Singleton Station: A Fleeting Destination for Royalty and Racegoers

The former railway station in the South Downs, once a hub for the Goodwood elite, now serves as a cycling and walking trail.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:05am

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Singleton Station, a former railway station in the South Downs, was once a destination for royalty and racegoers who flocked to the nearby Goodwood Racecourse. However, the station's passenger service came to an end in 1935, and it eventually closed in the 1990s. The station has now been transformed into a new cycling and walking trail as part of a renovation project.

Why it matters

The story of Singleton Station highlights the changing transportation landscape in the early 20th century, as buses and automobiles began to replace train travel. It also provides insight into the social dynamics of the time, with the station being built specifically to cater to the elite who attended the Goodwood races.

The details

Singleton Station was opened in 1881 by the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway, with the intention of serving the Goodwood Racecourse and attracting the 'Goodwood traffic' and the Prince of Wales, Bertie (later Edward VII). Despite the station's impressive architecture, it served a village of fewer than 300 people, and its passenger service eventually came to an end in 1935 as travel habits changed. The station survived on school trains and occasional excursions until it closed in the 1990s, but it has now been transformed into a new cycling and walking trail as part of a renovation project.

  • Singleton Station opened in 1881.
  • The final passenger service passed through the station in 1935.
  • Freight use of the station lingered until 1953.
  • The station closed in the 1990s.
  • The station has now been turned into a new cycling and walking trail as part of a renovation project.

The players

Tim Weeks

A local historian who provided insights into the history of Singleton Station and its role in serving the Goodwood Racecourse elite.

Edward VII

The Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII, and was one of the esteemed guests the station was built to serve.

Henry Potter

A resident who moved to the area in 1955 and whose father was tasked with removing the old track after the trains stopped passing through the station.

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What they’re saying

“They wanted the Goodwood traffic...[and] they wanted the Prince of Wales, Bertie, later Edward VII. That was the prize.”

— Tim Weeks, Local historian

“It was a hugely impressive building which would have had a massive impact on the lives of everyone in this area, because it gave the ability for people to be able to go to Chichester without having to walk.”

— Tim Weeks, Local historian

“It burned brightly, but only for a short while.”

— Tim Weeks, Local historian

The takeaway

The story of Singleton Station serves as a reminder of the rapid changes in transportation and social dynamics that occurred in the early 20th century, as well as the resilience of local communities in adapting to these changes. The station's transformation into a cycling and walking trail also highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve and repurpose historical sites for the benefit of the community.