Mid-Hants Railway

The Mid-Hants Railway, better know as the Watercress Line, was opened in 1865 as part of the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway and became part of British Rail until closure in 1973. The 10 mile section of line between Alresford and Alton was reopened by volunteers who offer a great train experience to visitors of all ages.

You can travel by steam or heritage diesel train every weekend from January to October and Tuesdays to Thursday between May and September. Real Ale Trains run on Saturday evenings and the regular dining services offer Sunday lunch.

If you have Adobe® Shockwave® player on your PC, place your mouse over the picture. We are very grateful to Edward Dyer for the photographs of the A4 #60019 "Bittern" and the Standard Class Five #73096 steam locomotives. We are also very grateful to Dawn Poundall for the sound of an A4 "Bittern".

Another major attraction on the Watercress Line is "A Day Out With Thomas". Check out the website for the next Thomas event!

At one time, up to 14 tons of watercress a day were despatched from Alresford to destinations all over the country using this railway, hence the name "Watercress Line".

For more information on the railway and to see some of the 9000 photos and 500 web-movies on the 440 web pages, go to the official Mid-Hants Railway website.