Suffolk railway lines and stations that have been lost

This revolutionary method of transport helped connect many parts of the country that otherwise would’ve taken days to reach via horse and carriage.  

In Suffolk a number of railways were constructed, which saw hundreds of trains make their way up and down the county and beyond.

However, over the years, many of these railways have since shut down. All that remains are the tracks and trackbeds, and a few disused stations.

Here are just some of the stories behind Suffolk’s lost railway lines – and what happened to them.  

One of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway's three original Little Red Engines, photographed with the 6'o 'clock train for Laxfield at Haughley (Image: Archant Archives)

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway 

Affectionately known as the ‘Middy’, the MSLR been described by many as ‘a classic case of a railway built too late for the great railway age’. Constructed in 1904, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was conceived with the purpose of opening up an agricultural area of central Suffolk. 

At the time of its creation interest was high, and it was originally due to be 50 miles in length – but only ran for 19 miles between Haughley and Laxfield. 

Actual share subscription was weak. There weren’t enough financial resources available - and in 1923, the MSLR eventually became part of the London and North Eastern Railway. 

Its first train took off from Haughley on September 20, 1904, at 8am, and was hauled by Jackson’s 0–6–0 tank locomotive Lady Stevenson. Goods stations were located at various points across Suffolk, including Mendlesham, Aspall, Kenton, Horham, Stradbroke, Old Newton, Brockford, Worlingtonworth, and Wilby.  

When it first opened, the MSLR was originally a goods-only service, but in 1908 a passenger service commenced operation. However, this still wasn’t enough. Usage of the railway was poor, and it sadly closed in 1952, with the last train running on July 26.  

Thanks to a number of avid railway enthusiasts, a group and charity called the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was formed and has since done a great job of keeping its memory alive. Operating a railway museum site in Brockford, it is run by a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve its heritage. Today regular steam train trips can be booked on special days, and there's a programme of carriage and wagon restorations on site, recreating a slice of Edwardian England. 

A locomotive on the Southwold Railway (Image: Bill Darnell/Archant Archives)

Southwold Railway 

Most popular seaside resorts tend to be accessible by train - and this was once the case for Southwold. Between 1879 and 1929, the town was home to a narrow gauge railway which took passengers along to Halesworth.

The Southwold railway line closely followed the route of the River Blyth, stopping off at Wenhaston, Blythburgh, Walberswick. Construction began on May 3, 1878, and was completed in September the following year. Sleepers were imported from Norway, and rails came from the Tredgegar Iron Co, both arriving via ship at Southwold Harbour. Ipswich-based firm Ransomes & Rapier supplied signalling and switchgear, while local blacksmith Charlie List was responsible for the ironwork. Three trains were provided by Sharp, Stewart and Company. 

And it was popular. In the first 10 years of operation there were around 76,000 passenger journeys annually, increasing to around 100,000 by the turn of the century. In terms of goods, by 1900 the route carried 9,000 long tonnes of minerals and 6,000 long tonnes of parcels. In 1893, Sharp, Stewart and Company made another locomotive for the line to help keep up with the demand of the route.  

But what happened?  

A Lockdales postcard of Halesworth Station on Southwold Railway (Image: Archant Archives)

Well, according to Southwold Railway Trust, the First World War effectively killed the town’s fishing trade - and things weren’t looking so great after the war. Up until 1925, the trainline was making a profit, but in 1926, buses arrived just outside of Southwold and the two modes of transport began competing for customers. The trains responded by increasing their services and reducing their prices, but when the buses were allowed to pick up from within Southwold itself, the railway age in the town came to an end. 

In April 1929, the line closed with one weeks’ notice. And when WWII broke out, the remaining train stock and lines were cut up for scrap for the war effort.  

Today, reminders of those once-popular line can still be seen. Southwold Station’s site is now home to a police and fire station, the last remaining section of track in situ can still be found at the river’s edge opposite the Southwold Sailing Club at Blackshore Quay, and there are small sections of track and sleepers visible in various spots along the line, which is easily walkable from Blythburgh to Southwold. 

A train outside of the now-defunct Capel St Mary train station on the Hadleigh Railway line (Image: Archant Archives)

Hadleigh Railway  

Hadleigh was once home to a seven-and-a-half-mile long single-track railway line, connecting it with the mainline railway network at Bentley Junction.  

Built by the Eastern Union and Hadleigh Junction Railway company, Hadleigh’s railway officially opened in September 1847, with five trains running each way Monday to Friday, and three each way on Sundays. The stations on the route were Hadleigh, Raydon Wood, Capel, Bentley Church, and Bentley, and in 1848 two direct weekday services ran to Ipswich (but that section of the junction closed in 1875). 

During the early 20th century, passenger services peaked, but by 1924 began to dwindle due to competition from bus services. In a bid to reduce costs, a conductor-guard system was introduced in 1922, but with interest waning, passenger services ceased on February 29, 1932, while a goods-only service continued.  

The line saw a resurgence during WWII, while goods facilities at Capel and Raydon Wood were used by the United States Army Air Force. But following the end of the war in 1945, the railway declined in use once again, and in April 1965 it closed for good. The track was removed later that year. 

What remains today however is the Railway Walk – part of a 11.6 hectare Local Nature Reserve which runs for two miles. Visitors can start their car-free ramble from the entrance at Station Road, and walk along the trackbed. Mostly covered by trees, it makes for a great stroll.  

Do you have any memories of these former train routes? Get in touch with danielle.lett@newsquest.co.uk to share your stories and photos.