Due to technical issues, 31210 is unable to join us for the Diesel Gala this weekend. We have updated Friday's public timetable and are in the process of updating the workings for this weekend. Please note that 2A09 & 2A13 are booked to leave Ropley a few minutes earlier than the previous timetable.

Heritage trains + cream tea = the perfect day out. 💙🚂 Join us on 1 July, 12 & 13 August, 10 September or 16 October for a heritage journey through Hampshire with a delicious cream tea served onboard. All‑day travel included! Book now for a treat on the rails: buff.ly/2VImmcB #WatercressLine

🚂🍺Hop onboard the Real Ale Train and enjoy a rolling pub experience through the stunning Hampshire countryside! 📆 18 & 25 July (SOLD OUT) 📆 1 & 29 August 📆 5 & 26 September 📆 24 October Gather your crew and book now!👇 buff.ly/UPQkhUL #WatercressLine #AleTrain #RealAle #NightOut

📢 Visitor Announcement 📢 We're delighted to announce the final visitor to the Diesel Gala (10 - 12 July): 66613, thanks to Heavy Haul Rail. She will be running on Friday & open for cab visits and display on Saturday & Sunday. Book now: buff.ly/EtflWMJ Photo: W Evans-Addy #dieselengines #trains

Don't forget to book your tickets for this weekends Diesel Gala! Join us from the 10th - 13th of July for an intensive timetable, celebrating diesel power with our home-fleet and special guest locomotives. Find out more on our website: buff.ly/0uXWVHM 📸 Warwick Falconer #WatercressLine #Diesel

All aboard for a rockin’ good time at The Watercress Line! 🎶 From 4–9 August, Thomas & Friends™ are rolling into town for the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, and you’re invited! 🎟️ Book your Thomas adventure now and make magical memories with the whole family buff.ly/eHjHiV0

Step onboard the train for a Murder Mystery evening, with two thrilling storylines remaining for 2026. Join us for a First Class whodunnit, a three‑course dinner, and a night of vintage mystery you won’t forget. 1950s attire optional. Sleuthing skills essential. Book your table: buff.ly/OL7cPgI

📢 Visitor Announcement! Due to the risk of lineside fires with the current dry conditions, all train services this weekend will be hauled by our heritage diesel locomotives. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

History meets horsepower at The Watercress Line’s Diesel Gala: 10–12 July 2026! Three days on steep gradients with an intensive timetable.💥 From Type 1 to Type 5, experience the full spectrum of British Rail diesel traction, including visiting stars. 🎟️ Book now: buff.ly/0uXWVHM #WatercressLine

🍽️Treat yourself or a loved one to a traditional Sunday Roast on a heritage train!🚂 Watch the Hampshire countryide drift by as you enjoy a roast, onboard our beautifully restored train. Complete with all the staples of a delicious roast, this is not a meal you want to miss out on! buff.ly/eL3Zkym

🚂 We are opening our stations once again for the Engineering Open Weekend, 12-13 September! Visit our engineering hub at Ropley, where you can view current restoration projects throughout the yard, engineering shed and and carriage shop viewing gallery. Find out more and book here: buff.ly/SpkdXkQ

🚂 Day Out With Thomas™: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to The Watercress Line! 💙 Book tickets for your train ride adventure today to enjoy a whole day out, with all the family! buff.ly/cj6a1Oq #WatercressLine #DayOutWithThomas #ThomasAndFriends

We are delighted to announce that our final visitor for the July Diesel gala will give us the diesel equivalent of a “royal flush” with a Type 3, in the form of Class 33 number 33108, courtesy of our friends at 33/1 Preservation Company. Visit our website for more information: buff.ly/0uXWVHM

🍽️ Treat yourself to a casual dining experience at The Watercress Line this summer! Collect a freshly prepared boxed meal from the West Country Buffet and board the train for a peaceful return journey through the Hampshire countryside. Visit our website to find out more: buff.ly/otjeEDU

We are so pleased to share that the second visitor for our Autumn Steam Gala will be Heavy Freight GWR tank 4247, appearing courtesy of Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Join us from the 2nd-4th of October! Find out more and book tickets on our website: buff.ly/FGFsz1C 📸 Joseph Hart

Stroll through historic Alresford, guided by those who know it best!☀️ Travel through rolling countryside and step into a story a thousand years in the making. From pastel Georgian streets to the 800‑year‑old Mill, this guided walk brings history to life, followed by cake and a hot drink.

Visit The Watercress Line for a countryside escape with a twist...🍇 Ride a heritage train from Alton to Alresford, hop on the vineyard shuttle and discover the stunning Pinglestone Estate on a 90‑minute guided tour and tasting. Visit our website for more details: buff.ly/ldXvqyy #WatercressLine

We are absolutely delighted to announce Class 60 no. 60099 Ben More Assynt will be visiting at our Diesel Gala, courtesy of DCRail. This locomotive will be making history as the first time Class 60 no. 60099 that has ever run on any heritage railway! 1/3

🚂 Step onboard The Wine Line next month for an evening of elegance, delicious charcuterie and fine wines. Taste local wines, presented to you by experts, who will guide you through the flavours, styles and stories behind every glass. Find out more and book your experience today: buff.ly/AKCC57G

🍺Step into the 70s aboard the legendary Real Ale Train this Saturday - 27th June!🐀 Expect disco tunes, retro vibes, local ale from Hogs Back Brewery, hot food on board and an evening of pure nostalgia. Flares encouraged, good times guaranteed!🪩 buff.ly/rZG3uy7 #WatercressLine #RealAle

Sunny weather has you thinking about summer? Join us this August for Day out With Thomas!🚂 Thomas the Tank Engine is visiting The Watercress Line from the 4th - 9th August for loads of music-inspired fun, live shows with Rusty & Dusty, train rides and more!🎵 Find out more: buff.ly/cj6a1Oq

All aboard the Real Ale Train! 🍻🚂 Book in advance and you’ll even snag a FREE pint voucher with every ticket. With pints just £4.50 and a rotating line-up of brilliant local breweries, it’s the ultimate night out for ale lovers. Departing Alton at 7pm and returning by 10:30pm. 🎟️ buff.ly/rZG3uy7

Feel the power of heritage diesel traction at the Watercress Line’s Diesel Gala, 10th – 12th July 2026. 🚂✨ Three full days of visiting locomotives, home‑fleet favourites, guided tours and the unmistakable sights and sounds of diesel engines working hard. 🎟️ Book tickets now: buff.ly/mb7U6st

🍇 New Tour Experience! ✨ Join us for a scenic train journey, vineyard tour and wine tasting, in collaboration with Louis Pommery England at the Pinglestone Estate Vineyard. Find out more and book your tickets on our website: buff.ly/xlTNibR #WatercressLine #LouisPommery #Vineyard #Experience

Join Alton Regional Group on Thursday 25th June for a presentation about The History of Railways Within 20 Miles of Ropley with Peter Cutler. The meeting will be held at Alton Community Centre from 7:30pm, for a £5 entrance fee. Visit our website to find out more: buff.ly/VmjbceM

Can you crack the case?👀✨ Join us onboard the Murder Mystery train for a night to remember. Enjoy a three course meal in our First Class carriages while the action unfolds around you and you ponder the case. 27th June 29th August 26th September buff.ly/MawzxBc #WatercressLine #MurderMystery

🚂✨ Treat a special dad to a trip on the Sunday Carvery Express - heritage travel from Alresford to Alton, followed by a freshly prepared carvery at Alton House Hotel. Running on 21 & 28 June, plus select dates through July–October. Book your experience: buff.ly/UFJ9Q17 📸 Jeremy De Souza

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that we are the winners of the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 for Best Family Experience! We were up against some strong competition, so this comes as a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much for all your support! buff.ly/96E47EU #WatercressLine #MuddyAwards

The Croydon Group AGM will be held at St Mary Magdalene with St Martin Church, Canning Road, Croydon, CR0 6QD on Monday 29th of June. The AGM will be followed by members slides. All are welcome to attend for a suggested donation of £4. More information can be found on our website: buff.ly/5C3Npqm

All aboard for a journey through Hampshire’s rolling countryside to the Pinglestone Estate Vineyard, home of Louis Pommery England. Travel by heritage train, wander 40 hectares of vines and savour a guided tasting of three estate-grown wines.🍇🚂 Book your experience here: buff.ly/xlTNibR

Here comes the Real Ale Train! 🍻 Join us for a three‑and‑a‑half‑hour journey through Hampshire with local ales, hot food, and great company. 🌟 Special highlight: 70s Night on 27 June — dress to impress! Running on selected Saturdays! Book now: buff.ly/S6Kobmv #WatercressLine #RealAleTrain

🚂 The Ropley Miniature Railway Steam Gala is rolling in on 20th & 21st June, 10am–4pm. See Edmund Hannay from the Hastings Miniature Railway, Pulborough from the South Downs Light Railway and our very own Ivor running throughout the weekend.

🍽️ Visit The Watercress Line for a traditional Sunday Lunch onboard the ever-popular Countryman dining train. Watch the Hampshire countryside drift by as you enjoy a three course meal, in our First Class dining carriages. ✨ Find out more and book your table on our website: buff.ly/KR8VdAz

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor for the July Diesel Gala has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall. The Class 31 were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough.

Keep an eye out for 'Dorothy'! She's travelling from Twyford Waterworks to The Watercress Line on Wednesday ahead of our Retro Wheels & Rails event on 13th & 14th June. She will depart Twyford Waterworks at 12 noon, arriving at Ropley at around 4:15pm.

🚂 Celebrate the changes of road, rail, music and more through the '40s to the '70s at The Watercress Line this weekend! Retro Wheels & Rails is back on the 13th & 14th of June, with live music, classic cars, throwback fun, wartime Britain and more. ✨ buff.ly/3YPpqi7 📸 Matt Bentley

🚂 Volunteering with us means joining a community that keeps history alive. You’ll help preserve steam travel for future generations, work alongside dedicated people who share your passion, stay active and experience the joy of seeing visitors enjoy the results of your hard work.

🚂 Tickets for our Autumn Steam Gala are now on sale! 📆 2nd - 4th October See first visitor, 41313 Ivatt Tank Engine, running alongside our very own 41312 and other home fleet locomotives. Book your tickets via our website: buff.ly/mlAAmGh 📸 John Faulkner #WatercressLine #SteamGala #Autumn

✨Behind every magical moment at The Watercress Line is a team of volunteers who make our events unforgettable. Whether it’s a bustling family event, a themed weekend or a heritage celebration, these volunteers are the reason our events feel special.

🚗From 1940s vehicles to 1970s games consoles, each station along the line transforms into a different era. Enjoy live music, vintage displays, heritage trains, retro food, and hands‑on activities for all ages. 📆 13th & 14th June buff.ly/6uejJGc #WatercressLine #HeritageRailway #ClassicCars

At The Watercress Line, our catering and retail teams play a huge part in creating memorable days out for our visitors. If you’d like to join our wonderful volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you. 📧 [email protected] 📞 01962 587058 🌐 buff.ly/wmtAPJz #WatercressLine

🚌 Did you know that on the first Sunday of each month Medstead Depot Omnibus Group run a FREE vintage bus in Alresford? This weekend (7th June) ex Aldershot & District Dennis K4 double decker will be running from Alresford Station on a 20 minute circular route of the local area. buff.ly/pY4CB2E

Steam, scenery and a beautifully served carvery at the Alton House Hotel - a perfect June treat. Join us aboard the Sunday Carvery Express on 7th, 21st or 28th of June and enjoy a relaxed dining experience in the Hampshire countryside. 🚂🌿 buff.ly/ScyO8Y8 📸 Jeremy De Souza #WatercressLine

Looking for weekend plans? There are a few spaces available for a Brewery Tour & Train Ride on Saturday 6th of June, in collaboration with Triple fff Brewery!🍺 Visit our website for more details: buff.ly/rJZZYEr #WatercressLine #Triplefff #BreweryTour #Hampshire

🚂This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the amazing people who keep The Watercress Line running. If you’ve ever thought about joining our volunteer community, our upcoming Volunteer Welcome Days are the perfect way to get started: 7th June, 25th July, 6th September, 18th October & 29th November

Summer in the countryside is calling, so grab your family, pick your perfect picnic box, and enjoy a nostalgic steam‑train adventure through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire scenery.🌞🥪 Visit our website for more details: buff.ly/vvX4Oku #WatercressLine #Summer #Picnic #SchoolsOut

Don’t miss your final chance this May half term to join Thomas & Friends for a rockin’ railway adventure at The Watercress Line!🎶🚂 If you can’t make it this May, don't forget that Thomas will be back 4th - 9th of August! buff.ly/bacN0Jp 📸 Tony Storey #WatercressLine #DayOutWithThomas

🚂 Join us in June for Retro Wheels & Rails! Our 40s-70s event returns for another weekend of celebrations through the decades. Each station is themed for a different decade, complete with singers, activities, vehicles and train rides!🚗✨ Book your tickets via our website today - buff.ly/6uejJGc

All aboard for an unforgettable night of Murder Mystery and First Class dining…🍽️ ✨ 2026 Dates: 27 June, 29 August & 26 September 🎟️ Book your tickets now and step into the story: buff.ly/YuaJ9vD #WatercressLine #MurderMystery #DiningExperience #DiningTrain

📣ONE LAST CHANCE TO VOTE BEFORE 1PM TODAY!📣 We are so pleased to share that we have made it into the Finals of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026! Please vote for us in the 'Best Family Experience' category here: buff.ly/gi3XWx5 #WatercressLine #MuddyStilettos