The station at Great Malvern, Worcestershire, retains an aura of wealth and sophistication. Its tea shop was once the exclusive waiting room of Lady Emily Foley, a key sponsor of the building. But she was not the only person to have a special hideaway at the station.

A newspaper article from 1862 describes how first class passengers would reach the Imperial Hotel: “On alighting from the railway carriage at the station the intending visitor will be directed to a covered way leading from the platform to the hotel. Unpleasant exposure to wind, rain, or other inclemency of weather will thus be prevented.”

Although the hotel is no longer - the building was taken over by a private girls’ school - the Grade II listed tunnel remains.

Known as the Worm, it is usually closed to the public, but the entrance can be seen and there is a campaign to have the passage renovated and permanently reopened.

It’s also worth having a look at the cast-iron girders holding up the canopies which are decorated with mouldings of leaves and flowers.

Great malvern worm

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