A MUSICAL performance and a plaque unveiling marked 25 years of Warwick Parkway.
The station, which is part of Chiltern’s intercity route between London and Birmingham, has proved a significant success story over the past quarter century, with 440,000 customers using it to access regional rail services last year alone.
Operator Chiltern Railways and Warwickshire County Council hosted a celebratory event, which included speeches on the future of rail in Warwickshire, a musical performance by Newburgh Primary School and a plaque unveiling for the station’s birthday. This also formed part of the wider bicentenary of the modern railway.
The event highlighted the importance of the station for providing rail connectivity in rural Warwickshire, with Chiltern due to launch newer (Mark 5A) trains and additional services from the station in December 2026.
Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “Warwick Parkway is one of the newest stations on the Chiltern network, providing frequent, fast services to London and Birmingham. The success story of Warwick Parkway underlines how the railway supports economic activity and personal connectivity.
“In addition to celebrating the station’s past, we are excited for the future, including looking forward to customers boarding our newest trains, which will come into service from early 2026.”
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jennifer Warren added: “The anniversary of the opening of Warwick Parkway station is a key milestone for both us and Chiltern Railways and provides a good opportunity to take stock of this council’s commitment to investing in and facilitating more rail travel. The Railway 200 celebration is another reason to celebrate the work we have done to help residents and visitors to Warwickshire have better rail facilities.
“Warwick Parkway has an excellent train service towards Birmingham and London and also provides rail users with access to the wider rail network for business, education/training and leisure trips. The station is a key asset to the West Midlands region as well as supporting the local economy of Warwick and Leamington.”
Warwick Parkway Station opened 5 October 25 2000, as a joint partnership between WCC and M40 Trains (Chiltern’s parent company at the time). The station opened with park and ride facilities to encourage commuters to use the train.
