The Watercress Line

The Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the 'Watercress Line', is a heritage railway saved from extinction by a band of enthusiastic volunteers. They raised enough money to re-open the line as a visitor attraction from Alresford to Ropley in 1977 and eventually to Alton by 1985.

The railway operate a fleet of steam locomotives, most of them of the larger classes, as they are required to work hard to haul trains up and over the steeply graded line. Today the railway runs the full 10 miles between the market towns of Alresford and Alton, preserving an important piece of our 1940’s – 70’s railway heritage for this generation and many more to follow.

The Mid Hants Railway is a not for profit organisation which has always been funded by the generosity of its supporters and visitors.  All profit generated from your visit is reinvested in the railway to ensure that this piece of Britain's railway heritage will still be here for future generations to enjoy.  We thank you for your generosity and your support of this aim.