Mid Hants Railway “ Watercress Line”
The Railway Station, Alresford, SO24 9JG
T: 01962 733810  
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

W: www.watercressline.co.uk

 Let the train take the strain as you sit back, relax and watch mile after mile of beautiful Hampshire countryside pass you by at the Mid Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’. 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 steam travel!

The railway looks spectacular through every season, from the delightful bluebells in spring, golden summer fields, the glorious colours of autumn and magical frosts in winter. From the pretty Georgian town of New Alresford with its bustling station through to the restful open spaces and famous topiary at Ropley, up the steep climb to the picturesque country station at Medstead & Four Marks, the highest station in the South of England, and then down into the busy market town of Alton - each station has a distinct character that is a delight to explore.

Mid-week this is especially popular for groups who can enjoy lunch or a cream tea on board the train; groups of 15 or more qualify for reduced fares.
The steam enthusiasts amongst you are invited to take a stroll around the outside of the engineering yard at Ropley station and see the large locomotives and carriages being refurbished  by both volunteers and paid staff and at Ropley station you can also see the interpretive display of a 1950's Station Master's lounge and the new wheel -drop shed. The Old Goods Shed at Alresford station houses a gift shop packed full of interesting souvenirs for all ages, railway related books & dvd's plus a good selection of railway model items.

Refreshments, play area (Ropley), picnic areas (Alresford and Ropley)  and gift shops (Alresford, Ropley & Alton) available on site.
Open weekends January to October plus Bank Holidays & Tuesdays to Thursdays from May to Sept, every day in Aug.

There are lots of special events to enjoy throughout the year for all the family, such as War On The Line 5 & 6 June, Fathers Day on the Watercress Line 20th June, Alton Bus Rally 18 July, Day Out With Thomas & Friends 7 – 15 August Summer Holidays, Autumn Steam Gala 10, 11 & 12 September, Autumn Mixed Traffic Gala 17, 18 & 19 September, Rolls Royce Sunday 10 October, Wizard Week 23 – 31 October and Santa Specials 4, 5, 11, 12, 18-24 December and Saturday night dining trains and our ever popular Real Ale Train; please see our website for more information.