CrossCountry boost at Brockenhurst in upcoming timetable change

Long‑distance train operator CrossCountry has confirmed an updated timetable will be introduced on 17 May, better reflecting customer demand on services across Great Britain.

As part of the rail industry’s bi-annual timetable changes, CrossCountry customers will see additional services between Reading and Newcastle via Birmingham, new direct connections to the New Forest, and new express journeys, with fewer station calls, to and from Reading*.

Customers in Hampshire will benefit from the reintroduction of hourly calls at Brockenhurst – the heart of the New Forest – seven days a week. Improved links from the Midlands and the North will support more sustainable tourism to one of the UK’s popular leisure destinations.

Long-distance customers also will benefit from additional services between Reading, Birmingham, York and Newcastle – improving rail connectivity between the North East, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the Thames Valley.

Additional services are being introduced to prioritise connections between the West Midlands and Reading, with fewer station calls. These services also deliver more direct journeys between Reading and the North East / Yorkshire without travelling through London.

Shiona Rolfe, CrossCountry’s Managing Director, said: “I’m delighted that our May 2026 timetable is boosting daily services to Brockenhurst, recognising the popularity of the New Forest and the importance of more sustainable UK tourism. More widely, the timetable allows us to better match supply with demand, provide more services on our key long‑distance corridors and restore much‑valued regional connectivity.

We’ve made these changes based on clear customer needs and strong stakeholder feedback from across the country. We will continue to review our services to provide reliable journeys for the communities we serve.”

New Forest National Park Authority Chair, Victoria Mander, said: “These new services are a welcome investment, offering more convenient travel choices for both residents and visitors travelling to and within the New Forest.

“By strengthening connections, they boost sustainable travel, reduce impacts on the National Park and improve access to jobs, skills and business opportunities across the region.”

The refurbishment of CrossCountry’s long-distance and inter-regional fleets will continue throughout 2026, with bright, modern trains, improved seating and storage options and more charging facilities throughout the train.

With both schemes progressing well, more customers across the CrossCountry network can enjoy improved onboard journeys.

Those planning to travel from Sunday 17 May onwards can check their journeys with their train operator or through National Rail Enquiries.