The Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line

Hampshire’s Watercress Line heritage railway is a piece of living history. Its classic steam and diesel-powered trains terminate at Alresford station, a short walk from the Pink House Bed & Breakfast.

Cutting through the beautiful Hampshire countryside from Alton mainline station to Medstead & Four Marks, Ropley and finally Alresford, the Watercress Line is — according to the Independent newspaper — one of the fifty best railway journeys in the world.

The railway boasts a fleet of majestic steam locomotives, diesel engines, old-fashioned coaches and goods wagons. The line’s steep gradients demand a lot of the steam engines, bringing the age of steam to life in all its vigour and emotion.

The Watercress Line stations and signal box have been equally lovingly restored, and have provided a backdrop for many film and television productions.

The Watercress Line also runs a number of special services, including the luxury dining train and the real ale train — a chance to enjoy some of Hampshire’s finest real ales as you let the train take the strain. Regular appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, meanwhile, ensure that younger visitors go home with smiles on their faces.

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