
Opened in October 1865 as the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway, it became part of British Railways until its hotly-contested closure in 1973. It runs for 10 miles through the idyllic countryside along the border of the South Downs National Park, between the market towns of Alton and Alresford. It’s Hampshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway. The Watercress Line gets its name from its role in transporting the crop to London in the early 20th century. Don’t forget to book your tickets online beforehand.” “Our nostalgia-packed weekend will send visitors back in time to an era when these vehicles helped to transport goods and people to the railways and is sure to bring back memories for older generations. The Watercress Line’s Interim CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming a wonderful range of different modes of transport from Britain’s industrial past, to the Watercress Line. Refreshments will be available at Ropley’s T-Junction and Beer Junction which can be enjoyed while overlooking glorious South Downs countryside. Tickets for this evening entertainment can also be bought separately online. Vintage buses will be displayed at Alresford Station and two miniature railways will also be running for visitors at Ropley.Įvening entertainment with Dr Busker, 'The Last Victorian Pub Pianist', is planned for June 10 at Ropley and included in the event ticket price.

There will be regular steam trains running along the Watercress Line’s famous 10-mile route, allowing visitors to hop on and hop off to enjoy the heritage stations. READ MORE: The supermarket café with most amazing cake, pastry and cookie selection There will also be steam crane, wood sawing and stone crusher demonstrations in Ropley yard over the weekend. Wattie Pollock, a general-purpose steam engine built in 1912, will be among the exhibits dating from 25 years old to pre-war. Held on June 9 to 11, visitors young and old will be able to discover an impressive line-up of yesteryear vehicles including vintage cars, classic motorbikes, old tractors, full-size and miniature traction engines, classic commercial vehicles and retro buses as well as steam locomotives. The Watercress Line in New Alresford runs special steam trips throughout the year, but this June it is hosting a three-day event celebrating vintage vehicles including Aveling and Porter steam roller ‘Remus’.

Located 25-minutes' drive from Farnham in Surrey is a railway oozing with nostalgia, charm and splendour from a bygone era.
