Supplementary sheet 5 of the New Survey of the Borough of Birmingham, 1855

Camp Hill Railway Station

Camp Hill Railway Station Birmingham: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Camp Hill Railway Station, established in 1840, holds a pivotal role in Birmingham’s transport heritage. Once the northern terminus of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, it contributed significantly to the city’s industrial and social development. Although the original station closed to passengers in 1941 and the site has since been repurposed, its enduring legacy has inspired the transformative Camp Hill Line Revival Project. This initiative is set to reopen passenger services with three new, fully accessible stations—Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road—by Autumn 2025, promising to reconnect communities, enhance urban mobility, and celebrate Birmingham’s railway history.

This detailed guide explores Camp Hill’s historical significance, outlines the features of the revived line, provides essential visitor information—including hours, ticketing, services, accessibility, and local attractions—and offers practical tips for planning your journey in Birmingham. For further historical and project context, see resources such as Wikipedia: Camp Hill railway station, Future Rail Magazine, and West Midlands Combined Authority.

Supplementary sheet 5 from The New Survey of the Borough of Birmingham, 1855, showing a detailed map section of Birmingham, England, from mid-19th century

Historical Background: Camp Hill Railway Station and Line
Camp Hill Line Revival Project: Vision, Progress, and Features
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Exploring the Local Area: Attractions and Community Impact
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Useful Links

Historical Background: Camp Hill Railway Station and Line

Camp Hill Railway Station opened in 1840 as the temporary northern terminus of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway (Wikipedia: Camp Hill railway station). Its strategic location on Birmingham’s outskirts facilitated rapid urban expansion, enabling the efficient movement of people and goods into the heart of the city. The station initially thrived as both a passenger and goods hub, supporting Birmingham’s emergence as a major industrial center.

By 1841, after the railway’s extension into Curzon Street—Birmingham’s primary terminus—Camp Hill’s role shifted. The original station closed to passengers and was converted into a freight depot, later renamed Camp Hill Goods. A new passenger station soon opened just south of the original site, continuing to serve the growing population and adapting to the evolving rail network.

Subsequent decades saw Camp Hill integrated into the Midland Railway and connected to other key lines, including the Birmingham West Suburban Railway. The “Camp Hill Line” became a vital commuter and freight artery, with its name derived from this historic station (Wikipedia: Camp Hill line).

Despite its early prominence, Camp Hill’s passenger services ceased in 1941 amid wartime cutbacks, and the goods yard closed in the 1960s, reflecting broader changes in UK rail policy and urban development (UK Transport Wiki: Camp Hill railway station). The site was eventually redeveloped—yet its historical footprint and influence remain significant in Birmingham’s transport narrative (bhamguide.com: History of Birmingham’s Railway Stations).

Camp Hill Line Revival Project: Vision, Progress, and Features

Project Overview

The Camp Hill Line Revival Project, part of the West Midlands Rail Programme, aims to restore passenger services on a historic corridor that has been closed for over eight decades (Future Rail). This collaborative initiative involves the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Department for Transport, Birmingham City Council, Network Rail, West Midlands Trains, and local community stakeholders. Over £60 million has been invested to reconnect key neighborhoods with central Birmingham, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable travel (WMCA News).

New Stations and Key Features

Three new stations—Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road—are being constructed along the revived line:

Moseley Village: Serves a vibrant area known for independent shops, cafes, and cultural events.
Kings Heath: Centrally located for commuters, with a bustling high street, parks, and music venues.
Pineapple Road: In Stirchley, celebrated for its craft breweries, bakeries, and green spaces (TfWM).

Each station features:

Two platforms to accommodate six-car trains.
Step-free access via lifts and ramps.
Modern ticketing machines and contactless payment options.
Real-time information screens.
Secure cycle parking.
Sheltered waiting areas and accessible toilets (WMCA News).

The stations are designed to be fully inclusive, with tactile paving, audio-visual announcements, and staff assistance available during operating hours.

Engineering, Heritage, and Environmental Considerations

Construction teams have addressed complex engineering and heritage challenges, including the careful preservation of historic structures and the relocation of protected wildlife (such as a badger sett at Moseley Village). Sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and landscaping to support local biodiversity reflect the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility (Future Rail; New Civil Engineer).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours and Train Services

The new Camp Hill Line stations are scheduled to operate daily from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, with trains running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak. Exact schedules will be available on the West Midlands Railway and TfWM websites as the Autumn 2025 launch approaches.

Ticketing and Fare Options

Purchase tickets at station machines (accepting cash, card, and contactless).
Buy online via the West Midlands Railway website or mobile apps.
Fares to Birmingham New Street start from £2.50 for adults; concessions and season tickets are available (West Midlands Trains ticket page).
Contactless payment options and digital tickets are supported for convenience.

Accessibility and Facilities

Step-free access at all stations via lifts and ramps.
Tactile paving, wide ticket gates, and clear signage for visually impaired passengers.
Accessible toilets at Kings Heath and Pineapple Road.
Assistance available from staff or via help points during operating hours.
Secure cycle parking at all stations.

Exploring the Local Area: Attractions and Community Impact

Each Camp Hill Line station is situated in a neighborhood rich with attractions:

Pineapple Road (Stirchley)

Independent cafes, microbreweries, and the Stirchley Baths community hub.
Hazelwell Park and the Rea Valley Cycle Route for outdoor activities.

Kings Heath

Lively high street, Kings Heath Park, and live music venues like the Hare & Hounds.
Diverse eateries and retailers.

Moseley Village

Artisan markets, historic pubs, Moseley Park, and an active cultural scene (B31 Voices).

Quick journeys from these stations connect you to Birmingham New Street and city attractions such as the Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the Jewellery Quarter, and more (Visit Birmingham).

Community Impact: The project is expected to reduce local car journeys by up to 25%, lowering air pollution and congestion, while boosting footfall for local businesses and improving access to jobs, education, and leisure (WMCA News).

Practical Travel Tips

Plan ahead: Check live train times and service changes on West Midlands Railway or TfWM before your journey.
Use contactless payment: Speed up ticket purchases with cards or mobile devices.
Combine cycling and rail: Take advantage of secure bike parking for a multi-modal commute.
Explore locally: Allocate time for Stirchley’s food scene, Kings Heath’s parks, or Moseley’s festivals.
Accessibility needs: Contact the station in advance or speak to staff for assistance.
Safety: Stations are well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and equipped with emergency help points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Camp Hill Railway Station?
A: Stations operate daily from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to midnight, in line with train schedules. Check live times on West Midlands Railway.

Q: How do I purchase Camp Hill Line tickets?
A: Tickets are available at station machines, online, or via mobile apps. Contactless payment is accepted.

Q: Are the stations accessible?
A: Yes, all stations have step-free access, lifts, tactile paving, and staff assistance.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones are at Pineapple Road and Moseley Village; extensive parking is limited. Secure cycle parking is available at all stations.

Q: How long is the journey to Birmingham city centre?
A: Journey times from Kings Heath, Moseley Village, and Pineapple Road to Birmingham New Street are typically 7–11 minutes (WMRE).

Q: What are nearby attractions?
A: Local highlights include Kings Heath Park, Moseley’s artisan markets, Stirchley’s breweries, and Birmingham’s major museums and shopping centres.