Immaculately preserved despite not seeing a passenger train for nearly half a century, the old Cirencester branch platform at Kemble station is a treat if you have a bit of a thing about old Great Western country junction stations (and, sadly, I do).
The main station at Kemble is still connected to the railway network, offering connections to London Paddington, Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa.
The station – constructed from lovely, warm Cotswold stone – has barely altered over the years and still manages to retain some of the confident grandeur of the railway age.
Even the water tower (used for supplying steam locomotives) survives. It’s now Grade II listed.
Looking more authentically GWR than some preserved lines, the waiting room is an unlikely survivor, sporting pre-war benches and bright, airy glazing.
You almost expect to see a Castle class GWR loco hauling a rake of chocolate and cream coaches to puff into view.
Another view of the main line platforms, showing a host of original features still in place.
Cirencester platform at Kemble
A short stub of track remains on the old Cirencester branch platform. It’s now used for stabling the occasional engineers’ train.
End of the line. The track used to continue on another five miles to the attractive station at Cirencester.
There’s been some mumblings about reopening this line (most of the trackbed is apparently still in situ) although no serious proposals have emerged yet.
See more photos here:
Kemble railway station – Former GWR country junction
Kemble railway station – Disused Cirencester platform
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