From black and white classics to Hollywood blockbusters, many iconic movies feature UK train stations. Maybe it is down to their rich history, sheer beauty, or a metaphorical meaning which attracts scriptwriters and directors to the backdrop of a classic British train station.
In this blog, we will focus on some of the most significant movies that feature UK train stations and set the scene for how these stations play their part in the movie. Strap in and grab yourself a big box of popcorn.
Harry Potter Train Station’s
There are so many train stations featured in the Harry Potter franchise that we needed to create it’s very own section of this blog!
London Kings Cross Station, London
Probably the most iconic train station to feature in the Harry Potter movies is, of course, Platform 9 ¾ at London Kings Cross. This is the departing platform of the Hogwarts Express, where the movie franchise has made this fictional platform one of the most famous platforms in the UK. It is so popular that muggles travel from around the world to visit the station and take the opportunity to get the infamous trolley photo, and on September 1st, you can go and hear the Hogwarts Express announcement and see it on the train board leave the station.
Goathland Train Station, Yorkshire
Now, all the witches and wizards who have boarded the Hogwarts Express and departed from Kings Cross; arrive at Hogsmeade Station, where Hagrid welcomes them on the platform. This station is Goathland; a picturesque station tucked away in an equally as beautiful North York Moors National Park, in Yorkshire.
Surbiton Train Station, London
This station feature is a little more obscure, and maybe only known to the Harry Potter fanatics. Surbiton Station features in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where Dumbledore met Harry and Apparated (a magical form of teleportation) himself and Harry to Budleigh Babberton. Hat’s off to anyone who recalls this train station theme!
Trainspotting – Corrour Railway Station, Scottish Highland
In the Scottish hit movie Trainspotting featuring Ewan McGregor, Corrour train station is up there with one of the most remote train stations in the UK. With the nearest public road being 17 miles away, the only way to get there is by train or a very long walk.
To set the scene, the main characters go on a walk in the great outdoors to get away from their life in Edinburgh. If you have not seen the movie, we won’t give any spoilers away, but let's just say it is not about a group of trainspotters! If you’re thinking of retracing Renton, Tommy, Spud and Sick Boy’s journey, you can get the train from Edinburgh Waverley station.
The Bourne Ultimatum – London Waterloo, London
Another one of London’s most iconic train stations Waterloo, features in the action-packed blockbuster movie, The Bourne Ultimatum. Jason Bourne, played by Hollywood legend, Matt Damon, tries to protect a journalist from unseen gunmen. As he tries to obtain information from him, Bourne uses the hustle and bustle of this central London train station to protect him. Supposedly this tense scene in the station was never shut down while filming.
The Railway Children – Oakworth Station, West Yorkshire
Situated in West Yorkshire, Oakworth Station is the home to many scenes in the classic The Railway Children, based on the 1906 book by Edith Nesbit. The movie is based on a mother and her children relocating from London after their father was wrongly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. As the children look for hobbies in their new home, the film follows their adventures interacting with train passengers and the station. For fans of the 1970 movie, the station and neighbouring towns, offer behind-the-scenes tours of the area and famous sets that were used.
The Flying Scotsman – London King’s Cross & Edinburgh Waverley Station
Another classic train movie, The Flying Scotsman, was shot in 1929 and tells the story of a villain out for revenge and a couple in love who try to save the day while aboard a train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverly Station. All the daring stunts performed in this thriller were filmed on a moving train, making this even more nail-biting.
Paddington – Paddington Station, London
Another famous London station to make the list is Paddington Station. It features in the original adaption of the film Paddington Bear, released back in 1958, as well as the 2014 version. In the movies, we see the Brown family discovering the bear at Paddington Station, which is the inspiration for his name, Paddington Brown. Today, visitors can visit this renowned station to see the gold statue of Paddington Bear, as well as purchase souvenirs and movie-related merchandise.
The World’s End – High Wycombe Train, Buckinghamshire
The final film in ‘The Flavours of Cornetto Trilogy’ by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, The Worlds End is a story of 5 school friends who reunited at Newton Haven Station, which is, in fact, filmed at High Wycombe Station, in a quest to finish an epic pub crawl they never completed as teenagers. This Sci-Fi thriller turns from a boozy crawl in their hometown to a bunch of mates in a battle for mankind.
If you’re planning a trip to one of these stations, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia