The Watercress Line

13/06/2026

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:
27 June
18 & 25 July
1 & 29 August
5 & 26 September
24 October

Secure your seat (and your FREE pint) when you book in advance.

Book now: https://buff.ly/S6Kobmv

12/06/2026

🚂 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.

Miniature rides are free (donations appreciated). If you would like to travel on the main railway over the weekend, you can buy tickets here: https://buff.ly/2p35UjS

Find out more about the Miniature Steam Gala on our website: https://buff.ly/eEGFQG2

11/06/2026

🍽️ Visit The Watercress Line for a traditional Sunday Lunch onboard the ever-popular Countryman dining train.

Watch the picturesque Hampshire countryside drift by as you enjoy a three course meal, in our First Class dining carriages of a beautifully restored, 70 year old train. ✨

Find out more and book your table on our website: https://buff.ly/KR8VdAz

10/06/2026

We are absolutely delighted to announce that our second visitor for the Diesel Gala has been confirmed as Class 31 31210, courtesy of Jason Hall.

The Class 31 (or Brush type 2 as they were originally known) were a fleet of 263 locomotives built by the Brush Traction Company in the Falcon Works in Loughborough. The locomotives were built between 1957 and 1962 initially planned for the Eastern Region, and then later used on the Midland and Western Regions as well.

There will be plenty of opportunities to travel behind this fantastic locomotive throughout the weekend, 10th - 12th July.

Find out more and book your tickets on our website: https://buff.ly/DSVEI8T

📸 Jason Hall

10/06/2026

Dorothy has arrived! Visit us this weekend to see her alongside the Retro Wheels & Rails festivities, 13th - 14th of June!🚂

https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/retro-wheels-and-rails/

Dorothy made it to The Watercress Line at Ropley safely!! 😍

Thanks for following along with us! 🎉

Come and see us this weekend at The Retro Wheels and Rails event!
Showcasing vehicles, music and nostalgia from the 1940’s to the 1970’s!

09/06/2026

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.

Let us know if you see her on her travels and include the hashtag

Find out more about Retro Wheels & Rails here: https://buff.ly/3YPpqi7

📸 Twyford Waterworks

08/06/2026

🚂 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. ✨

Find out more and book your tickets on our website: https://buff.ly/3YPpqi7

📸 Matt Bentley

07/06/2026

🚂 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.

✨ And there are plenty of perks too:
• 40% off food and soft drinks on duty
• Free family tickets each year, including Day Out With Thomas
• 10% off retail items
• Unlimited free standard travel with your volunteer ID
• Reciprocal free travel on selected heritage railways
• Lifetime free travel after 20 years’ service
And more!

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful, explore how you can get involved: https://buff.ly/wmtAPJz

06/06/2026

🚂 Tickets for our Autumn Steam Gala are now on sale!

This event is a chance to enjoy unlimited rides behind visiting locomotives as well as our home-fleet locomotives, running on an enhanced timetable. Take part in driver experiences with 1788 'Kilmersdon', under the guidance of a driver and fireman, behind the scenes tours and more throughout the weekend.

📆 2nd - 4th October

See first visitor, 41313 Ivatt Tank Engine, running alongside our very own 41312 and other home fleet locomotives. Stay tuned for more announcements coming soon!👀

Book your tickets via our website: https://buff.ly/mlAAmGh

📸 John Faulkner

05/06/2026

✨Behind every magical moment at The Watercress Line is a team of volunteers who make our events unforgettable. From welcoming visitors with a friendly smile to setting up activity areas, supporting entertainers, guiding families and keeping everything running smoothly, our events volunteers bring energy, creativity and heart to every occasion.

Whether it’s a bustling family event, a themed weekend or a heritage celebration, these volunteers are the reason our events feel special. Their teamwork and enthusiasm help create the atmosphere our visitors love.

If you love lively days, enjoy meeting people or want to be part of the buzz behind the scenes, explore how you could volunteer in an events role: https://buff.ly/wmtAPJz

Contact us at [email protected] or call at 01962587058 📞

📸 John Goodman, Steve Morley, Jeremy De Souza