Oxted - May 2001Oxted - May 2001This station was completely rebuilt between 1986 and 1987, at the time of the East Grinstead electrification. The building seen to left is the booking office, located on the up side.
It was here that Uckfield and East Grinstead portions of London trains formerly joined and divided. With the inauguration of the East Grinstead electrification in 1987, this practice was no longer possible, leaving Uckfield with no direct off-peak link to London, and only a vestigal peak service.
If the plans for a new Wealden Line are realised, this station will have the benefit of a direct service to the South Coast for the first time since early 1969. Currently, anyone who wishes to reach the coast by rail must first travel north 10 miles, to reach the Brighton line at East Croydon, go south to Edenbridge Town and walk across town to the Redhill - Tonbridge line station, changing at Redhill and probably Gatwick as well -- or take their chances with bus connections at Uckfield. (Grid Ref. TQ 394 529)