Here in the UK, we have a strong relationship with the railways that dates back hundreds of years. So it may not come as a surprise to learn that the oldest surviving railway station in the world is right here in Britain. 

Situated in Manchester, Liverpool Road Station was built almost 200 years ago in 1830. Forming a key part of the historic Liverpool and Manchester railway, this transport hub became revolutionary when it came to trade and travel in the area. And it was the world’s first steam powered, inter-urban railway, made to connect Liverpool with Manchester, which was undergoing an industrial transformation at the time.

It actually only operated as a railway station for 14 years until its closure in 1844, due to the opening of Manchester Victoria station nearby.

However, it continued to run as a goods station until 1975, before it was closed and preserved a few years later. It’s the oldest surviving station building anywhere in the world, according to Guinness World Records.

Now a Grade I Listed Building, the station now forms part of the Science and Industry Museum. But back in the day, it played a massive role in the development of the UK rail system.

The site included a brick viaduct, canal-style warehouses, and one of the first modern girder bridges, which helped trains cross Water Street in central Manchester.

Passengers were transported to the station by horse-drawn carriages, where first and second-class passengers had to book their tickets in separate halls. The luggage was then loaded on to the carriage roof, and passengers were then allowed to board at the sound of a bell – which is still on display in the station building.

The station eventually ended passenger services when the nearby Victoria station opened in 1844, and was then turned into a goods yard from 1923 until 1948.

And after the UK railways were nationalised in 1948, it was taken over by British Railways until its closure nearly 30 years later.

When this happened, one of its warehouses was purchased by Granada, and it was partially used for the set of Coronation Street. According to the National Transport Trust, once Liverpool Road ceased rail operations in the 1970s, Earlestown Station in nearby Newton-le-Willows became the oldest station still in use today.