Magnificent Scots railway station considered to be one of world's most beautiful
In the 19th century, Scotland underwent a leisure revolution. With the arrival of the railways and improvements in workers' rights, many Scots found themselves with both the time and the means to explore their own country for the first time.
It was during this golden era that some of the nation's favourite holiday spots were born, either emerging as new resorts or growing from existing coastal towns. For Glaswegians, one of the most popular pastimes was heading "doon the watter", a trip to the Ayrshire coast or the islands of the Firth of Clyde.
Back then, the journey was traditionally made by steamer. But with the rise of the railway, travellers could reach the coast far quicker before hopping aboard a connecting boat to destinations like Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. The departure point for this journey was the now-iconic Wemyss Bay in what is today Inverclyde.
Though still a relatively small village, Wemyss Bay is home to what many believe to be the most beautiful railway station in the world.
The original building, constructed in 1865 by Irish labourers, was a plain, square structure. But in 1903, it was replaced by a breathtaking architectural gem that still stands proudly today.
Designed by architect James Miller in the elegant Queen Anne style, the station is crowned with a 60-foot Italianate clock tower. Step inside and you'll find a concourse bathed in natural light through a magnificent glazed, steel-trussed roof.
VisitScotland describes it as a 'wrought-iron and glass palace'.
Sunshine floods the circular booking office, while a gracefully curved ramp leads passengers down to the pier and the ferry across to Bute.
Despite being granted Category A listing by Historic Scotland, the station was neglected for many years. Fortunately, it has undergone a full restoration and now also features a charming bar and bookshop.
It continues to dazzle visitors, with many taking to review sites to sing its praises. On TripAdvisor, the station holds a glowing 4.8 rating, higher even than Edinburgh Castle.
One reviewer wrote: 'One of the hidden gems on the national network. The architecture of this quiet station is stunning.
"Sweeping curves and canopies. Connects with trains to Glasgow and ferries to the isles. Add in the cafe and bookshop and it is worth a visit in itself.'
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Undiscovered Scotland goes even further, calling it 'the most beautiful railway station (and pier) in the world', noting: 'The station is beautiful not so much for its half-timbered mock Tudor exterior as for its glorious interior, which... is absolutely spellbinding.'
Another visitor put it simply: 'This Grade A listed railway station is up there with the architectural best. It is a gorgeous example of Victorian engineering with a curved platform sweeping down to the ferry terminal. Don't miss the bookshop, café, bar or curved urinals.'
The village of Wemyss Bay itself lies just to the north of the station, while Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire sits to the south. According to VisitScotland, Wemyss Bay boasts 'a selection of local shops and places to eat' and offers 'opportunities to go sailing in the bay'.
For city dwellers looking to escape, it's less than 30 miles from the centre of Glasgow and takes just an hour by train, making it an easy trip to one of Scotland's most beautiful and underrated destinations.
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