Community celebrations for 175 years of the Marshlink line

Celebrations have been held to mark the 175th anniversary of the railway line between Ashford International and Hastings.

Community representatives, station volunteers and rail enthusiasts held a special on-board gathering on a Southern Railway Marshlink train travelling between the two towns on Friday 13 February.

Among those on the train were the mayor of Ashford Cllr Lyn Suddards and the mayor’s consort Cllr Charles Suddards.

The event marked exactly 175 years since the first train ran from Ashford to Hastings via Rye on 13 February 1851. The celebration was organised by Marshlink community rail partnership.

Cllr Lyn Suddards commented: “This railway is particularly important for Ashford and surrounding villages because it does form a connection that is otherwise missing.”

Cllr Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council & Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Sustainability, added: “Ashford has a proud and longstanding railway history that has helped shape our identity as a town. For generations, our position as a key transport and rail hub has connected people, places and opportunities — across Kent, Sussex and Internationally.

“Strong transport links have always been integral to Ashford’s growth, supporting our strategic location and driving our economic prosperity. We are delighted to join partners and communities in celebrating this milestone anniversary for the Marshlink line, and in recognising the enduring importance of rail to Ashford’s past, present and future.”

The mayors of Hastings and Rye were also on board the train and the deputy mayor of Winchelsea greeted the train as it arrived at the station.

Hastings mayor Cllr Becca Horn made an on-board announcement to welcome passengers on the special service.

She commented: “Train travel is so important as a sustainable form of transport and the Marshlink line connects a service from Hastings through Rye and the villages towards Ashford International. 

“It’s such an important service that we have, it’s a fast route towards London and connecting the whole of the South East. I’m really grateful that we’ve got this service, celebrating 175 years. Let’s hope for at least another 175 to come.”

Cllr Andy Stuart, mayor of Rye, added: “The Marshlink line continues this amazing piece of utility for the whole community. It’s the glue that holds the coast together and allows people to move backwards and forwards relatively quickly and at convenient times.”

Sarah Broadbent, chair of 1066 Country which promotes the region, said: “In terms of the liveability of a place, it’s connectivity is vital both for our residents and also for our visitor economy and this part of the country. 1066 Country relies on its visitor economy so it’s terrific that we are championing links to essentially the rest of the country.”

Marshlink community rail partnership line chair Kevin Boorman said: “It’s been a really good day on the Marshlink. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported us: stakeholders, mayors, members of the public.”

The on-board celebration was funded by a grant from Southern Railway to mark 200 years of the modern railways.

Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Service Director, said: “The enduring Marshlink line is a vital connection for people visiting, living and working in this unique area of the country and we’re proud to serve the community here.

“Passenger numbers are continuing to grow and we’re seeing tourists return in their droves post-Covid, especially to the idyllic town of Rye. This summer is all set to be a busy one as we celebrate the line’s 175th year.”

The Marshlink line was earmarked for closure in the Beeching Report in 1963 but was saved after opposition from local campaigners. The impracticality of the proposed replacement bus service also ensured the line’s survival.

Latest data on estimated station usage shows a rise at all nine stations from Hastings to Ashford International.

There was a 7.8% increase in estimated station usage between April 2024 and March 2025 compared with the year before, according to the Office of Rail and Road. Overall station usage on the Marshlink line is now at 93.4% of pre-Covid levels.

Marshlink is one of ten community rail lines which form Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) which connects communities to their railways.

More details about the work of SCRP via their website.