There are few railway journeys in the South of England that offer such a dramatic shift in landscape as the Marshlink Line. Running between the Victorian seaside grandeur of Eastbourne and the international connectivity of Ashford, this route is a tale of two halves. It begins with the sparkling blue of the English Channel and ends amidst the mysterious, flat expanses of Romney Marsh, a place that feels a world away from the hustle of modern life.
Operated by Southern, this route is more than just a commuter link; it’s a journey through 1066 country, passing ancient castles, shingle beaches, and medieval ports that the sea left behind. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful day out, the Marshlink Line offers a window into some of Sussex and Kent’s most atmospheric scenery.
What makes this route special
The true magic of the Marshlink Line lies in its contrast. The journey starts on the electrified ‘East Coastway’ line, gliding past bustling promenades and Regency architecture. However, once you pass Hastings, the wires end, and the train switches to diesel power. There is something undeniably charming about the change in tempo as the train chugs into the rural solitude of the marshes.
This is a line for big skies and endless horizons. As you traverse Romney Marsh—often described as “the fifth continent” due to its unique character—you are treated to views of grazing sheep, winding drainage dykes, and distant church towers that have stood as waypoints for centuries. It is a landscape that has inspired authors and artists for generations, and seeing it from the train window offers a perspective you simply cannot get from the road.
Route breakdown: coast to countryside
The journey can be broken down into two distinct sections, each with its own flavour.
The Sussex Coast (Eastbourne to Hastings)
Departing from Eastbourne, the train quickly reaches Hampden Park before heading towards Pevensey & Westham. This is the first major highlight; the station is just a short walk from the imposing Roman walls of Pevensey Castle, the landing site of William the Conqueror in 1066.
Continuing east, the line hugs the coast. You’ll pass through Pevensey Bay and Normans Bay—quiet shingle beaches that are perfect for a secluded summer dip—before arriving in Bexhill. Keep an eye out for the De La Warr Pavilion, a masterpiece of modernist architecture that sits right on the seafront.
After passing St Leonards, the train arrives at Hastings, a town experiencing a cultural renaissance. From the funicular railways to the historic Old Town, it’s a bustle of activity.
The Marshlink Proper (Hastings to Ashford)
This is where the adventure truly begins. Leaving Hastings, the train dives into tunnels and climbs towards Ore. The urban sprawl quickly vanishes, replaced by the rolling hills of the High Weald and then the flatlands.
The stops here are rural and atmospheric. Three Oaks and Doleham are tiny, quiet halts buried in the countryside. The train then crosses the River Brede to reach Winchelsea and the line’s crown jewel, Rye.
Beyond Rye, you enter the heart of the marsh. The line runs arrow-straight towards Appledore and Ham Street, crossing the Royal Military Canal. Finally, the rural dream gives way to modern infrastructure as you pull into Ashford International.
Key locations and hidden gems
While every stop has its charm, a few locations demand you hop off and explore:
- Rye: If you only make one stop, make it here. Rye is arguably one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England. The station is moments from the town centre, where cobbled streets like Mermaid Street are lined with crooked, timber-framed houses.
- Pevensey & Westham: Ideal for history lovers. The castle ruins are magnificent, and the village of Westham offers lovely tea rooms. It’s a great family stop.
- Bexhill: A stark contrast to the medieval history nearby, Bexhill offers 1930s elegance. A walk along the promenade to the De La Warr Pavilion is a must for art fans.
- Winchelsea: A hidden gem. The station is located about a mile from the town itself, so be prepared for a walk, but the hilltop town is a peaceful time capsule with a stunning church and cellar tours.
When does the route run?
The Marshlink Line operates seven days a week, making it a reliable option for both weekend getaways and mid-week escapes. The service is generally hourly between Eastbourne and Ashford International.
However, a word of caution for the intrepid explorer: not all trains stop at the smaller “halt” stations.
- Doleham: This station has an extremely limited service (often only a few trains a day). You must check the timetable meticulously before planning a hike here.
- Three Oaks and Winchelsea: These stops can sometimes operate on a two-hourly pattern or may be skipped by certain semi-fast services. Always verify your specific train before boarding.
- Normans Bay & Pevensey Bay: These coastal stops often rely on the local stopping service between Eastbourne and Hastings, rather than the through-train to Ashford.
Service frequency and connections
The core service is an hourly through-train running Eastbourne – Hastings – Rye – Ashford International. This consistency makes planning relatively easy.
At Ashford International, the line connects seamlessly with High Speed 1. This means you can travel from London St Pancras to the wilds of Romney Marsh in just over an hour, changing at Ashford. At the other end, Eastbourne connects you to Brighton and the rest of the West Sussex coast.
Value for money
Traveling on the Marshlink can be surprisingly affordable. Southern offers “Advance” tickets if you book ahead, which can offer significant savings over buying on the day.
For a flexible day out, look for “Off-Peak Day Return” tickets. If you are travelling in a group of 3 to 9 adults, you can take advantage of GroupSave discounts, which can reduce the fare by up to 34%. Given the parking costs in towns like Rye and Hastings, the train often works out cheaper and certainly less stressful.
Planning a day out on this route
To make the most of this scenic corridor, we recommend a “town and country” approach.
Start your morning in Eastbourne. Grab a coffee near the pier and enjoy the sea air. Then, hop on the train and head straight for Rye (approx. 50-60 minutes). Spend your lunch hours exploring the cobbled lanes, visiting the Rye Heritage Centre, or climbing the church tower for a view over the red-tiled roofs and the marsh beyond.
In the afternoon, catch the train back towards Hastings. Stop here for an early dinner in the Old Town—famous for its fish and chips—and perhaps a game of crazy golf on the seafront before catching the train home.
For walkers, alighting at Winchelsea (check the times!) and walking across the fields to Rye is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, offering broad views of the Brede Valley.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit on the right: If you are travelling from Eastbourne towards Ashford, sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views of the sea between Eastbourne and Bexhill, and the best views of the marshes after Rye.
- Check the formation: The trains are usually 2 or 4 carriage turbostars. They can get busy on summer weekends, especially during the Rye Jazz Festival or Hastings Jack in the Green, so arrive a little early to get a window seat.
- Bring walking boots: Many of the stations, particularly Appledore and Winchelsea, are gateways to fantastic walking trails like the Saxon Shore Way and the 1066 Country Walk.
- Mind the gap: Some of the historic stations on the marsh section have shorter platforms. Listen to the on-board announcements, as you may need to be in a specific carriage to open the doors at stops like Three Oaks.
Whether you are chasing history, seeking solitude, or just want a pint in a smugglers’ inn, the Marshlink Line delivers you there with a rhythm and charm that is uniquely its own.
