Northampton railway station facts for kids

Northampton railway station is a busy train station in the town of Northampton, England. It's a key part of the West Coast Main Line, which is a very important railway line in the UK. The station helps people travel between London Euston and Birmingham New Street with services from London Midland (now West Midlands Trains). Sometimes, you might also see faster trains from Virgin Trains (now Avanti West Coast) stopping here.

What is Northampton Station?

Northampton railway station is a central hub for train travel in the town. It connects Northampton to many other places across the country. The station is located on a special part of the railway called the "Northampton loop." This loop is a detour from the main West Coast Main Line.

Why is the West Coast Main Line Important?

The West Coast Main Line is one of the busiest railway lines in Europe. It connects major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. Think of it as a superhighway for trains! Northampton station plays a small but important role in this huge network.

Who Manages the Station?

The station is currently managed by West Midlands Trains. They are responsible for making sure the station runs smoothly. This includes things like keeping the platforms clean, providing information, and selling tickets.

A Look at the Station's History

Northampton railway station has a long and interesting history. The first station opened way back in 1859. Over the years, it has changed a lot to keep up with modern travel needs.

Early Days of the Station

The original station was built by the London and North Western Railway. It was a big deal for Northampton because it made travel much faster and easier. Before trains, people had to travel by horse and carriage, which took a very long time.

Changes Over the Years

The station has been rebuilt and updated several times. For example, a new station building was opened in the 1960s. More recently, a brand new station was opened in January 2015. This new building is modern and designed to handle many passengers every day.

Why Rebuild a Station?

Stations are often rebuilt to make them bigger, more modern, and easier for people to use. As more people travel by train, stations need to grow and offer better facilities. The new Northampton station has more space, better shops, and improved access for everyone.

How Trains Use the Station

Northampton station has five platforms. This means it can handle several trains at once. Trains arrive and depart frequently, especially during busy times like morning and evening commutes.

Train Services You'll Find Here

Most trains stopping at Northampton are local services. These trains connect Northampton to London Euston and Birmingham New Street. They make several stops along the way. Sometimes, faster, "semi-fast" trains also stop here, which means they make fewer stops and get you to your destination quicker.

Connecting to Other Places

From Northampton, you can easily connect to many other towns and cities. For example, you can travel to Milton Keynes, Rugby, and Coventry. This makes Northampton a great starting point for many journeys.

Images for kids

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  London Midland service at Northampton in 2012 prior to rebuilding.

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  1900s postcard of the exterior of Castle station.

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  Castle to Bridge Street ticket from 1957.

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  Frontage of the rebuilt 1960s station in 1967

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  Frontage of new Northampton Station opened in January 2015.

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  A SLS special calls on 14 April 1962, before 1965 remodelling