HYTHE Pier is the official Guinness World Record holder as the oldest continuously operating pier railway. Despite its somewhat ancient appearance, it is not a preserved railway but a daily commercial railway operation, part of a key rail and ferry link operated by Blue Funnel between Hythe and Southampton.
The fact it has survived for more than 100 years says much about the dedication of the staff, volunteers and owners to provide a service to the local community. But in December, a closure announcement was made, stating that it was no longer viable, and that the rail and ferry service
