One of three main city centre train stations, Birmingham Snow Hill Station serves commuters to London and is the terminus for the Metro tram line. It isn’t the most exciting train station but it does have a couple of coffee stands and a newsagent.
Originally the Snow Hill station was a smaller shed-like structure. In 1871 it was rebuilt into a much larger station with a huge roof.
History
Birmingham Snow Hill is the second most important train station in Birmingham city centre. It is the terminus of trains from London and Stratford-upon-Avon, and it also serves local services to Worcester, Stourbridge and Leamington Spa. It is currently (2003) a very busy station with two through platforms for National Rail services and a single bay platform serving trams.
In the heyday of the Great Western Railway, this was one of their flagship stations. At that time, it rivalled New Street for services to London and competed with the local stations at Wolverhampton Low Level and Birkenhead Woodside. The station was built to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s broad gauge. However, in 1846 Parliament authorised the Birmingham and Oxford Railway to build a line to the north of Birmingham to use standard gauge track.
The station was rebuilt in 1906 to compete with the grander facilities of New Street, and it featured an impressive high-level booking hall and a number of waiting rooms. The lower level of the station had a large fish platform and plenty of goods storage.
The original station was closed in 1972 following the electrification of the mainline from London to New Street and the opening of the new Snow Hill Depot. The ornate Victorian station building was demolished five years later. The station was reopened in 1987 as a replacement.
Passenger facilities
As the first mainline station in Birmingham, Snow Hill had a number of passenger facilities. A temporary wooden structure was opened in 1852, but it was rebuilt in a more permanent brick structure in 1871, and again on a grander scale during 1906-1912. At its peak, it competed directly with New Street as the main railway hub of the city, handling services to London, Wolverhampton low level, Birkenhead Woodside, Wales and South West England.
The layout of the station is a typical one for a large metropolitan centre and takes full advantage of the natural gradients of Snow Hill and Livery Street on both sides of the railway. There is a high level booking-hall approached on the up side via a staircase from Snow Hill and on the down side from an entrance through the Company’s hotel at Colmore Row. The cab road to the high level platforms is on average 22 feet above rail level and there are two lifts communicating between this level and subway level, where the up refreshment rooms are situated.
There is also a large parcels yard, excavated to a depth of 24 feet below rail level, with a cart entrance for the purpose and ample appliances in the form of lifts and weighing machines. On the down side of the station there is a further large storage area and on the up front a valuable frontage has been utilised for shops. Local services to Worcester Shrub Hill, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction and Stratford-upon-Avon run from here, along with an hourly service to London Marylebone via Dorridge.
Luggage storage
For many travelers, luggage storage near transit spots has become a basic need. Whether it’s an extended layover or a quick trip to explore the city, having the option of leaving your bag in a safe location is always helpful. There are a number of luggage storage spaces near the Birmingham Snow Hill Station. These spaces are usually available for hourly or daily rates and can be booked in advance.
There are a number of hotels and local shops where you can leave your bags. Most of them are within walking distance of the train station and offer excellent customer service. Some even provide a front desk that operates 24/7. Some also provide a concierge service that can help you book tickets and tours. Leaving your baggage at these storage spaces is a great way to make your travels easier and more comfortable.
Birmingham is a fascinating, vibrant cultural destination with plenty to see and do. From exotic canal boat trips to delicious cuisine and amazing architecture, this renaissance city is best explored without the burden of baggage worries.
Birmingham has a wide range of places to leave your luggage, from internet cafes and hotels to shopping malls and restaurants. Most of these places have flexible opening hours, so you can rest assured that your belongings are safe.
Parking
The B4 car park at Birmingham Snow Hill Station is a convenient option for those who need to visit the station or the city center. This parking facility is open 24/7 and provides a safe place to leave your car while you enjoy the sights of the city. It has competitive pricing and offers members rates. Parking here is easy and convenient, with plenty of space to park even during busy times.
The car park has six levels and is well-lit. The spaces are a good size and can accommodate larger vehicles. It is also a great choice for families. The facility also features electric car charging stations. Its location makes it an ideal option for those who want to shop or attend events at the Birmingham Cathedral or university.
There are many options for parking near Birmingham Snow Hill Station. Moovit allows users to plan and reserve parking in advance, which can save time and money. The app provides step-by-step directions, as well as a live map of the area. It is available for iPhone and Android devices, as well as online.
You can also use JustPark to find parking near Birmingham Snow Hill Station. JustPark connects you with parking spots that are privately owned, giving you more options and a better price. You can book parking by the hour, day or month. There are also spaces that offer reduced rates for long-term parking.
