Ashley Down station reopens after 60-year closure

Bristol’s Ashley Down station reopened over the weekend, marking the return of rail services to the area after six decades

The new station officially welcomed passengers on Saturday, 28 September, as part of an initiative by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to enhance the region’s rail infrastructure by adding new stations or reopening previously closed ones.

The station, which has been built on the site of the former Ashley Hill station, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the vicinity of key local sports venues, including the Memorial Stadium and the County Cricket Ground, especially on match days. The original Ashley Hill station was closed in 1964 during the sweeping Beeching cuts, which led to the closure of around 5,000 miles of railway lines and over 2,300 stations across the UK in the 1960s.

Ashley Down station will be serviced by an existing hourly route between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood, providing improved connectivity for residents and easing pressure on road traffic.

Picture credit: GWR