October Half-Term Rail Disruptions Could Affect Coastal Journeys
Travellers heading to England’s southeast coast for the October half-term should prepare for potential delays and altered connections. Rail services on the Hastings line, a key route linking inland towns with seaside destinations, will be suspended between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings and between Bexhill-on-Sea and Hastings from 25 October to 2 November 2025. During the full nine days of the planned works, passengers will rely on replacement bus services, which will keep routes open but may lengthen travel times for those travelling to seaside towns or linking with other destinations.
The closure coincides with one of the busiest travel periods of the autumn, and passengers are advised to take extra precautions to ensure smoother journeys. Travelers should keep the following in mind:
- Expect changes to usual routes and connections
- Check updated timetables before setting out
- Allow extra travel time for replacement buses
- Prepare for some journeys to take longer than normal
- Plan ahead for family trips or leisure travel along the line
Passengers should expect that the ongoing maintenance along the Hastings line will temporarily make it more difficult to reach a range of well-known coastal destinations. Trips to St Leonards Gardens, a scenic park close to the seafront that attracts both locals and visitors, are expected to take longer and may involve additional planning while the rail services are suspended. In Bexhill, visitors planning to go to Egerton Park, a family-friendly green space, will need to account for adjusted travel arrangements while rail services are suspended.
Further inland, the disruption will make reaching countryside destinations more challenging. Reaching Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, popular for walking and cycling, may take additional time during the rail closures. Travel to Bewl Water, a popular spot for outdoor activities, is expected to take longer while replacement buses are in operation. Visitors heading to Bateman’s, the historic home of Rudyard Kipling near Burwash, should also allow for extended journey times while services remain affected.
“We know that closures are disruptive, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving with replacement buses and clear travel information. In addition, our integrated railway means we can also take the opportunity to do other work, including refurbishing the footbridge at West St Leonards stations, at the same time to further minimise future disruption."
Although the closures may inconvenience travellers during the half-term break, the engineering works are expected to deliver long-term improvements. Tunnel improvements, renewed track and ballast, refurbished footbridges, and cleared vegetation are set to cut future delays and improve safety across the Hastings line. The upgrades are expected to make journeys along the Hastings line more dependable over time, providing smoother travel for both local commuters and visitors to the southeast coast.