Gorleston Links Halt

Gorleston Links Halt was a relatively simple affair, having two platforms serving the double track line. It was situated midway between Gorleston-on-Sea and Hopton-on-Sea stations on the Norfolk & Suffolk Joint Railway route from Yarmouth South Town to Lowestoft Central. It was opened in July 1914 for golfers visiting the adjacent golf-course and had a windswept position on an embankment close to the bridge over Links Road.
During the first world war drastic reductions were made to passenger services in order to be able to support vital war services and in May 1918 Gorleston Links Halt was closed. The closure lasted until August 11th 1919 when it reopened to support the increasing number of holiday makers heading for the coast after the cessation of hostilities. The halt lasted in service right up to the closure of the line on May 4th 1970 after which all traces were quickly removed. The surrounding area has now totally changed, with the bridge, embankment and halt disappearing under new housing developments.

	Picture Gallery (Click on picture for larger view)

			Gorleston Links Halt - train to Lowestoft The 11.07 Yarmouth South Town to Lowestoft Central arrives at Gorleston Links Halt. The trackbed, now singled, shows signs of the recently removed track next to the Yarmouth platform. (June 22nd 1968 - Ellington)

			Gorleston Links Halt - train awaits Another view of the 11.07 to Lowestoft Central waiting for passengers at Gorleston Links Halt. The simple platform construction can be seen in this view. (June 22nd 1968 - Ellington)

			Gorleston Links Halt, looking east Looking east, towards the sea, the bungalow housing developments can be seen in this view. The relative height of the halt, up on the embankment can also be made out. (February 10th 1968 - Ellington)

			Gorleston Links Halt, looking west Looking inland from the halt platform shows the complete lack of any buildings, a scene very different today. Comparing this platform with the one for Lowestoft shows it to be of simpler construction. (February 10th - Ellington)

			Track removal Engine D5580 passes through Gorleston Links Halt on its way to Lowestoft with track removed from Yarmouth South Town. (March 17th 1968 - Ellington)

			View towards Gorleston-on-Sea This view, looking towards Gorleston, shows the Lowestoft platform and the remaining single track. (March 24th 1968 - Ellington)

			View towards Lowestoft Just visible in the background is the track recording trolley having just passed through Gorleston Links Halt on its way back to Lowestoft Central. (April 7th 1968 - Ellington)