The Watercress Belle is formed of ex British Railways Mk1 coaches including two First Class open saloons. These coaches were originally used on premier services from London Waterloo to Southampton Docks connecting into the sailings of the Ocean Liners such as the Queen Mary. Some of our Steam Locomotives preserved on the Mid-Hants Line worked these luxury services over the former Southern Region of British Railways in the Age of Steam.
First Class train fare and meal price for 2020 is £69.00 per person. Bookings taken for either two or four people or a combination of these. Departs Alresford Station at 7.15pm sharp returning to Alresford Station approximately 10.45pm. There is a minimum age of 16 and a smart dress code. The car park at Alresford Station is FREE after 6:00pm.
Booking Information
All of our dining trains are advance booking only. As these trains are
immensely popular we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Due to the fixed seating layout bookings are made per complete table of two or
table of four.
Bookings can only be made with full payment.
Menus and Dietary Requirements
All of our dining trains have a fixed menu which will be available on the
website for each particular date. If you require the vegetarian option this
must be ordered in advance. To avoid embarrassment on the day, please give
details on the booking form or at least two weeks before if
any member of your party has any special dietary requirements or allergies that
require a different meal to be provided, eg: vegan, vegetarian, gluten free,
dairy free, no nuts, no red meat, no mushrooms, no shellfish, etc. Please note
that it is impossible for us to provide an alternative to the fixed menu if we
are only advised on the day.
Prices include train fare and meal but exclude drinks. Wines, spirits, beer
and soft drinks are available from the wine waiting staff at extra cost -
please be advised that we are able to accept card payments for this, although,
regrettably, we are unable to process any contactless payments. There is an on-board bar available immediately
prior to the first departure from Alresford station. Please note that this is CASH ONLY.
To assist our staff in making the most of your visit, please indicate at the end of the booking if there is a special celebration and provide us with the name of the person or persons for whom this is a special occasion.
Departure Times
Evening dining trains depart Alresford Station at 7.15pm sharp returning to
Alresford Station approximately 10.45pm unless otherwise stated.
Dress Code
Our Watercress Belle has a smart dress code - shirts and jackets for the
gentlemen and dresses or smart trousers for the ladies. Many of our guests like
to wear formal evening dress - lounge suits and cocktail dresses. Strictly
no jeans, trainers, shorts or flip-flops.
Cancellations
We regret that there can be no refund for ‘no show’ customers.
Cancellations notified in writing, at least four weeks before the booked date
will be refunded less a £10 admin fee; shorter notice cancellations are not
entitled to a refund but the company will try to re-sell the tickets. If a
purchaser is found then the cost, less an administration charge of £10, will be
refunded.
Accessibility
Customers with limited mobility can use their wheelchair to board the service
but, due to the internal dimensions of our dining carriages, wheelchairs cannot
then be used for access to seats or for mobility once on board.
Facilities
There are four toilets on board, two in each coach.
Children
On Watercress Belle dining trains we have a minimum age of 16.
Please Note
Whilst every effort is made to haul the dining trains by steam locomotive
and use the coaches as described, there may be the need to use diesel power
and/or alternative coaching stock subject to necessity. The company reserves
the right to make such changes for whatever reason and without prior notice
being given.
No smoking or vaping is allowed anywhere on the Watercress Belle.