Cathedrals of the rail

We take a look at some of Britain's extraordinary and historic railway stations

- CAROLINE BEDDOW

In the 1800s, Britain became the birthplace of the modern railway, thanks to the invention of steam locomotives, which replaced ancient horse-drawn wooden wagonways.

Before railways, the most ambitious of journeys were 10 miles to the local market town. By 1852, there were over 7,000 miles of railtrack, allowing people and goods to travel hundreds of miles in just a few hours.

Our railway stations remain among the most architecturally innovative and beautiful in the world. Here are just some of our favourites.

Cardiff Central

Renowned Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel famously diverted the flow of the River Taff in the Welsh capital city to create the original station, which opened in 1850, preventing it from flooding.

A 1930s rebuild introduced an impressive art-deco entrance building and Portland stone waiting room. Now Grade II listed, the station is the largest and busiest in Wales.

YORK STATION