My local UK train station has been crowned one of the best in Europe – with secret museum, sports bars & Victorian organ
TRAIN stations are places we love to hate, they can be busy and loud, but there are a few that make the travel experience more bearable - sometimes even enjoyable.
One of those is London Bridge which has been named as one of the top train stations in Europe and as a regular commuter, I can see why.
8
London Bridge Station is one of the best in Europe
Credit: Alice Penwill
8
The index placed London Bridge Station in 10th place thanks to its facilities and links
Credit: Alamy
The London-based station that sees 50 million passengers a year came in tenth place on the
The index ranked 50 rail hubs across the continent and based it on 16 categories, from tickets to the number of in-station services.
Other factors were how long station ticket offices were open, variety of tickets, train delays, Wi-Fi, accessibility and the number of shops and restaurants.
London Bridge station sits in tenth place, joint with Leipzig Hbf in Germany which both scored 85 out of 118 points.
Read More on Train Stations
While I can't comment on Leipzig Hbf, London Bridge is a station I'm very familiar with.
Now, I don't think anyone can ever say that the commute is the best part of their day, but London Bridge certainly makes it easier.
I travel into London Bridge three days a week, and after venturing into multiple London stations throughout my life - I can say it's one of the best.
For one, it has lots of shops and restaurants whether it's getting a meal deal in Boots, or a Pret coffee, treats from M&S, or even window shopping in the designer shops like Reiss and All Saints.
Most read in News Travel
Right outside the station is Redwood, a sprawling sports bar with a sun-trap terrace that's always popular during the summer months.
The Wi-Fi is easy to join and reliable, the only place it seems to disappear is when I go up onto the platform level and walk towards the end - which I can deal with.
Huge new train station to open in world's most popular city
8
London Bridge Station has lots of designer shops in the vaults
Credit: Alice Penwill
8
There are three mini exhibits in London Bridge Station
Credit: Alice Penwill
One almost undiscovered part of the station that is a hit with history buffs is the 'secret museum'.
Enclosed in three cases near the exit to Tooley Street are ancient items found during the redevelopment of the station.
Between the years of 2012 and 2017, many items were discovered, such as drinking cups used in old taverns, medieval floor tiles, tobacco pipes, and even spoons.
Now, you've heard of the
It's an art piece commissioned by Jimmy C which has been installed in the station, and I like to think it's a marker people use for a first date, or a friend's meeting spot.
Inside the station there's also a station pipe organ, which is known as Henry.
It was built in 1880 and as of 2022, has been open to the public as part of the 'Pipe Up for Pipe Organs' charity project.
But for me, the best part about the station is, of course, the train links.
I can get a direct service from where I live in North Hertfordshire, all the way into London Bridge in one hour - covering 33 miles.
8
'Meet By the Heart' is London Bridge's version of the Waterloo clock
Credit: Alice Penwill
There are plenty of transport routes whether that's to Kent,
In fact, London Bridge station sees approximately 1,238 train services per day with over 40,000 passengers - although it doesn't feel this way.
As I understand it, London Bridge Station hasn't always been so easy to navigate.
It's one of the oldest train stations in the world and is 188 years old, having opened on December 14, 1836.
While impressive, this means that it wasn't built for the huge number of passengers it sees today, hence why it's gone through big transformations over the years.
London Bridge re-opened in 2018 with a new concourse which was designed to make it open and airy.
There's also a wooden slatted ceiling and the platforms were raised too.
8
The station even has its own organ that's open for public use
Credit: Alice Penwill
8
Outside the station is Redwood, a busy sports bar with a terrace
Credit: Alice Penwill
All of the 15 platforms are accessible via the escalators, so usually, there aren't many people gathering in the main terminal but up on platform level instead.
As for delays, I can't say I take much notice of any services other than my own, but they are pretty reliable.
I barely have delays out of London Bridge Station, apart from the odd day, and it's never more than ten minutes late.
For anyone hopping onto the tube, it has connections with the Jubilee and Northern Line.
Of course, anyone venturing into London Bridge Station will discover the city at their fingertips.
Outside is the world-famous Shard building, but within a one-mile radius, there's over 600 restaurants.
I find it's great for access to
Sun Travel has picked the UK's prettiest train stations - some with beachfront views and champagne bars.
And another of the
8
London Bridge Station has lots to offer from eateries, shops and travel links
Credit: Alice Penwill
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘It's my new favourite Spanish destination' – The pretty city with €2.50 wine and Europe's biggest flea market
OUR new column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots. This week we turn the spotlight on Spanish capital Madrid , with the help of a true expert. Advertisement 6 Madrid is the perfect Spanish city break Credit: Alamy 6 The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city. She said: "I've been lucky enough to visit a number of Spanish cities, and Madrid has become my favourite. "It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene. "I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50. Advertisement Read more on Spain "Otherwise my favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club. "The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off her bill). "Otherwise catch some live music at Sala Equi, a former adult-movie theatre turned bar/live music venue. D"on't forget to visit the famous Prado Museum after 6pm for free tickets. Advertisement Most read in City breaks Exclusive "And it is often called one of Europe 's most walkable city but I fell in love with the Metro, making it super easy to get around. And Hannah Shaw is British Airways Holidays ' destination executive for the city and here she shares her favourite tips... Spanish city with £15 flights from the UK 6 The city isn't short of amazing rooftops 6 Pez has the best Spanish omelette Advertisement MUST SEE / DO The peaceful Parque del Retiro is often considered as the locals' equivalent to a beach. This tranquil park offers rowboat rentals on a picturesque lake, pretty rose gardens and the historic Crystal Palace . The Plaza Mayor, Madrid's grand central square, and the Royal Palace are must-sees. But also take time to visit the Sunday market of El Rastro - it's the largest open-air market in Europe and the place to pick up a bargain. Advertisement HIDDEN GEMS Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake of Casa de Campo, Madrid 's largest public park. And head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Lavapies - full of energy and history , it is one of the best spots to get an authentic local experience in the city. Wander around the colourful narrow streets and explore a variety of captivating architecture and quaint little shops. 6 El Rastro market is a must Credit: Alamy Advertisement BEST VIEW The Sky Bar terrace on the 27th floor of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, in the grand Edificio Espana on Madrid's Gran Via, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Sunset is best for admiring the city as it comes alive after dark with live music and classy cocktails. But the glass-floored bridge that connects two parts of the terrace is not for vertigo sufferers. RATED RESTAURANTS Take your pick of gourmet specialities at the Mercado San Miguel - this fabulous food market features Spain's finest produce and regional specialities. Advertisement For the best churros, head to Chocolateria San Gines, and tapas lovers should make a beeline for La Casa del Abuelo or Casa Toni. For the best paella in Madrid, head to Arroceria. BEST BAR The Calle 365 Discoteca is a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50. For something a little different, try La Santoria, a speakeasystyle joint in the centre of the city behind an unassuming door where your clue is the bell to ring. Advertisement HOTEL PICK The H10 Puerta de Alcala in the Salamanca neighbourhood is well located for exploring, and just 100 yards from the Parque del Retiro. Enjoy a dip in its rooftop pool after a busy day, or a drink on the terrace with stunning city views. Two nights' room-only at the hotel is from £321 per person including flights from Heathrow on May 15. See 6 Holiday packages are around £321pp Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The Spanish love these three drinks to keep them cool in summer – here's how to find them in the UK
WHILE the UK is set to hit 30C this week, us Brits are still not as good at coping with hot weather as Spaniards. And when it comes to drinks, Sangria might seem as Spanish as a siesta when it comes to beating the heat, 4 The Spanish have three drinks they love for when the weather gets hot Credit: Alamy 4 Agua de Valencia is also a popular drink Credit: Alamy But there are The most family-friendly of the three is the non-alcoholic horchata de chufa, which has a creamy consistency like a milkshake, but is made from chufas or tiger nuts, which are a root. It's packed with iron, potassium and antioxidants and often flavoured with cinnamon or lemon. I first encountered it when I visited relatives living in Alboraya, on the outskirts of Read more on spanish My grandma took one mouthful and declared that it was a drink that could send you mad, so I think it's fair to say that it might be a bit of an acquired taste. But for many Valencians, it's up there with A lovely spot to enjoy it is at the Mercat Colon near the Turia, which is a gorgeous 100-year-old art nouveau market hall in the city centre, renovated and now used to house bars and shops. Orxata Daniel, one of the most popular horchaterias, has a base there so you don't need to catch the metro out of the city centre if you want to try the drink the Spanish go mad for. Most read in News Travel You can also buy it pre-bottled in the UK now (£14.95 for two on Amazon) although it's not a patch on the freshly made drink. If you're after a thirst-quencher that includes something a bit stronger, then San Sebastian cider season It's another drink that uses what the Valencians find in abundance in their lands, but this time the key ingredient is orange juice. Oh, and cava, gin and vodka, of course. When I first tried this delicious cocktail on a bar crawl through the bohemian district of Rusafa, next to the main city train station, I had no idea quite how much booze it contained, thanks to the fresh orange juice used as a mixer. Safe to say, I certainly discovered just how alcoholic it was when it came to the next day's hangover. I even had it as a signature drink at my hen do as it's a real crowd-pleaser and one that suits most people's taste buds, if not their tolerance of alcohol! To find it in the UK, restaurants like Bar + Block or Iberica, which have a number of eateries across the country. 4 If you don't want alcohol you can try horchata Credit: Alamy One drink that really is a taste of summer for Spaniards across the country is In the same way that we might enjoy a white wine spritzer on a sunny day, this is their equivalent, but with red wine. It's often made with either gaseosa soda or lemonade and the name translated means summer red wine. This is probably the closest to the sangria that we Brits know and love when we head abroad, but a little bit less alcoholic and so better for keeping hydrated in the heat without risking a hangover. Most Spanish restaurants will serve it, including popular ones like Al-Andalus Tapas Bar in Oxford or The Ginger Pig in London. Hopefully It's a little taste of the Med but without even leaving your own back garden. In the mean time, we've found the 4 Tinto de verano is a must as well Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I've found the cheapest annual passes for top attractions across UK – from just £6 a year
FOR 13 weeks a year, parents with school-age kids scramble to find enough activities to fill the endless holiday days... without also breaking the bank. My sons are seven and nine, and I am always on the hunt for ways to occupy them in their time off. Advertisement 15 Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse is a brilliant bargain hunter when it comes to kids' activities Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 15 The Roald Dahl Children's museum in Bucks is fun for kids under 10 Credit: Alamy 15 Bus and train fans love the London Transport Museum Credit: Alamy If you're planning to visit attractions in the UK this summer, it's worth stealing this tip to future-proof your family fun days - and save a lot of money! Sometimes Advertisement As well as some brilliant, Sometimes, that means after just one extra visit, you can go as House of fun I love a bargain and think I might have found the cheapest annual pass for my family, right here on my doorstep. The 1620s House and Gardens near Coalville is a medieval manor house run by Children can get in free with their Advertisement Parking is free, so that's another huge bonus. We love doing the The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park The attraction also hosts outdoor theatre productions and is a glimpse into Jacobean life, with the family who lived here linked to one of the The old barn is now a tearoom, which often offers children's craft activities and Our favourite is dressing up for Pirate Day in August, when families sing sea shanties, learn how to handle a pretend cutlass and finish up with a huge wet sponge fight around a cardboard box pirate ship on the lawn. Advertisement Some activities do cost a bit extra and are not included with your annual ticket, but we never spend very much. This underrated place is such a find and there are places just like this all around the UK. If you don't live 15 Catherine's kids love Pirate Day at the 1620s House and Gardens near Coalville Credit: Catherine Lofthouse 15 Cardiff Castle is right in the middle of the city - and if you live or work nearby, you're entitled to a 'Key to the Castle' Credit: Alamy Advertisement Cardiff Castle This impressive building should be a must-see for anyone spending time in the I was fascinated to find out how hidden tunnels were used to keep locals safe during the If you live or work in the city, you're entitled to a Key to the Castle, which gives you free access for three years. There's a £7.50 admin charge for adults, but it's free for children, so a one-adult family visiting Preston Park, Stockton-on-Tees 15 A children's climbing frame in Preston Park Stockton-on-Tees Credit: Alamy Advertisement At Preston Park, one adult and three children can get admission all year round for £10, so if I took my boys twice a month, it would cost 42p a visit, as it's open all year-round except most Mondays. This is a Head to the skatepark to watch or test your balance, let kids loose in the adventure playground or have a mini adventure on one of the designated There's also a Victorian street where visitors can buy sweets or find out about the lives of ironmongers, printers, grocers, drapers, chemists, police officers and blacksmiths. The museum has galleries about Advertisement SeaCity Museum, Southampton 15 SeaCity Museum in Southampton is a very cool building Credit: Alamy I can highly recommend a visit here. I had almost as much fun as the kids. There is a whole area about about the We all enjoyed the immersive nature of the exhibition about the 'unsinkable' ship, which made its maiden and final voyage from Southampton Docks. An annual pass costs £25.65 when booked online in advance for one adult and three children, so if you visited twice a month, it would cost £1.07 per visit. Advertisement There's also a great cafe downstairs where you can get snacks and drinks and it's lovely to see an old building being repurposed. Scottish Wildlife Trust 15 The Falls of Clyde at New Lanark Credit: Alamy It's easy to overlook the wildlife trusts that we have across the UK, but they can offer great value for money if your annual membership includes car parking on multiple sites. Up in Scotland, wildlife trust family membership is £5 a month and includes access to visitor centres, which is usually £6.50 per adult and free for children. Or, if your child has a Advertisement If you do plump for family membership and use it twice a month, it will cost £2.50 per visit. London Transport Museum 15 The London Transport Museum is inside a former Victorian fruit and vegetable market Credit: Alamy There are loads of great free museums in London, but they can get very busy in the summer months. Instead, opt for one with an annual pass, like the London Transport Museum. My boys love it here and it's packed with Advertisement For young Its location in Adults pay £25 and kids go free, so if you visit twice a month, it will cost you £1.04 each trip. Jewry Wall, Leicester 15 The Jewry Wall Museum, Leicester is built around the remains of a Roman bathhouse Credit: Alamy This museum based around the nine-metre high remains of a city centre bathhouse has been closed since 2017 and will Advertisement History fans can boast they have seen one of the tallest surviving sections of It dates from about AD 160, although younger kids might not appreciate how unique it is. While it's no longer free to visit, the Roman Explorer Pass means you can pay once and visit all year round. A family of four will cost £32, so if we visit twice a month, it will be £1.33 per trip. City of Norwich Aviation Museum If you have a fan of flying in the family, Advertisement This museum in Norwich even has free entry for children aged under eight, so you could save money if your little one is still tiny. There has also been a 'kids for a quid' scheme over the last couple of school holidays, so keep a lookout in case that makes a return The annual pass is only £40 for two adults and three children aged 8-16 years anyway, so if I took my family twice a month, it would be £1.66 per visit. 15 Planes at the Norwich Aviation Museum Credit: Alamy 15 Little bookworms will love it here at the Roald Dahl Museum Credit: Alamy Advertisement Roald Dahl Museum, Bucks Little bookworms who are fans of The centre, which is in Buckinghamshire, has digital games, painting and crafts and children's workshops. Ideal for children under 10. At £42 for one adult and three children for the year, two visits a month would cost £1.75 per trip. British Motor Museum, Coventry With two buildings packed full of motor vehicles, there's plenty to keep everyone happy for hours here - especially kids who love cars. There's a playground next to the car park and extra kids' activities during the school holidays, so you'll definitely want to make a return visit or two if you live close to Norwich. Advertisement At £46 for a family of four or £52 for a family of five, getting an annual pass for my boys and me would work out at £1.92 per trip if we visited twice a month. 15 A classic red mini at the British Motor Museum Credit: Alamy 15 Murton Park farming museum Credit: Alamy Murton Park, York Spread across 14 acres of countryside, you're bound to find something to keep everyone happy, whether you like playgrounds, farm animals, trips on a miniature railway or living history. Just outside York is home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, the park also hosts immersive reenactment events and a monthly kids' club – all included in the price. Advertisement At £48 for an annual pass for two adults and three children, visiting twice a month would cost £2 per trip. The Story of Emily, Liskeard This one might not seem an obvious choice for family-friendly fun, but if you've got older children interested in history, this could be a good call. The attraction Set in the rectory where she grew up, the museum's recently opened War Rooms give a glimpse into the world she experienced during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa. The new family pass is £45 for one adult and two children, with the option to add extra children for £5 each. Advertisement Two trips a month for my three kids and me would be £2.08 per visit. 15 Tram fans can ride on vintage vehicles at Crich Tramway Museum Credit: Alamy Crich Tramway Museum, Derbyshire My boys love riding the There's an indoor play area for kids under 10, as well as an outdoor Tickets for a family of five booked online in advance cost £52, so that would work out at £2.17 per trip if visited twice a month. Advertisement Ironbridge Valley of Invention, Telford This World Heritage Site boasts multiple museums, including Blists Hill Victorian Town and Enginuity, which offers hands-on science and engineering fun. You can buy day tickets or pay to visit the museums separately, but an annual pass covers all the attractions for the whole year. At £61 for one adult and up to four children, it would cost £2.54 per trip to go twice a month. It just goes to show that you don't have to fork out hundreds to get annual memberships to historic houses, museums or nature reserves. While spending more for the likes of Advertisement The Big Summer Theatre Event SUN Club members can enjoy the cheapest tickets in town and save up to 60 per cent on theatre shows with The Big Summer Theatre Event! London Theatre Direct's Big Summer Theatre Event is a must for all theatre fans. The event includes all your favourite West End musicals and plays – including Tina, Back to the Future, Clueless, The Play That Goes Wrong, Stranger Things, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and more. How to book Step 1: To book your London Theatre Direct tickets head to the Step 2: Select the Theatre Tickets tile, click Step 3: Choose your theatre show and look for the dates marked with stars to check out our exclusive sale prices. Prices show the exclusive Sun Club member savings. Step 4: Your exclusive 10 per cent additional discount will be automatically applied. Step 5: Enter your details in the checkout and pay. You will then receive an email with your tickets. Offer is open to UK residents aged 18+ only. Save an additional 10 per cent off tickets. Offer ends at 23:59pm on Monday, July 7, 2025. Full T&Cs apply, see below.
