When you think of glamorous rail travel, the Orient Express or Rocky Mountaineer perhaps come to mind – and not a station in northern England. But Hull Paragon Interchange has just defied those expectations, scooping the title of Best Large Train Station in Britain at the 2025 National Rail Awards, otherwise known as the ‘Railway Oscars’. First opened in the 19th century, the city's grand old station is suddenly Britain's newest star.
So, what makes the Paragon Interchange so special? Judges praised the station for its striking artwork, colourful planters and storyboards that showcase Hull's unique character. Even more importantly, its multi-agency safeguarding hub – described as the ‘cherry on top’ – has turned it into a safer, more welcoming space for everyone passing through.
Hull Paragon Interchange’s ‘wow factor’ hasn’t gone unnoticed before – the station has even had a bit of a showbiz streak. Over the years, it's popped up as a filming location for episodes of Agatha Christie and Only Fools and Horses. More recently, in 2024, Sir Steve McQueen transformed it into wartime London Waterloo Station for film Blitz.
And the station is about to get even glitzier. Plans are underway for a swanky new £315,000 bar set to overtake the station’s former ticket office and hall. Passengers could soon be swapping their takeaway coffees for a martini before hopping on the train.
Ben Courtney, former station manager for Hull, Brough and Selby, summed it up best: ‘Hull proudly stands as the largest integrated rail and bus interchange in the North, and is a station we can all be proud of.
‘This award reflects the hard work, passion and commitment of colleagues, partners and the local community who have transformed Hull Paragon into a safer, more welcoming and vibrant place.’
Hull Paragon Interchange has quietly gone from a functional stop to a full-on destination. So next time you’re in Yorkshire, skip the express and take a moment to explore – who knew a train station could be so underrated?
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