Where does the Watercress Line start?

The Watercress Line is located just off the A31, about seven miles from Winchester. It is recommended that visitors start their journey from either Alresford or Alton. Parking is available at Alresford and Alton.

Where does the Watercress Line start and finish?

The Watercress Line is the marketing name of the Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running 10 miles (16 km) from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network.

Why is it called the Watercress Line?

The Mid Hants Railway is generally known as the Watercress Line thanks to its proud history of transporting watercress to the fresh produce markets of the UK during the boom in popularity in Victorian times.

Are dogs allowed on the Watercress Line?

We are a dog friendly site and dogs travel FREE on the line.

When is the next Alresford Watercress Festival?

Every May they come together in a celebration of their shared past, and their shared future, at the Alresford Watercress Festival (the next is Sunday 19 May 2019). Festival goers can travel from Ropley to Alresford reliving the heyday of steam as they travel along the line named after the crop that helped to build it.

When did the Watercress Line close in Alton?

The Watercress Line was listed for closure in the famous Beeching plan in 1963 and finally closed on 4 February 1973. The line could have been lost forever, but plans for preservation were already in place and the 10 mile route from Alresford to Alton was secured pending purchase.

When did the Alton Alresford and Winchester Railway open?

Originally known as the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway, the line opened on 2 October 1865 and was predominantly a goods line, intended to fill the gap between Alton and the main route from London to Southampton, 2.5 miles north of Winchester.

What was the history of the Watercress Line?

History of the Watercress Line. The history of the railway dates back to June 1861, when the Alton, Alresford & Winchester Railway was officially incorporated. At the time the London & South Western Railway had a main line from London to Southampton via Winchester and a line from Guildford to Alton, yet the people living in Alresford felt isolated.