A RAILWAY station in Cornwall is bidding for glory in the World Cup of Stations 2026. 

Par Station, on the railway mainline and at the start of the branchline to Newquay, has got through to the second stage of this year’s competition. 

The World Cup of Stations, first run in 2019, celebrates railway stations across Great Britain and the communities behind them. 

This year the theme for the competition is “the stations creating connections that matter” with more than 150 stations being nominated by the public for the difference they make to the people and communities they serve. 

Par Station has come through the nomination phase, being among 20 stations nationwide entered into a public vote which is running from Monday (October 12) to Sunday (October 18) at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations 

Par Station is up against three other stations in a Wales and West regional group, these being Crediton in Devon, Yatton near Bristol and Haverfordwest in Wales. 

Members of the public can vote in the World Cup of Stations competition.
Members of the public can vote in the World Cup of Stations competition. (Picture: Submitted)

On Wednesday evening (October 14), each of the regional groups across the country will be cut down to just the leading station. The five national finalists will then battle it out for the title, the station with the most votes being announced as the winner on Tuesday, October 20. 

The pitch for Par Station, which is part of the new Mid Cornwall Metro system, says: “Par is a station where volunteering opens doors. Through gardening, customer service, ticket office experience and passenger assistance, local people build confidence, skills and independence creating friendships, pathways to work and a sense that every contribution matters.”  

Dan Mann, co-chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.   

“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.   

An accessible lift bridge is planned for the railway station at Par. Picture: Google
Par Station is on the mainline through Cornwall and at the start of the branchline to Newquay. (Picture: Google)

“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”  

GWR customer services director Rachel Geliamassi said: “Whether it’s a first job opportunity at Par, a music session at Crediton or an adapted bike ride from Yatton, these stations are changing lives in quiet but lasting ways.  

“That’s down to the brilliant volunteers and partners we’re lucky to work with, and it makes the station a better place for everyone who passes through. We’d love to see the region’s support turn into votes."  

Last year, Ashington in Northumberland took the title following the return of passenger services after a 60-year absence. Other previous winners include Glasgow Queen Street and Huddersfield. 

Votes for this year’s competition can be made online at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations until 11.59pm on Sunday (October 18), with members of the public being urged to make their voices heard to help crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion.