If you’ve ever walked through Polegate, you might have noticed how the town seems to revolve around the railway. But long before the current station existed, there was a second, much grander version of Polegate Station that served as a vital artery for the “Cuckoo Line.” Today, that history is buried under bricks, mortar, and a Morrisons.
The Golden Age of the Cuckoo Line
In 1881, Polegate became a serious railway hub. With the construction of a new westward-facing line to Hailsham and the extension of the Cuckoo Line to Eridge, the “second” Polegate station was born.
It was an impressive site featuring:
• Four Through Platforms: A bustling junction for travelers heading to London, Eastbourne, or deep into the Sussex countryside.
• Electrification: In 1935, the East Coastway line was electrified, ushering in a new era of fast, frequent service.
• The Sprawling Spur: Lines branched out to Pevensey and Hailsham, making Polegate a true crossroads of the South.
The Slow Fade (1965–1986)
The decline of the British branch line didn’t happen overnight; it was a slow stripping away of the town’s connectivity.
1. 1965-1968: The Cuckoo Line north of Hailsham was shuttered, followed by the complete closure of the Hailsham branch.
2. The 70s & 80s: Trackbeds were lifted, and once-extensive goods sidings were cleared away.
3. The 1986 Closure: The station finally closed its doors on May 25, 1986, when a newer, smaller station opened 440 yards to the west.
The Subway Controversy: When the station closed, so did the subway. This caused an uproar in town, as it was the only shortcut for residents to cross from one side of Polegate to the other without battling the infamous level crossing. To this day, the level crossing remains the town’s primary—and often frustrating—divide.
Second Life: Dinner on the Platform
Unlike many stations that are demolished immediately, the Old Polegate Station found a second life as The Old Polegate Station Restaurant.
The original booking hall was transformed, with the dining area situated upstairs. For years, you could enjoy a meal while looking out over the tracks where the westbound platform still sat, cut back just enough for passing trains to whistle by. It was a unique piece of “repurposed” history that kept the Victorian spirit of the building alive.
The Final Departure
The restaurant finally ceased trading in May 2016. While there was hope for another revival, the site was earmarked for redevelopment.
The Update: If you visit the site today, the Victorian architecture is gone. The site has been completely transformed into a Morrisons Store with residential flats above. While the “Cuckoo Trail” cycle path now offers a scenic route where the trains once roared, the station itself is now a memory, replaced by the convenience of modern retail.
Did You Know?
• The Cuckoo Trail: You can still follow the old Hailsham branch line today! It’s a popular cycle and walking path that runs all the way to Heathfield.
• The Pevensey Trackbed: Much of the route to Pevensey remains intact, though it was famously severed by the construction of the A22.
Do you remember eating at the Old Station restaurant, or were you there for the final trains in ’86? Share your memories in the comments below!