Notes: Holywell Junction Station opened as Holywell on the 1st May 1848. The Station was part of the Chester and Holyhead Railway Companies line which was engineered by Robert Stephenson.

The line opened to Bangor on the 1st May 1848, between Holyhead and Llanfair PG on the 1st August 1848 and finally, following completion of the Britannia Bridge across the Menai Straights, in its entirety on the 18th March 1850. On the 1st of January the Chester and Holyhead Railway was absorbed into the LNWR and the line became an important truck route for that

Traffic built up on the Chester to Holyhead line to such a degree that in the later half of the 19th century much of the line was quadrupled including the section through Holywell. Alterations were carried out to the station which included the eastbound platform being converted into an island platform that would cater for the westbound and eastbound fast lines. A new timber built

Holywell Junction was a busy railway location throughout the first half of the 20th century. Local, long distance and Holywell Town shuttle services called at the station and a steady stream of goods services passed through. In particular during the summer months holiday trains to various North Wales destinations would be a common sight.

In 1954 the branch to Holywell Town closed to passenger services. By 1966 traffic levels had declined to such a degree that closure of Holywell Junction was proposed. The Station closed to passengers on the 14th February 1966 but remained open for goods traffic into the 1970's. Today much survives at Holywell including four tracks passing through the station, although two are now just goods loops. The original station building is still extant and in use as a private residence and the former westbound slow line platform can still be seen. Long distance, local and freight trains still pass through the site on what is still an important main line.  

For a full history of the Chester - Holyhead line see the North Wales Coast Railway web site

Further reading: The Chester & Holyhead Railway by Peter E. Baughan (1972) - Volume 1 & 2, Published by David & Charles ISBN 10-0715356178 and Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain Vol. 11, North & Mid Wales by P.E. Baughan, published by David & Charles (1991) ISBN-10: 0946537593. Tickets from Michael Stewart

To see other stations on the Chester - Holyhead line click on the station name: Sandycroft, Queensferry, Connahs Quay, Bagillt, Mostyn, Talacre, Prestatyn (1st site), Prestatyn (2nd site and Dystrth branch platform), Foryd, Llandulas, Llysfaen, Old Colwyn, Mochdre & Pabo, Llandudno Junction (1st site) Conway, Conway Marsh, Llanfairfechan, Aber, Menai Bridge, Britannia Bridge, Gaerwen & Valley