit there 10 years or so ago. Does Banbury still have semaphores? Appleby?

If you just want a logbook full of numbers at the end of the day, Clapham Jcn always was an amazing location, of course, and must still be. But I speak of the days when Bulleid pacifics would roll through at 50 mph with pullman cars in tow, 4-Cors on the Portsmouths and 2-Bils (was it?) on the Reading lines.

Banbury has definitely lost its semaphores, not sure about Appleby

All this nostalgia is all very well, but for all the excitement removed from the railway we do (well, did) have a much better service for the general public.

 

[1D54]

Nuneaton is a busy station and has loads of freight workings all day. There are usually 20 plus enthusiasts in situ most days which says it all.

 

[william.martin]

Nuneaton is a busy station and has loads of freight workings all day. There are usually 20 plus enthusiasts in situ most days which says it all.

That sound more like it, regular service but only a short drive away.

Would anybody have any suggestions for stations that could either be reachable from Wolverhampton or Shrewsbury in about 1 hour max. (Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury are my nearest significant stations.)

 

[william.martin]

Just to give more of an idea of what I am looking for (for my annual BIG spotting trip) I would rather see variety than lets say getting an endless stream of electrostars through Clapham junction.
That is why my personal favourite is Dawlish Warren because let's face it, you get good variety anywhere on the Riviera line however said location has passing tracks making excellent overtaking shots.

 

[zwk500]

That sound more like it, regular service but only a short drive away.

Would anybody have any suggestions for stations that could either be reachable from Wolverhampton or Shrewsbury in about 1 hour max. (Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury are my nearest significant stations.)

Just to give more of an idea of what I am looking for (for my annual BIG spotting trip) I would rather see variety than lets say getting an endless stream of electrostars through Clapham junction.
That is why my personal favourite is Dawlish Warren because let's face it, you get good variety anywhere on the Riviera line however said location has passing tracks making excellent overtaking shots.

For variety, Crewe probably is the most likely on certain days, but you'd have to check the timing of the specials carefully. For more general stuff, Stafford is close to your stations and has a good mix of locals, express and freight (390s, 220/221s, 325s, 350s, 90s, 66s and so on). You also have Bescot Stadium (for freight) or Water Orton (Voyagers and Freight) nearby, although again it depends exactly what you want.

 

[william.martin]

For variety, Crewe probably is the most likely on certain days, but you'd have to check the timing of the specials carefully. For more general stuff, Stafford is close to your stations and has a good mix of locals, express and freight (390s, 220/221s, 325s, 350s, 90s, 66s and so on). You also have Bescot Stadium (for freight) or Water Orton (Voyagers and Freight) nearby, although again it depends exactly what you want.

Crewe seems to be winning this for my local trip (I could also visit the railway museum their.) I could probably drive to Stafford in 20 mins so that also seems very suitable.
Maybe I drive to Stafford, have an hour there, then catch a train up to Crewe before returning for a final stint of spotting at Stafford.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I'd say Queenstown Road (Battersea). The reason is because one single place for the whole SWR fleet.

So is Clapham Junction, where Southern and Overground traffic can be viewed in addition.

Exactly. I find I rarely miss any SWR stuff at the slightly wider Clapham Junction but to make sure the optimum position is to be at the London end of platform 9&10 iirc (the one with the big advertising hoarding). Then make sure you don't ignore stiff coming out on the Windsor lines (platforms 5&6) in case you missed them going into Waterloo (on platforms 3&4). You get a lot extra over Queenstown Road - about half of Victoria and the London Overground.

 

[AJM580]

Over the eastern side of the country, Ely is worth a visit. Plenty of freight, and a choice of places to get a coffee on the station. Can also see the Stadler 755s change-over from diesel to electric if that's your thing

 

[Peter Sarf]

Over the eastern side of the country, Ely is worth a visit. Plenty of freight, and a choice of places to get a coffee on the station. Can also see the Stadler 755s change-over from diesel to electric if that's your thing

Yes, nice to go somewhere with "facilities" - tea/coffee, snacks and indoors. I have survived Nuneaton in winter that way.

 

[Train Maniac]

York- Nice trainshed, curving platforms, large variety of traction (+railtours)
Crewe- Home of LSL, freight lines can be tricky to find but can be viewed from the road bridge outside the main station
Carlisle- Great variety of traction again, always something happening
Clapham Junction- TRRRRRAAAAAIIIINNSSSS!!!!

 

[Peter Sarf]

York- Nice trainshed, curving platforms, large variety of traction (+railtours)
Crewe- Home of LSL, freight lines can be tricky to find but can be viewed from the road bridge outside the main station
Carlisle- Great variety of traction again, always something happening
Clapham Junction- TRRRRRAAAAAIIIINNSSSS!!!!

Then, it comes down to what trans you like and/or need.

After exhausting Clapham Junction I would recommend :-
London Bridge a bit tricky as the East end of the platforms do not seem to let you easily see across the whole formation since rebuilding.
Blackfriars as this is where the most 700s will be seen (including the terminators from Sevenoaks).
Bethnal Green (bit exposed).
Willesden Junction for 378s and 710s plus the odd freight (keeps you exercising).
Ealing Broadway gets you some freight.

Away from London :-
Birmingham New Street - Fond memories.
Manchester Piccadilly.
Leeds.
Not sure about Crewe really as not that busy.
Cardiff.
Glasgow Central.
Edinburgh Waverley.

Many of the above lot are not that good for freight necessarily. Sat in the car at some junctions is nice for that, but they are not stations.

 

[Ken H]

If you are into sub surface trains, I reckon Earls Court is a good one. Dunno how sitting there all day would be charged to your oyster card tho.

 

[Falcon1200]

I got told off for looking at the platform staff departure board at New Street!

Don't understand why that would be an issue (or rather, why some staff would make it one). But to be fair I've never had a problem with GWR, checking the screens at Oxford, Didcot and Reading for example, and a couple of times I have explained to other interested passengers what they were showing!

 

[william.martin]

If you are into sub surface trains, I reckon Earls Court is a good one. Dunno how sitting there all day would be charged to your oyster card tho.

I love earls court, I have stayed at hotels in the area many times.

 

[william.martin]

Don't understand why that would be an issue (or rather, why some staff would make it one). But to be fair I've never had a problem with GWR, checking the screens at Oxford, Didcot and Reading for example, and a couple of times I have explained to other interested passengers what they were showing!

They said that they didn't want people getting confused, as I hold a red pen and log book in hand.

 

[birchesgreen]

If you are into sub surface trains, I reckon Earls Court is a good one. Dunno how sitting there all day would be charged to your oyster card tho.

If you are going to be at a station for an extended period its better to get a paper day ticket.

 

[Peter Sarf]

If you are going to be at a station for an extended period its better to get a paper day ticket.

Or an over 60s Oyster. Although I am not sure if I am failing to adhere to the terms and conditions by hanging around stations too long ?. Yes pre-pay was a right pain in the proverbial.

 

[1D54]

I need about 30 class 345s so will be heading south as soon as the weather improves and was wondering what is the best place to see as many as possible in a few hours. I used to hang around Padd and Bethnal Green but is there anywhere better now the the Elizabeth Line is open?

 

[chipbury]

My local preference is Westbury, I can cyle down there lock my bike up outside and wander onto the platforms. It's got a decent toilet and an independant (I think) shop that's quite good. As someone pointed out above it's a GWR station so has a staff screen so you can see what's happening.
Depending when you time it there can be several freights coming through and always some shunting going on either side of the line. Some excursion trains use the route to get to Bath/Bristol from London so that provides a bit of variety. I can't comment on the passenger services as multiple units aren't really my thing.
The advantage of going by bike is I can cycle to the back of the yards and see what loco's are hidden from the platforms (sometimes 2/3).

 

[Halwynd]

What is Chesterfield like these days?

I used to go to take photographs there regularly in the 80s. The footbridge to the north of the station was my favourite spot, being near enough to the station that you could go back to use the toilets, or for a drink and a snack, within a few minutes walk.

I had some great days there - there was often that much traffic, particularly freight, that you could easily spend the day there without the slightest period of boredom. The coal and steel traffic is now sadly gone, but there might still be enough freight to be of interest?