Clifton Down

Clifton Down is (apart from Temple Meads) the main station on the  Severn Beach Line. It was first opened in October 1874 as the end station on the so-called "Clifton Extension Railway", and first became a through station when the tunnel under the Downs was opened in 1885.

clifton2.jpg (146327 bytes)

The main station building is now a pub, but luckily the exterior is still in good condition (I didn't have time to nip in for a pint so I can't say anything about the inside).

clifton4.jpg (144673 bytes)

As you can see here, there are still two tracks and two platforms in use here - the right hand side is the platform for trains to Temple Meads - though only one side seems to get any sun!  You can also see the remaining fasades on both side which give a hint as to what it must have looked like in its heyday.

clifton6.JPG (61442 bytes)

Here is a view from near the entrance to the Downs tunnel. The largest thing left at the station is the loooong sloping path down to the platform. Whilst the left hand side has not changed all the much during the past hundred years, on the right hand side you can see a large red-brick building which was built on what used to be the goods yard.

clifton3.jpg (133996 bytes)

Although the station may be run down, the entrance still hints at former glories.