Things To Do On Holiday In Hampshire: The Watercress Line

If you are planning on hiring one of our VW camper vans and are looking for things to do during your stay you may find it hard to choose! There is such a wide range of attractions and activities on offer you may want to start planning before you arrive. To help you choose we will be updating this blog regularly with ideas for things to see and places to go in Hampshire and the New Forest.

One of the most iconic sights in Hampshire has to be the famous Watercress Line. Base in Alresford near Winchester, the Watercress steam engine railway line has been used in a number of historical films and television series thanks to its trademark ‘lost in time’ appeal harking back to the image of a railway in the 1920s to 1940s. Inclusive of Alresford, Ropley, Medstead & Four Marks and Alton stations the Watercress Line still houses traditional signal boxes, signage and ticket offices suited to their time.

The true name for the line is the Mid Hants Railway, but connections with moving vast quantities of Watercress in the area dubbed it the Watercress Line. In 1973 the line was saved from demolition by a determined volunteer group, who managed to reopen the line in 1977 from Alresford to Ropley only. Since then they have extended this the full four stations from Alresford to Alton. Still a charity and not for profit the railway relies on volunteers, ticket sales and donations to keep running.

A truly rare experience, the Watercress Line is well worth a visit of you are in the area for the simple enjoyment of the steam engine and view, or for one of their many special regular events such as Sunday lunch, experience days or fine dining trains. For more information visit the Watercress Line website.

Image courtesy of The Watercress Line

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