The Watercress Line is a heritage railway offering a scenic, family-friendly experience through the Hampshire countryside, showcasing historic steam and diesel locomotives, local history, and a commitment to preservation and education.
Due to the availability of the right engines to minimise the risk of lineside fires, all train services today are hauled by our heritage diesel locomotives.
We will be back to running steam this weekend.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Please be advised that the lift at Alton Station is presently out of order. South Western Railway will be undertaking the necessary repairs to restore it to service as soon as possible.
Our special days and events
Day Out With Thomas
4 - 9 August 2026
Peep, peep! Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line. Take a steam train ride and meet Thomas and some of your other favourite characters.
Engineering Open Weekend
12 - 13 September 2026
Explore our engineering hub at Ropley Station to view current restoration projects throughout the yard, engineering shed and carriage shop viewing gallery.Â
Autumn Steam Gala
2 - 4 October 2026
Enjoy unlimited rides behind a range of visiting locomotives as well as our home-fleet locomotives, running on an enhanced timetable.
Halloween Witches of Watercress Woods
29 - 31 October 2026
The Watercress Line transforms into a place of magic and mischief for Halloween! Visit the Witches of Watercress Woods this October half-term.
Halloween Horror Train (18+)
29 - 31 October 2026
Visit The Watercress Line for an evening of unexpected scares and frights onboard the train! Climb onboard… if you dare!
Dining Trains
Selected dates throughout the year
We have a variety of popular dining experiences available throughout the year.
Drinking Experiences
Selected dates throughout the year
We have a variety of popular drinking experiences available throughout the year.
Driver Experiences
Selected dates throughout the year
We offer a range of driver experiences on steam and diesel locomotives.
Guided Tour Experiences
Selected dates throughout the year
Enjoy one of our guided tour experiences in and around the railway.
Gift Vouchers
Treat someone you know
Our Gift Experience Cards make a wonderful present to anyone you think will enjoy The Watercress Line.
Buy Wes and Sandy Today
Meet Wes and Sandy, South Western Railway’s avian ambassadors turned into adorable soft toys.
FAMILY DAY OUT
Explore Ropley station, let off steam at our locomotive playground, get up close to our locomotives in the yard and discover more about our engineering projects and how a steam engine works in our workshop viewing galleries for the perfect family day out.
DAY OUT WITH FRIENDS
In years gone by, The Watercress Line took people on holiday, carried people to war, transported evacuees and moved all the essential goods of the area.
Today, enjoy a relaxing journey on our steam or heritage diesel trains with views of the South Downs National Park and explore the historic town of Alresford with our specially curated excursion. Take a picturesque walk through the town, browse the shops and treat yourself to a delicious lunch, with exclusive deals available for Watercress Line customers.
Get to know
us better
Check out our YouTube channel with lots of films explaining different things around our railway, who we are and what we do.
Our latest
news & updates
Keep up to date with all our latest news, blog articles and updates from around the Watercress Line.
News & Updates
Keep up to date with all our latest news, blog articles and updates from around the Watercress Line.
Get to know us
Check out our YouTube channel with lots of films explaining different things around our railway, who we are and what we do.
Our Trains
We have a wide range of steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, coaches, wagons and cranes.
VIEW OUR TRAINS
Donations
Whilst we derive income from c.125,000 visitors each year, this is typically only sufficient to cover operating costs. To sustain this heritage railway in the future, we need to raise funds – your donations will be much appreciated.
MAKE A DONATION
A visit to the Watercress Line is a trip back in time
Discover how we restore our locomotives and carriages and see restoration in action plus much more.
Around the Watercress Line
Enjoy the perfect day out for all the family, with plenty of activities included in the ticket price: play in the playground and relax in the picnic areas.
