Michael Turner
Quick answer: No self-service coin-operated storage units inside the city’s primary rail terminus; instead rely on accredited third-party bag-drop networks or staffed drop-off points located within a 5–10 minute walk of the concourse.
Where to book and what to expect: Popular platforms such as Stasher, Bounce and local shop-based providers list dozens of drop-off points close to the rail hub. Typical fees run from about £5 to £10 per item per 24 hours; some partners charge hourly rates for short stays. Most outlets accept single items up to ~30 kg and standard suitcase dimensions; oversized or fragile items may require advance confirmation with the host site.
Practical checklist before arrival: 1) Reserve a slot via the app or website to guarantee space; 2) note the host’s opening hours (many operate roughly 08:00–20:00 but exceptions exist); 3) bring photo ID and your booking reference for collection; 4) photograph the item and its condition at drop-off; 5) check insurance/ liability limits (many hosts include basic coverage, upgrade if needed).
Late-night or oversized-item options: If arrival falls outside shop hours, consider airport baggage services, hotel concierge storage, or courier/porter options that offer timed pickups. For high-value equipment or very large items, contact specialist freight or storage firms ahead of travel to secure a guaranteed solution and a written pickup window.
Fast tips for tight schedules: Book the closest drop-off on the street-level map to avoid extra walking, confirm pickup cut-off time for same-day retrieval, and pack essentials in a small daypack to avoid needing access to checked items during short layovers.
Storage options at the city’s main rail terminus
No on-site coin-operated compartments exist inside the main rail terminus; book a third-party short-term storage provider or use hotel/hostel concierge services for secure drop-off.
How to book: search apps such as Stasher or Bounce, filter by “near rail terminus”, compare prices and opening hours, reserve online, drop off with printed or digital confirmation and photo ID. Typical cost range: £5–£10 per item per 24 hours, though premium or oversized items cost more.
Size and special items: confirm acceptance of large suitcases, sports equipment and musical instruments before arrival. Many shops accept single items up to about 30 kg and similar suitcase dimensions; for bulk or heavy consignments, arrange a dedicated door-to-door transfer service (prices commonly start around £15–£30 depending on distance).
Operational tips: check last drop-off and collection times (some providers close evenings or on Sundays), note maximum storage duration (often capped at 7–30 days), obtain a receipt with booking ID, and retain contact details for the host location.
Security checklist: photograph contents and external condition, padlock soft bags if possible, remove high-value valuables, confirm declared insurance/compensation limits on the booking, and avoid leaving perishable or restricted items.
Platform-level baggage storage: on-platform availability
No coin-operated or unattended secure cabinets sit on platforms; use the staffed concourse left-baggage desk or pre-booked third-party drop-off points located within walking distance of the main rail terminus.
Staffed concourse option
Locate the drop-off desk on the concourse near the main entrance or ask the ticket desk for exact positioning. Procedure: present photo ID, complete a brief deposit form, keep the issued receipt. Typical fees range from £6–£12 per item per day; oversized items cost more. Collection limited to ticket-office opening hours–verify current times on the operator’s website before travel.
Third-party commercial services
Use platforms such as Stasher, Bounce or LuggageHero to book secure handover at local shops or hotels; many providers list exact walking time from the terminus and include insurance limits in the listing. Prices commonly start at about £5 per item per day. Confirm drop-off instructions, item size limits and accepted contents (bicycles, musical instruments and unaccompanied batteries may have restrictions).
Practical checklist: measure and photograph items, remove passports and high-value electronics, label each bag with name and booking reference, keep the receipt on your person, allow 20–30 extra minutes for drop-off/pick-up, and verify insurance coverage for high-value goods. If you need to secure a temporary outdoor pet area while using storage services, see how to build a wooden dog run fence.
Exact location and opening hours of left-baggage and staffed baggage points
Use the ticket office on the main concourse for staffed bag drop; the desk sits beside the primary entrance and information help point, adjacent to the taxi rank and ticket barriers.
Opening hours change by season and operator; check the rail operator’s live station page or National Rail Enquiries before travel. Typical published hours for the ticket office: Mon–Fri 06:30–20:30, Sat 07:00–20:30, Sun 09:00–18:00. Staffed baggage acceptance usually follows ticket office times and commonly closes ~30 minutes before the ticket desk shuts.
If the staffed drop is closed, use commercial city storage providers within a 5–10 minute walk; apps such as Stasher and Bounce list exact addresses and live opening times (many operate roughly 08:00–20:00 daily). Book and confirm collection deadlines online to guarantee availability.
Bring photo ID for registration, confirm maximum item dimensions, insurance cover and fees with the chosen provider, and plan collection well before closing to avoid after-hours retrieval charges.
Storage sizes, weight limits, pricing and maximum storage duration
Choose a medium storage unit (approx. 50 × 35 × 75 cm / 20 × 14 × 30 in) for one large wheeled case plus a backpack; typical safe weight rating is 25–30 kg per compartment.
Size guide: small – ~35 × 30 × 45 cm (fits a daypack or small cabin case); medium – ~50 × 35 × 75 cm (one large suitcase + small bag); large – ~75 × 50 × 100+ cm (two suitcases or bulky sports equipment). Check posted internal dimensions before using an unfamiliar compartment.
Weight limits and handling: most automated units display a maximum-per-compartment limit (commonly 20–30 kg); staffed counters often accept heavier single items but may impose manual handling surcharges above ~30 kg. Overweight items can be refused, incur extra fees or require a second compartment.
Typical pricing (ranges only): automated units – small £4–6 / 24 h, medium £6–10 / 24 h, large £8–15 / 24 h; some machines offer shorter blocks (e.g., 6–12 hours for ~£3–6). Staffed left-baggage counters – commonly £6–12 per item per 24 h with a minimum day fee. Most accept contactless card or app payments; coin-only options are uncommon.
Maximum storage duration: automated compartments are often limited to 48–72 hours; staffed facilities usually allow longer stays, typically up to 7–14 days (extensions sometimes available by arrangement). Items uncollected beyond the permitted period may incur daily overstay charges and eventually be moved to long-term storage or disposed in line with operator policy (statutory handling periods vary).
Practical recommendations: confirm compartment dimensions and weight sticker before locking, keep the collection receipt/code and a photo of the unit number, avoid storing high-value or fragile items without insurance, label bags with contact details, and check payment options and time limits at the point of drop-off.
How to use a locker: payment methods, reservation and security tips
Use contactless payment or the operator’s mobile app for the fastest access; most kiosks accept chip-and-PIN cards, contactless (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay and Google Pay; a minority still take coins–check the on-unit panel before inserting cash.
At the kiosk: select size, confirm rental duration, pay and collect a printed receipt or on-screen PIN/QR code. For electronic units, scan the QR or enter the PIN at the door to release the compartment; keep the receipt until collection – it contains unit number, expiry time and contact hotline.
Reserve in advance via the operator’s website or app to guarantee a specific compartment size during busy periods; bookings usually deliver a QR or numeric code by email or SMS. Use the same account or email at drop-off and collection to speed up identity checks if staff assistance is required.
If the unit fails to open, call the emergency number shown on the kiosk immediately and keep the payment receipt and transaction reference handy; do not force the door. For online bookings, screenshot the QR/code and save the confirmation offline in case of poor signal on arrival.
Security checklist: keep cash, passports, electronics and irreplaceables with you; photograph the compartment number and its contents before closing; fasten a tamper-evident tie or small padlock only if signage permits; avoid storing hazardous or prohibited items listed on the operator’s terms.
Before leaving, note the collection deadline and any auto-extension fees; set a phone reminder for 30–60 minutes before expiry. Consider short-term travel insurance for high-value items and retain all receipts until the return is complete.
Nearest alternative storage options, bag delivery and app-based services
Use an app-based drop-off network for fastest, cheapest short-term bag drops near the main rail terminal – typical rate £6–9 per item per 24 hours with pre-booking and immediate online address details.
App-based drop-off networks (drop-and-go, walk-in)
- Stasher / Radical Storage / Nannybag: network of hotels/shops; typical pricing £6–9 per item per 24h. Booking via web/app locks price, shows exact host address and opening hours, and provides a booking receipt needed for collection. Insurance usually listed per booking (commonly up to ~£1,000 or local equivalent).
- LuggageHero / Bounce: pay-by-hour options (example: ~£1/hour capped at ~£8–10/day) – useful for same-day city stops. Hosts require ID on drop-off and provide a stamped receipt.
- Recommended walking zones: Broadmead/harbourfront c. 5–20 minutes’ walk from the rail hub (check host address before leaving). Many hosts operate 09:00–18:00; some extend to 22:00 – filter by opening hours in the app.
- Booking tips: choose a host with photos and recent reviews, book the exact drop and pickup times, note weight/size rules in the host listing, keep the digital receipt, photograph your contents before handover.
Door-to-door delivery and same-day courier options (when you prefer no drop-off)
- Send My Bag / Parcel couriers: door-to-door collection and delivery to an address or airport – price examples within-city or to nearby airport commonly start from ~£20–£40 for a single bag depending on size and required speed; book online, arrange collection window.
- Same-day city runners (CitySprint, local bike couriers): best for urgent transfers across town; expect £15–£60 depending on distance and parcel dimensions. Require accurate pickup address and contact phone for messenger coordination.
- Hotel concierge hold-for-guests: many city hotels accept non-guest drops for a fee or donation – check hotel policy and opening hours first; insurance usually limited, so declare high-value items to courier instead.
Practical checklist before booking:
- Confirm exact host/collection address and opening times in the app; plan a 10–15 min buffer for urban walking.
- Book online to receive a QR/booking reference and insurance summary; keep a screenshot and contact phone for the host or courier.
- Photograph exterior and contents of each bag, label with name and phone, secure zips with a small lock or cable tie for added deterrent.
- Verify declared value and insurance limits; for high-value items use insured courier service rather than a walk-in host.
- For families, consider a wheeled kids’ bag for easier handling (best rolling backpack for kids); for hand-carry and flights use a compact tote (best tote bag for airline travel).
