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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Danny Thompson

Train enthusiasts can buy their very own railway and earn a £30,000 a year

It's many people's dreams to quit their job, up sticks and move to the seaside, and this could be a possibility - particularly if you're mad the railways.

An opportunity has arisen to buy a light railway service on Hayling Island, Hampshire, and the owners could earn you £30,000 per year in net profit.

The business, which has been running as a successful venture for 30 years, will set you back a fair bit, with the asking price currently a cool £249,995.

However, it comes with substantial assets, including a new station, locomotives, carriages and the track, which runs for around a mile.

The railway, which runs along the island's seafront throughout the year on set days and daily during school holidays, has an annual turnover of £60,000 and does have the ability to extend should the need arise.

Businessesforsale.com, who are selling the railway, say the business is well established and well-liked in the community - with volunteers helping out with the day-to-day running of the operation.

Their website says: "This business would ideally suit a railway enthusiast.

"The railway runs for one mile along an area of outstanding natural beauty with amazing views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

"It is owned by a husband and wife team and they are selling because they are looking to re-coup their investment to travel."

For the true enthusiasts out there the railway is a 2ft narrow gauge. It is mainly diesel operated, though steam trains can be used also.

According to Tripadvisor, Hayling Seaside Railway is well liked by customers, with 74 out of 132 reviewers branding it 'excellent' while a further 49 said it was 'very good'.

One reviewer described it as "wonderful for youngsters", adding: "Our grandson was so excited when he discovered this little train was running on a cold and windy Sunday in February.

"It was the best thing possible. Friendly staff allowed him to wave the green flag to start the train and showed him exactly how the carriages are coupled to the engine.

"He'll be talking about it for a long time."

Another wrote: "We caught the train up to the park and back. Not only was the fare reasonable, but the trains run on time.

"It's a little bit of England, this place, looked after and run by people that care. Good experience."

If you think you've got what it takes, and have always fancied working with trains by the seaside, what are you waiting for? Find out more here.

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