17 years I lived in Worcestershire. For the last 30 years I have travelled regularly by train from Lancashire to Worcestershire and back often passing through Hartlebury. When I started making that Journey Hartlebury was a request stop. I've watched it being remodelled and upgraded. In all that time I have never got off there. Can't wait for Colwall & Hoscar.
There's an industrial estate close to the station, which is probably responsible for most of the passengers. However, pre- Beeching it likely has significantly more traffic, as just up the line there was the junction with the Severn Valley Railway, which ran to Shrewsbury via Stourport, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Buildwas, with its own branch North of Bewdley - the Wyre Forest Line, running through the forest to Tenbury Wells and Wooferton. Today, the section from Black Bridges (near the junction) to Stourport is Leapgate Country Park, the Stourport Town section is (inevitably) housing, making restoration impossible, the Stourport to Bewdley section is still traceable, but unaccessible, the Bewdley to Bridgnorth section is the SVR heritage railway, the Bridgnorth to Buildwas section still has extant trackbed but has numerous owners, making restoration unlikely, while the Buildwas section is still intact and until recently served Ironbridge Power Station.
Local 'un here! I've lived in Wales for the past four years now but did most of my growing up in Worcestershire, in a town a station away from Hartlebury! It's making me want to pop back and visit my parents. Geoff, what have you done?! (Great video - loved watching it!)
Always love a good 'least used station' video. I did like that the sponsor of the video is a train related company as opposed to say audible, who sponsor random videos. I quite like the sound of trainpal and people are more likely to use the app because it is railway related.
Firstly, welcome to Club LUS Alex. A sterling effort! I must wholeheartedly commend you on your folder. Great minds think alike. I like to think I was a trailblazer, slightly disappointed that you didn’t count the parking spaces but if there weren’t at least seven it doesn’t have the same impact if you don’t give it the Len Goodman treatment. Well done!
Chuckling mightily at the sponsorship bits. Good on you, though, lad. You've done enough excellent documentary works over the years - you deserve every penny coming your way.
First time I went to England, I stayed with my friend , Simon, from uni and his parents. They lived in Hartlebury. What a beautiful town. Very friendly people. His mom and dad were the sweetest people.
In the LUS Rutland video there is another brewery, which Geoff describes as "probably the only LUS with a brewery". He obviously filmed Rutland before Worcestershire.
Split ticketing is easilly explained. Reason why is because in the Network west mids area its more heavilly subserdised by central goverment. So up until Stourbridge Junction the trains are super cheap. So when I commute to Birmingham sometimes super off peak im better off getting a ticket to Stourbrdige then another super off peak ranger round the midlands
We used to live in the area, it was busy during peak times as there was a grammar school. I used to use the kidderminster to Birmingham ride a lot when we lived in the area, but we live in Swindon now. We live 10 mins drive from what was the railway works. It's now a designer outlet mall, but has lots of original features still in place.
It's a shame you didn't stick around in Birmingham. I'm sure Alex would love to show you the Post Office Vaults on New Street. Last time I was there, he showed me his very own Tankard behind the bar! Lovely fella
@@edwilson5416 I bought tickets from TfW and had then delivered, when the envelope arrived the following day (because yes, they were that quick, it turns out the tickets were sold by Trainline, without a booking fee... I really detest Trainline...
Trainline doesn't charge a fee if you buy on the day of travel. But Trainpal looks interesting, especially the split-ticketing feature, so might give it a try.
Hartlebury Station was once connected to the now preserved Severn Valley Railway. In the old BR days, the Severn Valley Railway was 40 miles long in length. It served Hartlebury in Droitwich at that time, and did so until 1965 when BR closed the branch. Now Hartlebury Station is cut off completely from the SVR, which only has the main line connection at Kidderminster. The Severn Valley Railway, in its preserved state, is 16 miles long and if you haven't had a ride along it yet, put it on your to-do list. One reason why Hartlebury Station isn't used as much as it once was.
The noise sounds like a train rattling over a level-crossing! Also, I know people who live very near here, in a town called Kidderminster. You may remember it if you went through it.
Aww I live in Kidderminster! As if you are in my area today and ive only just started following you! Moor St is a lovely station! Hartlebury is a village between Worcester and think it has around 6 trains a day for commuters into Worcs and Brum but thats about it always see someone getting on or off when ive been on there
The Jewellery Quarter stop was on the other side of the road bridge and was originally called Hockley on the old Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Liverpool line.
The Euston entrance isn't new, they've just put up walls to stop you getting from the underground to the overground station as easily, effectively separating them. Caused me to miss my train on Monday :(
It would help the traffic figures for Hartlebury Station if the trains actually stopped there. I waited on the platform, watching trains pass through, for hours before one stopped.. On the return journey I had to get off at Droitwich, catch a bus, then walk 5 miles to get to my motor home stored next to the crossing.
Whenever I’m in the UK I use a BritRail pass, but this seems quite convenient for those who aren’t able to or for those for whom it’s not cost effective to use a rail pass
Most wacky split ticketing I've done is Beeston to Cardiff central. Beeston-Long Eaton, Long Eaton - New Street, New Street to Cheltenham, Cheltenham - Gloucester, Gloucester to Cardiff
Going to Holyhead, you can buy the through ticket to Dublin for about £40-45 - often at least half the price of just Euston-Holyhead....just don't get on the ferry!
Was worth doing this one now - with the passenger growth it's seen in recent years, there's a decent chance this will gain the 4,000 passengers per year it needs to overtake Honeybourne in the next set of figures and no longer be the least used station in Worcestershire.
Update for anyone reading this (unlikely though it seems): this did not come in, Honeybourne recorded an increase while Hartlebury was essentially static.
Hey Geoff, how come you didn't use the Marylebone to Moor Street line? No needing to change from New Street to Moor Street in Birmingham. Also how did you like the new Primark!
It was interesting hearing about the available ticketing app but living in Australia whenever I make one of my occasional visits to England I buy a BritRail pass which is only available to tourists
if you ever want to come down to australia there's a station on the south east queensland network that gets less than 4 passengers a day and is a very quaint one carriage platform in the middle of basically nowhere
I think I like Alex the best out of all the guests so far.....he seems to really like this :) And I was almost tempted to install the app, but then I remembered I don't live in the UK ... nice try!
Not a split ticketing issue but explain the logic behind this one if you can. I want to go from SMK to SRA this Sunday. The price is £43.90. If I buy a ticket to LST, one stop further on it's only £13! So obviously I got a ticket to Liverpool St., but will exit one stop early at Stratford. That honestly makes no sense to me at all.
@@karter9219 Are you kidding me?? It's full of Edwardian period features including the little cafe which is a delight. A million times nicer than New Street. They've done a great job restoring it right down to the small details and it actually feels more authentic than many heritage railways.
Wait a second! When I got the notification, ITV news was talking about 'British Steel' The least used station in the UK is Redcar *British Steel* Coincidence?
@@milkandduckrailway323 Not always that faster. You can get Marylebone - Moor Street services that are only 15 minutes longer than the Virgin service. Once you've changed station at Birmingham (and factoring in the non local extra time it takes to find your way) maybe only 5 minutes longer? Definitely cheaper and nicer.
It really depends on the train timetable and the location of the original destination. Personally prefer Marylebone because is much easier to navigate, less hassle and better view along the line
Hartlebury used to be a lot more important, as it was a Junction for the Severn Valley line, Through Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Bridgnorth, Iron Bridge and Shrewsbury.
Slight issue with the whole split ticketing on the app, it doesn’t always seem to deal with a mix of advanced tickets and off peak ones. It offered me a saving of 90p on a trip between Liverpool to Wycombe even though the saving should have been over £15 with advanced tickets and off peak ones. That maybe my settings but certain websites are definitely still better at it.
@@alanw8834 Trainsplit www.trainsplit.com/ if you go to the website, (not raileasy.trainsplit.com!), they don't charge a booking fee, and is a much better website than trainpal, Sorry Geoff!
Havent got a smart phone, just a very basic one (calls and texts) so cant use Apps, but agree Split Ticketing is brilliant, saved a fortune from Huddersfield to Inverness return with that last September. And thats with 30% off for Senior Card use. Geoff, can we please do Pontefract Baghill before I'm too disabled to enjoy the experience, as I have no idea how disabled friendly the station is? But yes, as entertaining as ever.
Hang on Geoff! Is Alex a Birmingham lad or a Smethwick lad? Two different cities/towns, both former County Boroughs. Smethwick was home to BMMO (The Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co. Ltd.), known as Midland Red, but showing ‘Midland ‘ fleet names. Come on, which is he?
It would have been good to mention that there used to be another line from this station to Bewdley, which now forms part of the Seven Valley Railway. The line between the two is unfortunately long gone.
Great video Geoff (as always)! The offer with the Trainpal app has saved me a bit on my tickets to/from Heathrow T4 to Reading, both with the split ticket option (which was slightly different to what I did on previous journeys, like splitting) and the lovely £5 discount :-) If you would like to come and do the least used station in The Netherlands drop me a message!
I went to Leat Used Waterloo recently. It was so quiet, and only 50 trains left. So shocked
A sponsor with a product that's relevant to the channel? I would definitely use that app if I lived in the UK.
At least its not skillshare for once
Jordan every other TH-camr in the world
I'm ok with most sponsorship stuff,
the vid was good (that's the important bit)
So, given Alex is a Size 14, that is 12" long exactly... So his measurement is in bog standard feet! Hurrah!
Yay now we get a measurement.
17 years I lived in Worcestershire. For the last 30 years I have travelled regularly by train from Lancashire to Worcestershire and back often passing through Hartlebury. When I started making that Journey Hartlebury was a request stop. I've watched it being remodelled and upgraded. In all that time I have never got off there. Can't wait for Colwall & Hoscar.
I'm always travelling from A to E via B C & D!
The amount of times I've been on the trains through this station and the one day I don't, Geoff's on it! Damn!
hey I know you haha
TomLikesGaming oh hey there
There's an industrial estate close to the station, which is probably responsible for most of the passengers. However, pre- Beeching it likely has significantly more traffic, as just up the line there was the junction with the Severn Valley Railway, which ran to Shrewsbury via Stourport, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Buildwas, with its own branch North of Bewdley - the Wyre Forest Line, running through the forest to Tenbury Wells and Wooferton.
Today, the section from Black Bridges (near the junction) to Stourport is Leapgate Country Park, the Stourport Town section is (inevitably) housing, making restoration impossible, the Stourport to Bewdley section is still traceable, but unaccessible, the Bewdley to Bridgnorth section is the SVR heritage railway, the Bridgnorth to Buildwas section still has extant trackbed but has numerous owners, making restoration unlikely, while the Buildwas section is still intact and until recently served Ironbridge Power Station.
Local 'un here! I've lived in Wales for the past four years now but did most of my growing up in Worcestershire, in a town a station away from Hartlebury! It's making me want to pop back and visit my parents. Geoff, what have you done?! (Great video - loved watching it!)
Always love a good 'least used station' video.
I did like that the sponsor of the video is a train related company as opposed to say audible, who sponsor random videos. I quite like the sound of trainpal and people are more likely to use the app because it is railway related.
Oh boy, I'm never gonna use anything else than Trainpal now. Thank you Geoff for showing me the light!
Why not get Trainsplit too and see which has the cheaper prices?
Firstly, welcome to Club LUS Alex. A sterling effort! I must wholeheartedly commend you on your folder. Great minds think alike. I like to think I was a trailblazer, slightly disappointed that you didn’t count the parking spaces but if there weren’t at least seven it doesn’t have the same impact if you don’t give it the Len Goodman treatment. Well done!
No way! I know Alex through geocaching! Awesome bloke!
Chuckling mightily at the sponsorship bits. Good on you, though, lad. You've done enough excellent documentary works over the years - you deserve every penny coming your way.
Bumped into Alex today at Birmingham New Street. He spotted my All The Stations hoodie and came over to say hello :) Small Geoff world!
Was lovely to have a quick chat
@@lathama twas indeed 😊
I've been there! And that IS a pub! And their brewery behind it, its GORGEOUS beer and lovely inside!
First time I went to England, I stayed with my friend , Simon, from uni and his parents. They lived in Hartlebury. What a beautiful town. Very friendly people. His mom and dad were the sweetest people.
A Least Used Station with a brewery?! Best LUS yet!
Yup. There is also a pub in the old station building too. Nice one at that.
In the LUS Rutland video there is another brewery, which Geoff describes as "probably the only LUS with a brewery".
He obviously filmed Rutland before Worcestershire.
Alex is an absolute unit.
Size 14!! Nice one Alex and Geoff.
Yay to Split Ticketing! Welshpool is always cheaper if you rebook ag Shrewsbury or Birmingham.
Split ticketing is easilly explained. Reason why is because in the Network west mids area its more heavilly subserdised by central goverment. So up until Stourbridge Junction the trains are super cheap. So when I commute to Birmingham sometimes super off peak im better off getting a ticket to Stourbrdige then another super off peak ranger round the midlands
The Trainsplit app has cheaper split ticketing savings and alternative cheaper journeys/fares than Trainpal, try it and compare.
Geoff is paid not to say otherwise. 🤷♂️
That guy is HUGE! Initially when he first came on screen I thought that he was Clay Mathews for a second (famous American Football player).
I binged this series a long time ago, awesome to have it on my subfeed right now.
We used to live in the area, it was busy during peak times as there was a grammar school.
I used to use the kidderminster to Birmingham ride a lot when we lived in the area, but we live in Swindon now. We live 10 mins drive from what was the railway works. It's now a designer outlet mall, but has lots of original features still in place.
Nice to see Neil Warnock's having fun after relegation! but great video as always
The bin bag had enough of Geoff’s shenanigans so it left
It's a shame you didn't stick around in Birmingham. I'm sure Alex would love to show you the Post Office Vaults on New Street. Last time I was there, he showed me his very own Tankard behind the bar! Lovely fella
Goodbye Trainline, Trainpal is my new best (train ticket booking) friend.
What exactly are they doing that costs £1.50?
Most TOCs don't charge booking fees. I use Chiltern website irrespective of where going.
@@edwilson5416 I bought tickets from TfW and had then delivered, when the envelope arrived the following day (because yes, they were that quick, it turns out the tickets were sold by Trainline, without a booking fee... I really detest Trainline...
Trainline doesn't charge a fee if you buy on the day of travel. But Trainpal looks interesting, especially the split-ticketing feature, so might give it a try.
Gareth Williams I’m sure Trainline is the outsourcing company for most TOC’s
Was interested to see this as my Mother's first job was in Hartlebury just after the war.
Hartlebury Station was once connected to the now preserved Severn Valley Railway. In the old BR days, the Severn Valley Railway was 40 miles long in length. It served Hartlebury in Droitwich at that time, and did so until 1965 when BR closed the branch. Now Hartlebury Station is cut off completely from the SVR, which only has the main line connection at Kidderminster. The Severn Valley Railway, in its preserved state, is 16 miles long and if you haven't had a ride along it yet, put it on your to-do list. One reason why Hartlebury Station isn't used as much as it once was.
Alex - another great new wingman!
Perhaps Alex was doing the tick for those of us that are left handed viewers?
Geoff looks like a small boy next to the big guy. Incredible. Great video as always.. Thanking you
Alex is the best guest co-host ever.
The noise sounds like a train rattling over a level-crossing! Also, I know people who live very near here, in a town called Kidderminster. You may remember it if you went through it.
Nice to see you doing some stuff In my neck of the woods, I hope you do more around Worcestershire
When you said that it was a sponsored video, I was worried that this station was going to be bought to us by Squarespace ;-)
Tell me Geoff, is there an app that helps one buy a split ticket, that would be useful???
Watch the video again and the 14 people who thumbed up !
try Trainsplit, it finds cheaper splits than TrainPal
I love split ticketing but get really chuffed when I find a bargain myself
I always used to pass Hatlebury on my way to Droitwich, quite a few services would stop there but that was around 4 years ago.
Love a sneaky gabion!
Aww I live in Kidderminster! As if you are in my area today and ive only just started following you! Moor St is a lovely station! Hartlebury is a village between Worcester and think it has around 6 trains a day for commuters into Worcs and Brum but thats about it always see someone getting on or off when ive been on there
The Jewellery Quarter stop was on the other side of the road bridge and was originally called Hockley on the old Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Liverpool line.
GEOFF - Love it, TrainPal - great advice, im going to download it, thank you Geoff :)
I grew up a few miles from here. I don't think I've ever been on a train that's stopped at Hartlebury though. It always seems deserted.
The brewery is also a pub, you missed out there, lovely little place and its right on the station
The Euston entrance isn't new, they've just put up walls to stop you getting from the underground to the overground station as easily, effectively separating them. Caused me to miss my train on Monday :(
So good to hear the least used music again
Yey! In my old stomping ground. I grew up in Stourport, which Hartlebury was technically the closest train station
Contrary to the description 3:37 is kind of a bin bad blowing in the breeze shot
It would help the traffic figures for Hartlebury Station if the trains actually stopped there. I waited on the platform, watching trains pass through, for hours before one stopped.. On the return journey I had to get off at Droitwich, catch a bus, then walk 5 miles to get to my motor home stored next to the crossing.
Train pal app sounds great. I will tell my sister to check it out as she's constantly using coaches to go to gigs.
Alex is huge, but he seems like a gentle giant.
Geoff travels through my commuter stations (again)! But shop have come up on the Chiltern line to Stourbridge and changed there.
Whenever I’m in the UK I use a BritRail pass, but this seems quite convenient for those who aren’t able to or for those for whom it’s not cost effective to use a rail pass
Such an amazing recommendation Geoff, I will definitely use train pal. And you got a sponsored video out of it too! Well done you ☺️
Long overdue Geoffrey! Great series
I use GWR for all my tickets, no booking fee and nectar points.
Also no splits and there's lots on that line, check out Trainsplit.
Most wacky split ticketing I've done is Beeston to Cardiff central. Beeston-Long Eaton, Long Eaton - New Street, New Street to Cheltenham, Cheltenham - Gloucester, Gloucester to Cardiff
Always amazes me how much of a mess train ticket pricing is in the UK. Thank god for for apps like TrainPal!
Nice to see this video in my local area. Geoff you need to visit our new station Worcestershire Parkway.
Going to Holyhead, you can buy the through ticket to Dublin for about £40-45 - often at least half the price of just Euston-Holyhead....just don't get on the ferry!
Was worth doing this one now - with the passenger growth it's seen in recent years, there's a decent chance this will gain the 4,000 passengers per year it needs to overtake Honeybourne in the next set of figures and no longer be the least used station in Worcestershire.
Update for anyone reading this (unlikely though it seems): this did not come in, Honeybourne recorded an increase while Hartlebury was essentially static.
I'm liking the regular uploads!
Hey Geoff, how come you didn't use the Marylebone to Moor Street line? No needing to change from New Street to Moor Street in Birmingham.
Also how did you like the new Primark!
I contributed to the passenger stats for Hartlebury on 23/10/18 when I took a return to Stourbridge Town.
It was interesting hearing about the available ticketing app but living in Australia whenever I make one of my occasional visits to England I buy a BritRail pass which is only available to tourists
Do some more least used stations with Alex, seems like a bit of a character.
Alex's size 14 feet are roughly 12" or 31cm which in total makes the station platform length 248.16 ft
Damn Alex is tall! Looks like a Rugby player 👍
Oh I do like a least used station video, keep them coming.
I went to Hartlebury a long time ago for a job interview at one of the companies on the industrial estate behind the station.
Woohoo. I love this series!
Geoff! You should do the least used station on the LU of all time, it's near my local station in the middle of nowhere
if you ever want to come down to australia there's a station on the south east queensland network that gets less than 4 passengers a day and is a very quaint one carriage platform in the middle of basically nowhere
I think I like Alex the best out of all the guests so far.....he seems to really like this :)
And I was almost tempted to install the app, but then I remembered I don't live in the UK ... nice try!
Can confirm that Alex is a lovely bloke. Used to work with him and he's a thoroughly interesting fella!
i have a fact here ur sitting in the old london midland seats 1:11
Alex is a riot.
The Snow Hill Cradley Run is my train service!
Not a split ticketing issue but explain the logic behind this one if you can. I want to go from SMK to SRA this Sunday. The price is £43.90. If I buy a ticket to LST, one stop further on it's only £13! So obviously I got a ticket to Liverpool St., but will exit one stop early at Stratford. That honestly makes no sense to me at all.
Love Birmingham Moor Street, a joy to visit. I've travelled from Stoke to London via Birmingham just for the sake of using it.
Ed Wilson what is special about moor st? I use that station every day and it’s very plain
@@karter9219 Are you kidding me?? It's full of Edwardian period features including the little cafe which is a delight. A million times nicer than New Street. They've done a great job restoring it right down to the small details and it actually feels more authentic than many heritage railways.
I’m going to be travelling on the trains around London again soon. I would like to visit Brighton.
Wait a second!
When I got the notification, ITV news was talking about 'British Steel'
The least used station in the UK is Redcar *British Steel*
Coincidence?
Yep, I thought it too...
The song Making Plans for Nigel by XTC also had the line “he has his future in British Steel”.
I like Alex, more of him would be good
Question: why not use Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street rather than do the shuffle in Birmingham?
@@milkandduckrailway323 but less interesting. Its not always about speed.
@@edwilson5416 yea but for the purpose of this video the quickest way up is more suitable.
@@milkandduckrailway323 Not always that faster. You can get Marylebone - Moor Street services that are only 15 minutes longer than the Virgin service. Once you've changed station at Birmingham (and factoring in the non local extra time it takes to find your way) maybe only 5 minutes longer? Definitely cheaper and nicer.
It really depends on the train timetable and the location of the original destination. Personally prefer Marylebone because is much easier to navigate, less hassle and better view along the line
@@milkandduckrailway323 For the uninitiated, any chance you can share your method to find out?
Hartlebury used to be a lot more important, as it was a Junction for the Severn Valley line, Through Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Bridgnorth, Iron Bridge and Shrewsbury.
Slight issue with the whole split ticketing on the app, it doesn’t always seem to deal with a mix of advanced tickets and off peak ones. It offered me a saving of 90p on a trip between Liverpool to Wycombe even though the saving should have been over £15 with advanced tickets and off peak ones. That maybe my settings but certain websites are definitely still better at it.
can you tell me what 'certain websites' are better at it please
@@alanw8834 Trainsplit www.trainsplit.com/ if you go to the website, (not raileasy.trainsplit.com!), they don't charge a booking fee, and is a much better website than trainpal, Sorry Geoff!
I approve of Alex having a wander.
Can't wait for least used in staffordshire! ;)
Trainpal. I shall try this out!
Why not get trainsplit too and see which finds the cheaper split prices.
Havent got a smart phone, just a very basic one (calls and texts) so cant use Apps, but agree Split Ticketing is brilliant, saved a fortune from Huddersfield to Inverness return with that last September. And thats with 30% off for Senior Card use. Geoff, can we please do Pontefract Baghill before I'm too disabled to enjoy the experience, as I have no idea how disabled friendly the station is? But yes, as entertaining as ever.
Rail prices in Britain are weird. My dad once pointed out that Bedford to Dublin (Sail&Rail ticket) is cheaper than Bedford to Holyhead.
Hang on Geoff! Is Alex a Birmingham lad or a Smethwick lad? Two different cities/towns, both former County Boroughs. Smethwick was home to BMMO (The Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co. Ltd.), known as Midland Red, but showing ‘Midland ‘ fleet names.
Come on, which is he?
The noises could be for PMR to find the tickets machine.
It would have been good to mention that there used to be another line from this station to Bewdley, which now forms part of the Seven Valley Railway. The line between the two is unfortunately long gone.
"Using my lunchbox for a drum roll...." just sounds wrong!!! :-D
Been here alot mate, very local to it
Great video Geoff (as always)! The offer with the Trainpal app has saved me a bit on my tickets to/from Heathrow T4 to Reading, both with the split ticket option (which was slightly different to what I did on previous journeys, like splitting) and the lovely £5 discount :-)
If you would like to come and do the least used station in The Netherlands drop me a message!
0:31 what is the name of the app with the Railway map? It will be extremely useful for me as I regularly catch the train!