The UK has a rich cinematic history, with many of the world’s favourite movies being filmed and produced in the UK. With so many classic films coming out of the UK, there are also many iconic movies that 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.
Join CrossCountry as we focus on some of the biggest movies that feature UK train stations and set the scene for how the part these stations play. Grab yourself some popcorn and discover UK train stations that feature in famous movies.
Trainspotting – Corrour Railway Station, Scottish Highlands
Featuring in the hit Scottish movie Trainspotting, featuring Ewan McGregor, Corrour train station is up there as one of the most remote train stations in the UK. With the nearest public road being seventeen 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. No spoilers for those who haven’t seen Trainspotting, but let's just say it is not about a group of rail enthusiasts! If you’re thinking of retracing Renton, Tommy, Spud, and Sick Boy’s journey, you can get the train from Edinburgh Waverley station.
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 one of the most famous British trains operating from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley station. All the daring stunts performed in this thriller were filmed on a moving train, making this even more nail-biting.
The Bourne Ultimatum – London Waterloo, London
Waterloo, another one of London’s most iconic train stations, 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 scene is so tense because the station was never shut down while filming.
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 much-loved 2014 version. In the movies, we see the Brown family discovering the bear at Paddington station, which is the inspiration for his name. Today, fans 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 Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy, The Worlds End is a story of five school friends who reunite at Newton Haven Station, which is actually 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.
Harry Potter Train Stations
The Harry Potter franchise features a number of UK train stations, with some playing major roles in the storytelling. Let’s explore train stations that feature in the Harry Potter movies.
London Kings Cross Station, London
The most iconic train location to feature in the Harry Potter movies is Platform 9¾ at London Kings Cross station, where the Hogwarts Express departs for Hogwarts. This movie franchise has made the fictional platform one of the most famous train station 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. On September 1st, you can go and hear the Hogwarts Express announcement and see it on the train board leave the station.
Goathland Station, Yorkshire
Once all the witches and wizards have boarded the Hogwarts Express and departed form Kings Cross, they are bound for Hogsmeade station. This is where Hagrid welcomes all Hogwarts students on the platform. The actual station where these scenes were filmed is Goathland station; a picturesque station tucked away in an equally as beautiful North York Moors National Park, in Yorkshire.
Surbiton Station, London
This station feature is a little more obscure, and may only be recognisable to the true 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 the fictional town of Budleigh Babberton. If you recognise this train station from the Harry Potter movies, ten points to Gryffindor!
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.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
