Location notes
Attenborough is a town approximately 9 miles south-west of Nottingham. The station and foot crossing is located on a two-track section of the Midland Mainline.
Railway type and traffic
All services between Nottingham and Attenborough / Trent Junction pass this location, which is a two-track section of the Midland Main Line. East Midlands Trains run HSTs and Class 222 'Meridian' DEMUs between Nottingham and St. Pancras, as well as Classes 153, 156 and the occasional Class 158 on local services between Nottingham and Derby / Matlock, and Lincoln - Leicester. Arriva CrossCountry (XC) run Class 170 Turbostars on Nottingham to Birmingham / Cardiff services.
There are also some freight workings with DB Schenker, Freightliner and FastLine Class 66s, and Class 60s on tanker trains.
Environment
Attenborough Station is a fairly quiet, unmanned two platform station. Both foot crossings are within a short walking distance, and link quiet residential areas. The locals are friendly, and never seem to have any objection to enthusiasts spending time at either crossing. I have never visited this location after dark, but the crossings are unlit, and reached by alleyways, so I would be cautious if going on a night time shoot.
Road directions
From the M1, Junction 25:Take the A52 towards Nottingham. After approx 1.5 miles, take the fourth exit on the roundabout onto the B6003 (Toton Lane). After another 1.5 miles, turn left at the junction with the A6005 towards Nottingham, and continue for about a mile. At the traffic lights, turn right (almost a U turn) onto Attenborough Lane, and follow the road until you reach the station.
Attenborough Station map co-ordinates
Parking
There is no car park at the station, but there is ample space to leave your car on the nearby streets.
Public transport
Central Trains services between Nottingham and Derby call here, although there is a lengthy gap in the middle of the day, and the service can be irregular. It is advisable to check train times before travelling.
Amenities
There is a petrol station and good sandwich shop a few minutes walk from the station.
Where on the map
Helpful location information
Photographic notes
The line is long and straight through Attenborough, and can be seen for some distance. The level crossing at the southern end of the station can restrict views, although when the barriers are down, the wall along the ramp can be a good vantage point. The foot crossing is surrounded by rather dense bushes, which can restrict the view of the line nearest to you, and there is no room for a tripod (although the posts of the crossing gates can come in handy!)
If you do find this information useful then please feel free to mention how you 'found' the location on your website or magazine submission.
Offical Guidelines for Railway Enthusiasts
British Transport Police Guidelines for rail enthusiaist
Network Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiasts
ATOC/National Rail Guidelines for rail enthusiastsIf you see anything suspicious the British Transport Police can be contacted on their crime telephone number:
0800 405040
Help all us railway enthusiasts get a better name by helping the British Transport Police catch the cable thief's and vandals.
General views - All photographs © Gary Coupe unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking south
Fig 4 - Looking north
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