Blackheath railway station

This article is about the station in London, England. For the station in Blackheath, New South Wales, see Blackheath railway station, New South Wales.
Blackheath National Rail
Blackheath
Location of Blackheath in Greater London
Location Blackheath
Local authority London Borough of Lewisham
Managed by Southeastern
Station code BKH
DfT category C2
Number of platforms 2
Accessible Yes
Fare zone 3
National Rail annual entry and exit
2010–11 Increase 2.864 million[1]
– interchange  Increase 22,775[1]
2011–12 Increase 2.878 million[1]
– interchange  Decrease 14,705[1]
2012–13 Increase 2.929 million[1]
– interchange  Increase 17,616[1]
2013–14 Increase 3.056 million[1]
– interchange  Decrease 16,231[1]
2014–15 Increase 3.226 million[1]
– interchange  Increase 17,584[1]
Key dates
30 July 1849 Opened
Listed status
Listed feature Blackheath Railway Station
Listing grade II
Entry number 1358479[2]
Added to list 12 March 1973
Other information
Lists of stations
External links
WGS84 51°27′57″N 0°00′32″E / 51.4658°N 0.0089°E / 51.4658; 0.0089Coordinates: 51°27′57″N 0°00′32″E / 51.4658°N 0.0089°E / 51.4658; 0.0089
London Transport portal
UK Railways portal

Blackheath railway station is Grade II-listed and situated in the heart of Blackheath village in London at grid reference TQ39617600. The track passes through the village and is crossed by a road overbridge on which the station buildings stand.

View eastward, towards Dartford in 1962

Much of the original station, dating back at track level to 1849 and at ticket office level to 1879, remains. It was built using London Brick to a design by George Smith (who also built Greenwich station). At the "country" end of the platforms the lines separate to the North Kent and Bexleyheath Lines. The former passes through the mile-long (1.6 km) Blackheath Tunnel immediately after the junction; the latter through the shorter Kidbrooke Tunnel after a short cutting.

Blackheath's station has two platforms which are partially covered with a weather canopy. The downside platform has a disused platform face (bay platform) facing towards London, used in earlier days by commuter trains terminating here. Unusually, the track in the bay remains in situ, although it is now heavily overgrown and otherwise obstructed. The area to the north (now a car-park) was formerly an area of railway sidings, where commuter trains were stabled when not in use.

The bay platform used to come into its own when a circus was taking place on Blackheath. Many of the animals would arrive in train vans. The circus would then process through Blackheath Village on to the heath.

The station cannot be relied upon as a way of reaching Blackheath during November's traditional free firework show, as it normally closes early on that day for safety reasons. Conversely, in April, on the Sunday of the London Marathon, it is crucial in enabling athletes and their supporters to reach the starting line, as on that day bus services across the heath are usually suspended as roads are closed.

Blackheath Halls, run by Trinity College of Music, are close to the station.

Services

The typical off-peak service from the station is:

Preceding station National Rail Following station
Lewisham   Southeastern
North Kent Line
  Charlton
  Southeastern
Bexleyheath Line
& Victoria-Dartford Line
  Kidbrooke

Facilities

There is a car park directly behind the station and the other is situated across the road. Managed by the local authority, it has 205 spaces. Charges apply Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.[3]

Connections

London Buses routes 54, 89, 108 and 202 and night route N89 serve the station.

References

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