This page was last modified on 12 September 2001
Our September excursion this year will take us over many of the railway lines in Hampshire, including the freight line to Fawley, and give free time during the afternoon in the Dorset resort of Poole.
We leave Hastings on the main line to London, picking up at the stations listed below via Battle, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. We travel right up to London Bridge where our train will reverse before continuing through suburban south-west London via West Croydon, Sutton, Epsom and Leatherhead to Guildford where we stop to pick up again. Travel is then via the Portsmouth Direct line through Haslemere and Petersfield to Havant where we then take the westward coastal route through Fareham to Southampton.
There is then a rare opportunity to travel the eight-mile freight line down the western side of Southampton Water through Hythe to Fawley. This line was closed to passenger trains in 1966 but has survived to serve oil refineries and military establishments in the area.
After the Fawley branch we continue our journey through the New Forest and Bournemouth to Poole where we expect the free time to be at least three hours.
Poole has many attractions, including the Quay and Old Town area, Poole Pottery, a frequent ferry service to the Brownsea Island nature reserve, and boat trips around the islands of Poole Harbour. There is also the Dolphin Shopping Centre close to the station.
Our journey back from Poole will be along the main line via Southampton, Eastleigh, Winchester, Basingstoke and Woking (stop to set down). Owing to pathing difficulties, HDL and Railtrack have formulated a slightly altered return journey from Woking: we will stop to set down at Clapham Junction instead of London Bridge, and arrival in Hastings is scheduled for 2230.
There is the possibility of our train calling at Southampton both outward (at 1218) and return (at 1826), and if/when this is confirmed a standard class return fare from Southampton for the Fawley branch and to/from Poole is offered for £25, or £90 for a bay of four seats. Please telephone or e-mail for further information.
These are the latest (11 Sep) timings given to us by Railtrack. Please note that these details replace all previous versions including those sent in the post to ticket-holders.
| outward | return | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
For travel to Poole and back from stations listed above, Hastings to London Bridge inclusive, the standard fare is £42, or £160 for a bay of four seats; the Club Class fare is £57. If you are travelling from Guildford and back to Woking, fares are £37 (standard) or £52 (Club Class). There is a £5 supplement for travelling in either power car (see below).
Travel at a seat with a table, and refreshments are provided throughout the trip plus a meal with wine on the way home. Why not spoil yourself! Travel will be in a DEMU trailer coach or, if the £5 supplement is paid (see below), in the Tunbridge Wells power car.
A £5 supplement should be added to individual (not bay) fares for travel in power cars: Tunbridge Wells (Club Class), or Hastings (standard seating). Capacity is limited.
Our train includes a Buffet Car; a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks will be available throughout the trip at a reasonable price. There is also a trolley service.
Smoking is not permitted in any part of our train.
Some seating is still available in all parts of the train; however space is limited, please check arrangements […].
Bookings have now closed and the railtour has taken place.