This page was last modified on 15 June 2001
For the first time we are running one of our major tours directly westward along the coast, giving the opportunity of joining our train at Hastings, St. Leonards (Warrior Square), Bexhill, Eastbourne, Polegate, Lewes, Brighton, Worthing, Havant, Fareham or Eastleigh stations.
Our trip through the Sussex coastal area and into Hampshire will be fresh for many. From Eastleigh we travel to and from Gloucester by two completely different routes. First we cover the direct line from Eastleigh to Romsey, only infrequently used by passenger trains, before taking a picturesque ride through the Wiltshire countryside via Salisbury, Westbury and Bath Spa, eventually passing through the Severn Tunnel and into south Wales. Our stay in Wales will be brief as we will soon continue our journey back into England and alongside the River Severn through Chepstow to Gloucester.
We have been scheduled to make an additional stop at Lydney station on the outward trip at 1316; there, you may alight and have a ride on the preserved Dean Forest Railway. They advertise a Class 108 DMMU service on the day, and will be laying on an extra train which will leave their Lydney Junction station shortly after our arrival. Please note however that if you sample this line, you will then have to make your own way onward to Gloucester by the Wales & West train at 1449 (single fare £4).
Our train will stop for nearly 2½ hours in Gloucester where the cathedral, wateways museum, historic docks, museum of advertising & packaging and the folk museum are some of the attractions to visit. You may also enjoy a 45-minute cruise down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, or a bus tour of the city.
Our journey back will be via the Stroud valley, Swindon, Didcot, Reading west curve, Basingstoke and Winchester before reaching Eastleigh and retracing our steps back along the Sussex coast.
Final timings as received from Railtrack:
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For travel to Gloucester and back from stations listed above, Hastings to Worthing inclusive, the standard fare is £45, or £170 for a bay of four seats; the Club Class fare is £60. If you are joining at Havant, Fareham or Eastleigh, fares are £40 (standard), £160 (bay of four) or £55 (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.
A few seats are available in some parts of the train; please enquire […] for further details.
Bookings have now closed and the railtour has taken place.