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THE future of a historic pier and its record-holding railway remain in doubt as repairs and ownership questions drag out.

Hythe Pier in Hampshire is the UK’s seventh-longest of its kind but has been shut for more than a year, and has kept essential ferry services out of reach.

Located in Hampshire, the pier is a crucial stopping point for the Hythe Ferry, which ran regular services to Southampton before the closure.

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

Concerned residents have been searching for answers about when the pier would open and ferry services resume given that repair and electrical works seem to have concluded.

Services were suspended in August last year over health and safety concerns when damage was found underneath the landing pontoon.

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But the ferry service never resumed, and the pier was once again closed in autumn this year to carry out electrical work.

“Essential works to support the pier and ferry operations are progressing,” a spokesperson for the ferry company told the BBC.

When contacted by The Sun, the ferry’s spokesperson said algae on the pier needed to be cleared out before services could resume. However, cleaning could only occur once the weather had dried up for a period of time, so the algae was likely to be removed in spring.

This is a blow for locals who have waited months for answers about when they could expect the ferry to be up and running again.

What has made the situation more complicated is a change in ownership of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company.

Investment firm Njord Partners has taken over Red Funnel, which owned the ferry company, but it has not been made clear how this would impact services.

“We simply don’t know anything about whether the Hythe Ferry was included in the takeover, and as the tenant of the pier, it’s their responsibility to determine when it can reopen again – we’ve asked them and had no answer,” vice-chair of the parish council, Mark Clark, told the BBC.

A PR firm representing Red Funnel issued a statement on the matter saying there was work being done to find solutions for a “sustainable future.”

“We’re pleased to confirm that the owners of Hythe Pier recently completed critical electrical repairs,” read the statement to the BBC.

“This is an important step forwards but there is still work to be done.

“The ferry is a historic and much-loved service, and we are working hard behind the scenes, together with local partners, to find the right solution and secure a sustainable future”.

The pier is owned by local councillor Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan who said it was closed by the tenant – Southampton and Hythe Ferry Company – and she was considering getting the pier registered as a charity.

“Decisions about access, operation and reopening sit with the Hythe Ferry,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

“As the pier owner, I continue to engage with the tenant and have been working to resolve electrical issues affecting the pier and associated community facilities.”

Mutimear-MacMillan said her idea of switching the pier business to a charity was because “the only income to the pier is rental income, and the full annual income has already been spent on essential electrical works.”

“There are no further funds available at this time through the private limited company, which is why longer-term funding options are being considered,” she wrote.

The heritage steam railway trundles through pretty seaside villages and along stunning North Norfolk coastline

A stunning train route has been crowned England’s “most scenic” after travellers discovered it winds through charming seaside villages and breathtaking landscapes. Better still, the heritage steam railway itself is rich in history as it chugs along picturesque old tracks.

The Poppy Line, running between Sheringham and Holt in North Norfolk, meanders for 5.25 miles (8.45km) across the region’s flat countryside. East Anglia’s self-proclaimed “premier heritage railway” is run almost entirely by volunteers, lending the entire journey a welcoming atmosphere.

Yet it’s far from amateur – first class carriages provide dining experiences where passengers can tuck into delicious meals and enjoy exquisite bottles of wine.

Options range from a Comedy Dining Experience to various gourmet services, a Murder Mystery Dining experience – and even a Gin Train for those seeking a more relaxed affair.

Passengers board at Sheringham, a classic Victorian seaside town where fishing remains a thriving trade and shops stock an array of local goods. The town boasts an expansive beach with golden sands – ideal for a winter ramble whilst the train prepares for departure.

For those wanting a lengthier excursion, continue along the coast atop the gently rising cliffs to take in the diverse mix of wildflowers, butterflies and sweeping vistas of the North Sea.

From this point, the train chugs along for a few miles to the quintessentially English village of Weybourne, reports the Express.

Here you can also bask in the stunning coastal views, or perhaps pop over to the Muckleburgh Military Collection, the UK’s largest privately owned military museum, boasting over 120 tanks, guns and vehicles among its collection of 10,000 items.

Once you’ve had your fill of military history, meander over to one of the traditional British pubs where you can tuck into fish and chips, or locally sourced seafood or other produce. Notable establishments include The Ship Inn and The Red Lion.

Afterwards, hop back on the train and you’ll be whisked off to Kelling Heath Park, which is just a brief stop. From here you can embark on hikes around Kelling Heath, a 221-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Following this, Holt is the final stop, where you’ll alight to discover a treasure trove of 18th-Century Georgian buildings, with charming antique and book shops tucked away in the many hidden courtyards and alleyways. Don’t miss the cross in the marketplace that commemorates soldiers who fell in the war.

Just a stone’s throw away is Holt Country Park – a 100-acre woodland filled with oak, pine and silver birch trees. The ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle are also well worth a visit.

This moated and fortified manor house dates back to the 15th century and is teeming with intriguing history.

This lesser-known village features in All Creatures Great and Small, which is set in the 1930s Yorkshire Dales, and offers a ‘true taste of rural England’ with cobbled market squares and beautiful walks

All Creatures Great and Small captivated viewers when it debuted on our screens in 2020, with its delightful period Northern England backdrop – and it transpires the historic town is nearer than you might imagine.

Envision cobblestone market squares, quaint cottage-style shops, and panoramic vistas of the Yorkshire Dales. This perfectly describes Grassington, both in reality and on television. The village provides a charming shopping experience featuring handicrafts, art exhibitions and regional products all curated by independent artisans, plus welcoming establishments for refreshments. Among these establishments is The Hutch Handmade Gift Shop, adored by residents and highly rated amongst Grassington’s attractions.

A visitor described the shop as a “gorgeous spot”, noting on TripAdvisor: “A treasure trove of handmade gifts. Lots of colourful, unique, one-off gifts made by small independent artists, designers and crafters…mostly from Yorkshire.” Another popular attraction that attracts numerous visitors is Grassington Folk Museum. It showcases a fascinating collection of historical artefacts unearthed locally, transporting visitors through time via medical equipment, vintage garments, household objects, geological samples and agricultural keepsakes.

Many regard it as a “lovely museum”, with one recent visitor saying: “We stopped by on a whim and were so glad we did! Lovely collection of items, and the delightful volunteer in the museum was so friendly and knowledgeable! I wish I had gotten her name. Well worth a visit.”

The settlement provides a “true taste of rural England”, which is precisely why it served as the perfect backdrop for a popular television programme. The plot centres around three veterinarians operating in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s and draws inspiration from novels penned by writer Alf Wight.

The village serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts eager to discover the surrounding countryside. Numerous walking and cycling trails await exploration, including a brief circular route connecting Grassington with neighbouring Dales settlement Hebden. Another pathway offers a seven-mile return journey from Kettewell to Grassington.

Home to approximately 1,000 residents, this peaceful location provides genuine serenity. Nowhere captures this tranquil atmosphere better than the town’s Linton Falls, where the River Wharfe tumbles dramatically over spectacular limestone formations. The area’s natural splendour attracts countless visitors. One recent reviewer said: “This place is magnificent! Standing on the bridge as the water thunders beneath is breathtaking. We were even able to have a little paddle upstream.” For those yearning for more natural beauty, Widdop Reservoir is equally stunning and provides a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year. The secluded moorland presents a delightful walk that spans approximately three miles around the reservoir.