Welcome to this visitors’ guide to the Watercress Line, designed to help you make the most of your visit. This Quick Guide summarises the main features of the railway or you can opt for a tour with more photos
The railway runs 10 miles from Alresford to Alton, on the way visiting Ropley and Medstead & Four Marks. The main features of each of the four stations are listed below.
 |
Headquarters of our railway. Typical country market
town station
Car park (pay and display) The Old Goods Shed visitor centre Shop in Goods Shed Picnic site with view of whole station (up slope from station forecourt) Historical goods office reconstruction (in Goods Shed) Information office (on station) Station buffet (open every day except Mondays) Toilets (in Goods Shed and on station) Disabled and baby changing facilities (in Goods Shed) |
 |
Country station famous for its topiary. There was once
a small goods yard here for handling local freight traffic. Now the
engineering centre of the Watercress Line
Shop Engine shed and yard Picnic area with tables/benches and children’s play area Elevated position for viewing railway operations Lineside footpath close to arriving and departing trains Toilets Disabled facilities |
 |
Country station in an idyllic setting. Well worth a
visit to sample the atmosphere between trains. Now the location of the
railway’s building and signal & telegraph
departmental workshops.
Limited car parking on forecourt (free car park five minutes walk away in Four Marks) Ticket hall with historic artifacts Toilets (including designated ladies room) |
 |
The Watercress Line uses Platform 3 of Network
Rail’s station, which has been decorated throughout in late
Southern Railway livery. Alton
provides the connection for trains heading to and from London and
elsewhere. Tickets for Watercress Line services are available from the
SWT booking office or from the on-train Ticket Collector. Access to
Platform 3 is over the footbridge. If advance warning is given
arrangements can be made for less able visitors to use the foot
crossing over the Network Rail tracks, although the easier level access
at Alresford is recommended. Car park (pay and display - cheaper parking is available in the town or at Alresford) Shop Information kiosk where hot drinks may be purchased Toilets, including facilities for the disabled |
| For SATELLITE NAVIGATION DEVICES, AUTOROUTE SOFTWARE, etc., needing postcode information: | ||
| Alresford station: | SO24 9JG | |
| Ropley station: | SO24 0BL | |
| Medstead & Four Marks station: | GU34 5HN | |
| Alton station: | GU34 2PZ | |
|
The Watercress Line,
The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, England, SO24 9JG |
Latest
News from the Watercress Line
Loco Shed: Latest Reports and Photos
How to get to the Watercress Line
