Fareham Flyer

Passengers from Gosport are getting a one-off opportunity for a dedicated return train to London Waterloo.

Gosport is one of the largest towns in the country without a railway station, with a population of 82,000. Its station was severely damaged in World War Two and closed in 1953. In 2010 the site was converted to private housing, with its imposing façade surviving.

Some volunteers, who ran the town’s recently closed tourist information centre, have chartered a 660-seat return train from the nearest station, Fareham.

Calling it the “Fareham Flyer” they will charge £25 return, departing 0830 on Saturday 26 October and returning shortly after 1900.

Organiser Mike Critchley calls it “a gamble,” but says church groups, schools and local clubs have made reservations.