Thornton Heath receives most votes to be named London’s best train station

The World Cup of Stations Awards, hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, celebrates the importance of the railway network and its role in supporting local businesses, communities and the economy.

Users voted for the station that best shows how businesses are important for stations and local economies.

The four stations that voters could vote for in the London region were Thornton Heath, Richmond, Bowes Park, and West Hampstead Thameslink.

The vote closed on Monday (October 14), and Thornton Heath received the highest percentage of votes with 37.21 per cent.

Bowes Park was a close second with 36.98 per cent of votes, while Richmond station had 17.05 per cent of votes.

West Hampstead Thameslink had a significantly low percentage of votes with just 8.76 per cent.

Thornton Heath is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its independent eateries and bars, as well as its numerous walking trails.

Managed by Southern, the station provides access to the Brighton main line between Norbury and Selhurst, connecting to Watford, Croydon, London Bridge, and London Victoria.

It also has step-free access, a ticket office, and refreshment options for commuters.

The awards are separated into 12 regions, with four stations within each region shortlisted for a chance to the named as the region’s best.

This year 48 stations have been named as finalists, with the winner of each region being decided over three days from October 14 to October 16.

There will then be semi-finals on October 17, and a final showdown on October 18, with the winning station announced on October 22.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Our stations play a vital role in the heart of communities, offering much more than transport services. They are home to a wide variety of thriving local businesses, from independent cafes to retailers, that make a real difference to the areas they serve.

“This competition is an opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication of station teams across the country and the critical role stations play in supporting both the local economy and community life.”

“Last year’s competition saw Wemyss Bay in Scotland take the crown, with over 72,000 votes cast. This time, the stakes are even higher, as stations from every corner of the UK bring their best game to the table.

“From quirky coffee shops to independent retailers, this year’s nominees prove that there’s a lot more going on at your local station than you might think.”