Elton and Orston Station Crowned UK's Most Deserted Railway Hub
New data from the Office of Rail and Road has revealed the quietest railway station in the United Kingdom, with a Nottinghamshire location recording an astonishingly low number of passengers over a twelve-month period.
Minimal Footfall at Rural Nottinghamshire Station
Elton and Orston station, situated between two picturesque villages, registered just 68 entries and exits between April 2024 and March 2025. This figure represents a dramatic decline from the previous year's count of 212 passengers, highlighting a significant reduction in usage.
The station's passenger numbers are primarily estimated from ticket sales, as the facility operates without staff or a ticket office. This unstaffed station first opened in 1850 but has seen passenger numbers steadily decline throughout the twentieth century.
Sparse Service and Operational Challenges
Demand at Elton and Orston is so limited that only two East Midland Railway trains stop at the station each day from Monday to Saturday. One service travels toward Nottingham while the other heads in the direction of Skegness.
Despite serving an area where Orston village has a population of 512 according to the latest census, the station maintains this minimal service. Railway experts note that keeping such stations operational is often simpler than securing permission for permanent closure, even with extremely low passenger numbers.
Previous Record Holder Sees Passenger Increase
The previous title holder for Britain's quietest station was Denton in Greater Manchester, which recorded only 54 entries and exits during the 2023/2024 period. Interestingly, Denton's passenger numbers have since increased to 100 entries and exits in the latest reporting period.
Denton station operates with an even more limited service than Elton and Orston, with just two trains per week connecting the area with Stockport and Stalybridge on Saturdays.
The 'Quietest Station' Phenomenon
The Office of Rail and Road has observed an intriguing pattern where stations identified as the nation's quietest often experience increased visitor numbers in subsequent years. A spokesperson commented on this phenomenon, stating:
"In previous years, usage at some of the least used stations presented as part of these statistics has increased the following year. We understand that highlighting the least used stations within these statistics can encourage people to visit them."
Britain's Least Used Stations 2024/2025
The latest data reveals the following stations with the lowest passenger numbers across the United Kingdom:
- Elton and Orston, Nottinghamshire - 68 entries/exits
- Shippea Hill, Cambridgeshire - 76 entries/exits
- Ince and Elton, Cheshire - 98 entries/exits
- Denton, Greater Manchester - 100 entries/exits
- Reddish South, Greater Manchester - 102 entries/exits
This annual ranking provides insight into the varying levels of railway usage across Britain's extensive network, highlighting both rural stations with minimal service and the curious trend of increased visitation following their designation as particularly quiet locations.
