Portsmouth-Fishbourne - 100 Years

In March 1926, the Southern Railway Company opened a new six-mile link between Portsmouth and Fishbourne. Initially operated by three wooden tow-boats pulled by a tug, the service soon fulfilled all expectations and in the following year the first specially commissioned car ferry entered service carrying a maximum of 16 cars and 100 passengers. Although the Fishbourne route is historically the youngest of Wightlink’s three Solent crossings, it is today by far the busiest and justly deserves its position as the number one Gateway to the Island. A century of service is certainly an event to be celebrated and its undoubted success is testimony to the foresight and investment made by the Southern Railway and which continues today through the good offices of its natural successors, Wightlink.100 pages. Softback. Published March 2026.