MORE "destination stations" are needed to encourage shoppers as well as passengers, according to the head of Network Rail.
Mark Carne, chief executive, wants more stations in the country to be transformed into social hubs so passengers can shop, dine and enjoy themselves in the stations themselves.
The move would make railway stations attractions in their own right and encourage people to visit and spend their money.
Inspired by this suggestion, the Evening Mail has rated six local railway stations to determine how they fare as an attraction.
An art gallery, museum and book shop are some of the unusual things you might not know exist at some the railway stations on our doorstep.
Kents Bank Railway Station
Displayed at the Beach Hut Gallery - artwork by Clive Oliver. Address: Kentsford Road, Kents Bank, Cumbria, LA11 7BG
Platforms: Two
Description: Located on the Furness Line, the station is one of the smallest in South Cumbria, with just 6,337 entries/exits throughout 2015. It was designed by architects Paley and Austin in 1865 for the Furness Railway.
Things to do at the station: The Beach Hut Gallery is housed within the station, displaying a wide array of sculptures, glass pieces, sketches and paintings.
Good for: Limited facilities include a payphone.
Barrow Railway Station
Barrow Railway Station. Address: Station Approach, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 5QZ
Platforms: Three
Description: The original station dates back to 1846 but had to be rebuilt after bombing during the Second World War.
Things to do at the station: Passengers can visit Cafexpress before departing on their journeys.
Good for: Bicycle storage, pre purchase ticket collection, waiting area.
Ulverston Railway Station
Ulverston Railway Station. Address: Station Approach, off Princes Street, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0DP
Platforms: Two
Description: Located on the Furness Line, the station has plenty of items of architectural significance such as the clock tower and glass awnings.
Things to do at the station: The station has a quirky island platform layout with the northbound line facing both sides.
Good for: Bicycle storage (not sheltered), ticket machines, digital information screens.
Millom Railway Station
Millom Discovery Centre operations manager Jade Hughes and treasurer Jim Partridge. Address: Station Road, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4AY
Platforms: Two
Description: Opened in 1850, Millom Railway Station is a small unstaffed station on the Cumbrian Coast Line.
Things to do at the station: The station houses Millom Discovery Centre and has some 10,000 artifacts and various exhibits on local history.
Good for: Bicycle storage (but not sheltered).
Grange Railway Station
Tricia Thomas, mayor of Grange, unveils the flying geese sculpture in May 2015. Address: Station Square, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EH
Platforms: Two
Description: The Furness Line station was originally opened in 1857 by the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway and won the Heritage Station of the Year Award.
Things to do at the station: The platform features a second-hand book-shop to find the perfect read for a long journey.
Good for: Baby changing facilities, waiting rooms, flying geese sculpture.
<strong>Carnforth Railway Station</strong>
Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard in Brief Encounter shot at Carnforth Railway Station. Address: Market Street, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9ET
Platforms: Two
Description: The station opened in 1846 and, considering its small size, has an interesting history.
Things to do at the station: The station was used as a location in the 1945 film Brief Encounter and it's well worth taking a photo of the iconic clock from the film. You can find out more about Carnforth's unique connection to the film in the station at the Heritage Centre.
Good for: Refreshment facilities, customer help points.
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