The Watercress Line

Call Directions Website

The Watercress Line The Watercress Line is a preserved steam railway in the heart of Hampshire. Do take a look – you will be amazed at the scope of work being undertaken!

Welcome to the Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the ‘Watercress Line’, and our page. Let the train take the strain as you sit back, relax, and watch mile after mile of beautiful Hamsphire countryside pass you by. The soothing sounds of the steam engine and the beat of the exhaust can be heard over the clickety clack of the train passing over the rails, there really is nothing quite like the sight, sound and smell of a steam train. This sedate pace of life can be enjoyed watching the trains go by at one of our peaceful and picturesque stations, with plenty to see, and perfect for the other Great British of pastimes, the picnic! At Ropley you will be able to see inside three new workshop areas all of which have only been built as a result of substantial grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund. At the London end of the site are the boiler plus carriage & wagon workshops and adjacent to the station the extension to the mechanical workshop all of which have viewing galleries open to the public. In due course we will have interpretation materials in each area to explain the work being carried out. The Heritage Lottery Fund is also partly funding apprentices at the Watercress Line so that ten young men can learn the skills needed to keep such railways going into the future. The Watercress Line is a not for profit organisation which has always been funded by the generosity of its supporters and visitors. All profit generated from your visit is reinvested in the railway to ensure that this piece of Britain's railway heritage will still be here for future generations to enjoy. We thank you for your generosity and your support of this aim. The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust (reg.Charity 284406) has the major shareholding in The Watercress Line Ltd.

16/10/2026

The veil between worlds is lifting...🚂✨

Step aboard the Halloween Horror Train for an immersive, 18+ night of fear on The Watercress Line.

🎟️ 29th - 31st October
📍 Alresford Station

Book tickets now... if you dare: https://buff.ly/kuS1G22

Tickets for our Halloween Real Ale Train on Saturday 31st October are flying fast, but we’ve got a trick and a treat for...
15/10/2026

Tickets for our Halloween Real Ale Train on Saturday 31st October are flying fast, but we’ve got a trick and a treat for you... We’ve just released ADDITIONAL 6-person compartments that were previously completely sold out!🐀✨️

Join us for a hauntingly good journey through the Hampshire countryside, packed with spooky vibes, food and local brews.

🍺 Featured Brewery of the Night:
We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Flower Pots Brewery, featuring their brand new Golden Ale: ‘Baronwood Gold’ (4.4% ABV) alongside a selection of real ales and c***rs!

👻 Halloween Theme & Fancy Dress - Spooky attire is HIGHLY encouraged!
🍻 Pints for just £4.50 (£2.50 half pint)
🎟️ FREE pint voucher included with every advance online ticket
🌭 Hot food options available onboard
⏰ Departs Alton at 7:00 PM, returning at 10:30 PM (plenty of time for SWR connection trains home!)

✨ Private Compartments Re-opened!
Gather your favorite ghouls (up to 6 people) for £250 - includes travel and 6 FREE pint vouchers. These extra compartments won't stay available for long!

Grab your costumes, round up your crew, and book before these extra spots vanish into the night! 🧙‍♀️✨

👇 Book your Halloween RAT tickets now:
https://buff.ly/sgyE7fd

15/10/2026

📣 We're hiring for a Community Fundraising Executive! ✨️

Join The Watercress Line to bring together communities across the railway and local area to support our important work in preserving the experiences and skills of heritage rail travel. You will work directly for the CEO to provide the foundations for the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust.

Find out more and apply via our website: https://buff.ly/OA2acAT

💀 Climb onboard… if you dare! In just a couple of weeks (29–31 October), something sinister is stirring on The Watercres...
14/10/2026

💀 Climb onboard… if you dare! In just a couple of weeks (29–31 October), something sinister is stirring on The Watercress Line for our 18+ Halloween Horror Train!

Join the Professor of the Spirit World at Alresford as he unveils his most dangerous creation yet: the Séance Train. As steam, speed, and science collide to pierce the veil between worlds, be warned… something in the dark is pushing back.

⚠️ Age Restriction: Strictly 18+

🎟️ Book your place on the Séance Train now: https://buff.ly/kuS1G22

🎄 Father Christmas is returning to The Watercress Line for the Father Christmas Express (12–24 December), but tickets ar...
13/10/2026

🎄 Father Christmas is returning to The Watercress Line for the Father Christmas Express (12–24 December), but tickets are flying and several trains have already sold out!

Meet Father Christmas onboard the train and swap a magic token for a gift at the Present Junction, make your own special Reindeer Food and take part in activities around Ropley Station!

📅 12th - 24th December 2026
⏰ Activities: 9:30am - 3:30pm

🔗 https://buff.ly/ZX8HiDT

🎃 Magic, mischief, and a race against the witches! In just a couple of weeks (29–31 October), The Watercress Line is tra...
12/10/2026

🎃 Magic, mischief, and a race against the witches! In just a couple of weeks (29–31 October), The Watercress Line is transforming for an immersive Halloween adventure! 🚂✨

Step onboard at Alresford for a spooky family journey deep into Watercress Woods. Meet a grown-up Hansel & Gretel, keep your eyes peeled for lurking witches and help protect the train before it's too late!

⏰ Departures from Alresford: 12:30pm & 3:00pm
📍 Dates: 29 - 31 October

Book your tickets now: https://buff.ly/8ChBngT

📸 Steve Morley

🍻 TICKETS RELEASED for 2027 Real Ale Train dates!Our famous Real Ale Train, or RAT as it is affectionately known, is now...
11/10/2026

🍻 TICKETS RELEASED for 2027 Real Ale Train dates!

Our famous Real Ale Train, or RAT as it is affectionately known, is now on sale for 2027! Enjoy real ale from the bar car whilst travelling through the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

The following dates have been released:
10 & 17 April 2027
8 & 21 May 2027

Drink local real ale and c***r at £4.50 a pint or £2.50 for a half pint!

Tickets are only £30 with a FREE pint and reusable cup with each ticket bought in advance online.

https://watercressline.co.uk/visit/experiences/drinking-experiences/rat-real-ale-train/

Rev up your STEM curriculum with a FREE Year 8 Engineering Challenge at Ropley Station! 🚂⚙️In partnership with the Natio...
07/10/2026

Rev up your STEM curriculum with a FREE Year 8 Engineering Challenge at Ropley Station! 🚂⚙️

In partnership with the National Motor Museum, the Watercress Line is inviting teams of six Year 8 students to tackle real-world engineering problems in an exciting hands-on tournament.

Dates: Wednesday 3rd February or Tuesday 2nd March 2027 (9:30am – 3:00pm)

Cost: FREE (all equipment provided)

Prizes: Certificates for all participants and a trophy for the winning school!

Spaces are strictly limited to one team per school. Secure your spot now by emailing [email protected] with your preferred date!

https://buff.ly/VAJGMWH

A big thank you to Councillors Emily Young, Suzie Burns and Ginny Boxall for the funding which has enabled the education...
06/10/2026

A big thank you to Councillors Emily Young, Suzie Burns and Ginny Boxall for the funding which has enabled the education team to purchase some brand new science kit ready to be incorporated into our Steam, Science and Stories project! 😀

🍽️ Tickets for several of our dining experiences are now on sale for 2027!Dates now on sale for the Countryman Sunday Lu...
04/10/2026

🍽️ Tickets for several of our dining experiences are now on sale for 2027!

Dates now on sale for the Countryman Sunday Lunch, Watercress Belle Fine Dining Train, Royal Wessex Fine Dining Sunday Lunch and the Murder Mystery train!

Visit our website to take a look at what's new for next year and reserve your spot onboard the train: https://buff.ly/hHrjQkf

Address

Alresford Station, Station Road
New Alresford
SO249JG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441962733810

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Watercress Line posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share