The Watercress Line

The 'Watercress Line' (officially the Mid-Hants railway) is a heritage railway in Hampshire running vintage steam and diesel trains from Alresford to Alton on a 10-mile track.

Good question! The railway line earned the moniker 'watercress line' in the Victorian era, when freight trains ran every day to London, delivering freshly picked, locally-grown watercress to London. A great history!

A journey along the entire 10-mile Watercress Line takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes each way, with most visitors spending around 3 to 4 hours at Mid-Hants Railway when exploring the intermediate stations too.

The Watercress Line has four stations. Alresford, Ropley (where the engineering workshops are), Medstead & Four Marks (the highest station on the line) and Alton, which is the eastern terminus for the line where you can catch National Rail connections.

Yes! Into The Blue offers vouchers for experiences to drive vintage Class 31 diesel trains along the Watercress Line. They are always very popular experiences amongst rail enthusiasts, so make sure you buy and book early!

Yes. For health and safety reasons, participants need to be at least 18 years old and you will need to fit enough to be able to climb into the cab / onto the footplate of the train. If in any doubt, contact the Into The Blue customer service team during office hours. We're human and we're here to help!

The Watercress Line eastern terminus is at Alton, where you simply cross the platform for South Western trains arrive directly from London Waterloo. It's a great way to arrive at Mid-Hants railway for your experience!

Yes. Guests arriving by car can park at Alresford, which is a Winchester City Council-run pay & display car park) or at Alton, which is a South Western Railway-run station car park. Please note car parks can fill up quickly.

Railway visitors can enjoy hot and cold food and drinks at the West Country Buffet at Alresford Station. There are also several pubs located near the Watercress Line that serve food, such as The Globe at Alresford and the Anchor Inn near Alton. 

Mid-Hants railway host several events throughout the year, including 1940s-themed galas, Thomas the Tank Engine days and winter illuminations during the winter months. There's lots to keep visitors of all ages entertained on the Watercress Line!