The pretty seaside town not far from Glasgow with UK’s best-loved …

If you’re heading to the coast this summer, why not check out a lesser-visited town that was recently named one of the most romantic in Scotland and has just won the title of being home to the UK’s ‘Best-Loved’ train station[1].

Wemyss Bay, which lies around 50 minutes from Glasgow[2], is the pretty seaside town that is the port for ferries on the Sea Road to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Its name comes from the Clan Wemyss and has a history dating back to the 15th century. It’s now also home to the winner of this year’s World Cup of Stations champion 2023, a competition run by broadcaster and historian, Tim Dunn.

The Victorian Ferry Teminal at Weymss Bay
The Victorian Ferry Teminal at Weymss Bay

Run during Community Rail Week, the 48 stations chosen by broadcaster and historian Tim Dunn were whittled down to the UK’s best-loved station.

The stunning Victorian Wemyss Bay station took the crown with its beautiful glass ceiling and was praised for the great work by local volunteers who have developed a vibrant and colourful community garden as well as opening a Station Bookshop.

ScotRail head of customer operations, Phil Campbell, said: “With its picturesque surroundings and architectural wonder, Wemyss Bay station truly is one of the best railway stations in the world.”

Broadcaster and historian, Tim Dunn, added: “Wemyss Bay station has amazed visitors ever since its 1903 rebuild, which resulted in a spectacular glass roof and sweeping walkways to minimise friction for ferry-bound crowds.

“This vast waterside interchange needed a reason to survive now that holiday crowds go elsewhere: the Friends of Wemyss Bay created that reason.

“With second-hand book shop, original posters on walls, and floral displays all year, their work – plus the efforts of the cafe staff, Scotrail and others – means that Wemyss Bay is truly community rail destination station.”

You can also pose for a photo with your loved one beneath the glass roof of the beautiful and historic station, before wandering down to the Victorian pier and strolling along the beach for the sunset. There are also plenty of pretty walking trails nearby.

The gateway to Isle of Bute[4], which is home to romantic highlights such as Ardencraig Gardens and the West Island Way, you can hop on a ferry for a short trip across the water to this stunning island.

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References

  1. ^ Best-Loved’ train station (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Glasgow (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  3. ^ Merchant City hidden gem bar with sun-trap beer garden perfect for cocktails (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  4. ^ Isle of Bute (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  5. ^ restaurants and bars reopening (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  6. ^ city’s food and drink scene (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  7. ^ here (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  8. ^ Glasgow’s hidden gem spots throughout the city that are ‘must-see’ for everyone (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  9. ^ Glasgow restaurant celebrates being named on Best Newcomer list at top awards (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  10. ^ Five best places in Glasgow to get a piece named ahead of national sandwich week (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  11. ^ The little-known Glasgow museum that true crime fans will love (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
  12. ^ First Glasgow Civerinos to open from the Edinburgh pizza specialists named ‘coolest place to eat’ (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)