The Watercress Line - New Alresford

Brandon P.

A wonderful day of time travel. Driving through the countryside, with spring flowers everywhere, we were already in good spirits by the time we arrived, early to ensure a car parking space, which was cheap compared to elsewhere. We had time to look around, the volunteers were so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. There were special activities for children. We managed a couple of return rides on the day ticket, fitting in an excellent local pub lunch. The day brought back many memories, and was so relaxing and enjoyable.

David S.

Lovely preserved railway. It was a great to ride the steam trains through the countryside, and being able to stop off and explore the different stations that give a glimpse into days past.

I visited for the retro road and rail though and this was disappointing: there were very few classic vehicles, and the '40s display at Ropley just consisted of a couple of American army vehicles at the top of the car park (it took ages to find it too as no one seemed to have a clue where it was, even the staff I asked didn't know anything about it, and there was no signage!).

Mark H.

Took my grandson for a ride from Alresford to Alton. Like stepping back in time. All the staff are dressed appropriately, and all were very helpful and enthusiastic about what they were doing. Was a lovely day and well worth the money. My 2 dogs were welcome as well and free to travel.

Nadila J.

I got this as a gift for my dad's birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed this experience.

Train - Beautiful exterior and interior, views were amazing throughout the journey, was able to get off at Alton to stretch our legs for 10 mins before getting back onto the train to go back to Alresford.

Food - Fish and chips was delicious, they give you water bottle, packets of salt and pepper and vinegar as well and a cherry flapjack. Make sure you take your own sauce, this was not included.

Staff - Were polite and friendly throughout the experience.

Parking - There is a car park on site but will advise you to get there early as its quite small and limited space, paid £3 for 3 hours which isn't bad.

The only thing I would say is registering with the representative at the beginning of the journey could be better planned, but overall really good experience and will recommend to friends and family.

Stephen B.

Fantastic day spent here as a first time visitor celebrating my father’s birthday. All the stations looked immaculate. Special shout out to all the staff (from the lady who cooked our breakfast baps to the ticket officer to the station staff).
The staff looked resplendent in their uniforms which were lovingly worn with so much pride and attention to detail.
Pleased to say we had a fantastic day out and an amazing experience.

Ondra V.

I went for the over priced steam gala. 😂😑 Never been on any, so I don't know if it was steam over priced, but it wasn't cheap. But I was in the area, I wanted to visit the line she there's a good chance next time I am visiting is not running at all. But I had plenty of steam and window leaning from the old carriages. The staff was happy to help and answer any questions. I went on an event, but I still suggest visiting on a regular steam day especially if the price is really what the website says, such is £24 for all day but bad.

Tim G.

An excellent well presented heritage railway.

We went mid-week in early July on the first steam train out of Alresford which was wasn't busy at all.

Would highly recommend visiting if in the area 🚂🚂🚂

Alex

All aboard the Time Machine! We boarded at Alton and were promptly transported to a bygone era where steam ruled the rails and every platform smells vaguely of coal, oil, and British stoicism. The Watercress Line is the sort of place where even the ticket inspector seems like he might break into a Vera Lynn ballad if provoked.

We rode the full two-train service (yes, TWO!) — because one train is never enough when you're time-travelling through Hampshire. Destination: Alresford — a town so picturesque it might have been knitted by someone's nan. Cobbled streets, tearooms, and people who speak like they've just stepped out of a BBC period drama.

Bonus points for visiting in June, when the local lavender fields are in full bloom and the air smells like a Lush store exploded across the countryside. The whole experience is somewhere between Brief Encounter and Downton Abbey meets Thomas the Tank Engine.

Highlights include:

Posters advertising Epsom Races from a time when hats were mandatory and Southern Electric was apparently a big deal.

Holiday guides from 1951 encouraging you to explore “South and South East England (including the Channel Islands)” — because who needs Google Maps when you have war-era optimism?

And of course, the main attraction: a black steam engine that seems both majestic and mildly threatening, like it might judge your smartphone use.

If you’re looking for a day out where you can reflect on the golden age of travel, question the efficiency of modern rail, and be gently scolded by a man in a waistcoat for standing too near the edge — the Watercress Line delivers in full steam.

Would recommend. Just don’t forget your ration book and sense of wonder.