The Watercress Line

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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.

That’s a wrap on the Real Ale Train for 2026!🚂🍻We rounded up the year with another successful Halloween RAT - thank you ...
02/11/2026

That’s a wrap on the Real Ale Train for 2026!🚂🍻

We rounded up the year with another successful Halloween RAT - thank you to everyone who joined us in costume and raised a glass onboard. 🎃✨

Missed out this year? The Real Ale Train is now on sale for 2027!

🔥 Why book early?
• Get a FREE pint voucher with every advance ticket purchase online
• Lock in seats for our popular theme nights & dates (including private 6-person compartments!)
• Enjoy 3.5 hours of scenic Hampshire countryside with local brews at just £4.50 a pint

Secure your spot now and give yourself a night to look forward to! 🍻👇

https://buff.ly/LRVQMQm

📸 Steve Morley

🎅Several trains are now completely sold out onboard the Father Christmas Express this year!Book your tickets to meet Fat...
31/10/2026

🎅Several trains are now completely sold out onboard the Father Christmas Express this year!

Book your tickets to meet Father Christmas at his Hampshire Hideaway in Ropley this Christmas before they sell out.

Collect a magic token that you can exchange for one of a selection of presents at our special ‘Present Junction’ when you get back to Ropley. 🎁

Last tickets available: https://buff.ly/3BXxJki

30/10/2026

After another brilliant Autumn Steam Gala, it’s full steam ahead as we head towards the winter season! It’s time for a look to see what’s been happening behind the scenes at The Watercress Line.

https://watercressline.co.uk/

30/10/2026

The Witches of Watercress Woods have arrived at the railway!🧙🏼‍♀️✨🎃

Can you help us to protect the train from the witches? Join us today and tomorrow (30th & 31st October) for Halloween fun without the fright. Tickets available on the door!🎟️🎟️🎟️

30/10/2026

This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel behind Wightwick Hall 6989 at The Watercress Line 🚂💗

This was a particularly rare and special opportunity, as this magnificent steam locomotive has been chosen to play the iconic Hogwarts Express in the highly anticipated new Harry Potter television series! ⚡️🪄

But what makes this historic engine even more remarkable is the incredible story behind it.

Wightwick Hall 6989, a BR (WR) 4-6-0 5MT steam locomotive, was rescued from Barry Island scrapyard in January 1978 by volunteers from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. What followed was a meticulous restoration process spanning more than 40 years, bringing this wonderful piece of railway history back to life.

Once destined to become scrap metal, Wightwick Hall will now take on the role of one of the world’s most famous steam locomotives, with this exciting collaboration helping to secure its future for many years to come.

For just three days this week, The Watercress Line hosted special services featuring Wightwick Hall 6989, giving visitors the rare chance to travel behind this extraordinary engine.

Are you looking forward to the new Harry Potter television series? And have you caught a glimpse of Wightwick Hall too? ✨

~~~~~~~~

* kindly gifted ticket

******er

🎃 THIS SATURDAY: Halloween on the Real Ale Train 🍻Final boarding call for a spooky journey through the Hampshire country...
29/10/2026

🎃 THIS SATURDAY: Halloween on the Real Ale Train 🍻

Final boarding call for a spooky journey through the Hampshire countryside this Saturday night (31st October)!

🍺 Flower Pots Brewery - pouring their brand-new Golden Ale ‘Baronwood Gold’ (4.4% ABV) alongside local ales & ciders at £4.50/pint.
🚨 Extra Compartments Released: A few previously sold-out 6-person compartments are back up for grabs.
🎟️ FREE pint voucher with all online advance tickets!
🍔 Hot food served onboard.

⏰ Departs Alton at 7:00 PM, returning at 10:30 PM.

Book now: https://buff.ly/5UFQ6Ju

Attending the Halloween Horror Train this week?🚂Make sure to collect your complimentary drink before your spooky journey...
28/10/2026

Attending the Halloween Horror Train this week?🚂

Make sure to collect your complimentary drink before your spooky journey begins! Choose between our Alcoholic Passionfruit Punch or our Frightfully Fruity Mocktail.🍹

There are still tickets available for October 29th, 30th & 31st for an immersive horror experience at the railway. Book soon before they vanish!👻

🎟️ https://buff.ly/lTbFSlq

27/10/2026

This time next month, the railway will be alive with Christmas glow and music once again!🎄✨️

Steam Illuminations returns from the 27th of November until the 2nd of January to spread festive joy and New Year's fun throughout the season.

Whether you're looking for cozy Christmas Vibes or Party Anthems, we've got you covered!🪩

Find out more and book here: https://buff.ly/kXQdplr

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

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