Mid Hants Railway - Watercress Line, Hampshire

The Watercress Line, also known as the Mid-Hants Railway, is a heritage railway in Hampshire running 16 km from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network. It was opened in 1865.

Historically the line was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London. The railway operates regular scheduled services, along with dining trains and numerous special events throughout the year.

The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975. and reconstruction of the line progressed in stages. The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977, to provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at Ropley. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened in 1983 and the final section to Alton opened two years later.

The Watercress Line plays host to a small collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages and restored wagons, largely from the 1940s to 1960s period. Locomotives operated include Bulleids West Country Class, the Lord Nelson class, the BR Standard Class 5 and a Class 205 'Hampshire Unit', Class 33 and a Class 08 diesel shunter.

Opening Times

Check the website to see the service time table.

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Ticket Prices

Standard Service Fares
Adult: £14
Child (2-16): £7
Family - 2 Adults & 2 Children (2-16): £35
Under 2's Travel Free

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Disabled Facilities

All the scheduled services are capable of carrying up to six fixed wheelchairs in the brake compartment, reachable via ramps at any of our stations. There is also a specially adapted carriage with a customised open space designed for wheelchair use around fixed tables.

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More Information

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