A TRAIN station in the UK is set to reopen after being closed for more than 60 years.
Train journeys in the West Midlands are set to improve thanks to a multi-million pound renovation project.
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Aldridge station in Walsall, West Midlands, first opened in 1879.
While the station closed to passengers in 1965, its tracks have still been routinely used by freight services in the years since its closure.
Even though the station hasn’t welcomed a single passenger in nearly 60 years, the West Midlands train station is set to reopen.
According to the New Civil Engineer, the train station’s new site is being secured, paving the way for construction to start on the site.
The new train station, which has benefitted from £30million worth of funding, will have a single platform and a car park with enough space for 40 vehicles.
Aldridge Station is slated to open in 2027, with half-hourly services operating to Walsall town centre.
From Walsall town centre, passengers will be able to catch connecting trains to Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
It is also hoped that additional services to north Wales, Shropshire and London Euston will also operate from the station – although these routes are still being explored by Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway Company.
The funding for the project has been allocated from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement.
Despite the town’s small size, there are some attractions aimed at tourists, including Aldridge Transport Museum.
The small transport museum is home to a range of vintage vehicles, including buses, commercial vehicles, private cars and plenty of other memorabilia.
According to the Aldridge Transport Museum website, visitors are likely to see vintage vehicles in their various stages of renovation.
Formerly known as Ashton Manor Road Transport Museum, the attraction has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with one punter describing it as a “hidden gem”.
Another added: “This is the best transport museum we’ve been to (and we’ve been to a few), because at this one, our son was allowed to ‘play’ in the vehicles.”
At the time of writing, entry tickets to the museum cost £4 for a full-paying adult and £2 for children.
Aldridge is also home to Adventure Island – an indoor adventure park with a soft play area, climbing wall, slides and other activities.
There are other areas for younger children too, including a toddler and baby section.
Entry into the indoor adventure park costs £6.50 per child.
Other attractions near Aldridge lie slightly outside of the town centre, including a local nature reserve called the Cuckoos’ Nook and The Dingle.
Arguably one of the best times to visit the ancient woodland is in May when the bluebells are in full bloom.
Until the new train route is up and running, Aldridge is a 24-minute drive from Birmingham city centre and a 34-minute drive from Wolverhampton.
Aldridge train station isn’t the only transport hub undergoing a huge renovation in the West Midlands.
Darlaston and Willenhall on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line are currently under construction, both of which are slated to open in 2025.
Meanwhile, Aldridge isn’t the only disused railway line that’s set to reopen to the public.
The proposed West London Orbital could also reopen to passengers in the coming years.
The eerie train line stopped carrying passengers back in 1902, but the route wasn’t left to fall to ruin, because some of the tracks have been used to ferry freight trains.
The new route would repurpose old tracks on the Dudding Hill line from Acton and Cricklewood.
Existing stations on the loop will undergo a facelift, with additional platforms and other facilities added.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Meanwhile, a derelict train station dating back to 1881 could be transformed into a holiday park.
And these tourists found a forgotten but perfectly preserved station in London that hadn’t been touched for decades.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
The UK is full of great train journeys, including some with scenic views.
- The West Highland Line in Scotland has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world, thanks to its breathtaking views overlooking mountain landscapes, serene lochs and wistful moors. Tickets start from £19.50.
- The East Coast Main Line from Durham to Edinburgh is another popular railway route. Passengers on this train will be treated to views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the King Edward VII Railway Bridge. Tickets start from £24.50.
- The train from St Erth to St Ives only has one stop on its route, which is complete with sea views. Tickets start from £3.
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