Facilities & Accessibility
The Watercress Line has a range of facilities and we try to make the railway as accessible as possible, given the nature of our heritage buildings, outdoor areas and rolling stock. However, accessibility is not always feasible and we offer a ‘Free Carer’ ticket* so that you effectively receive half price travel to compensate for the restricted access to our facilities.
We have two wheelchair accessible carriages. Our new accessible Bulleid Brake S4211 carriage operates on the Alresford set and can accommodate 5-6 visitors in wheelchairs with room for carers and tables to eat at. Our other wheelchair accessible carriage can accommodate 2-3 visitors in wheelchairs along with their carers with two tables to eat at.
On standard travel days the adapted carriage is on the train departing Alresford at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and departing Alton at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm but please note this will differ on special event days. Please contact us or phone on 01962 733810 for up to date information about our accessible carriages.
All of our standard travel services are capable of carrying from 2 to 6 fixed wheelchairs in the brake compartment (via ramps at any of our stations).
Despite these accessible carriages being modified, in order to transport you from the platform to the accessible carriage, we will only be able to accommodate wheelchairs with a width of 70cm due to the narrow heritage layout.
There is also the option for those who are able, to travel in any part of the train with their wheelchair stored in the brake compartment.
Ramps are available at all stations to aid boarding. Please remember that our volunteers/staff are always more than happy to help, so do ask if you have the need!
Step-less access is available for entry to all platforms from the station building. Ramp access is in place to cross platforms at Alresford, Ropley and Medstead. Alton station has a new footbridge with lifts crossing platform 1 and 2 with platform 3 for the Watercress Line adjacent.
Pay and display parking is available at Alresford and Alton stations.
Disabled parking is available at Alresford and at Alton in the South Western Railway car park. For disabled parking at events please see specific event page.
Toilets are available onboard and at all stations.
Disabled toilets are available at Alresford station in the Old Goods Shed, Ropley Station and Alton station.
Ropley station is home to our engineering base. Follow the restoration route around Ropley to learn how we maintain and restore our locomotives. The restoration route is an accessible route around the site, however, in places such as our yard the surface is uneven and may not be accessible for all.
Download our What To Expect Visual Guide here.Â
Designed to support autistic visitors in understanding what our attraction will be like and what will happen throughout the day.Â
The railway has been a dementia friendly attraction since 2016 and we are proud to be making a positive difference to the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. A number of our staff and volunteers are dementia friends and have received dementia awareness training.
Our aim is to provide families, carers and people living with dementia a place where they can come and experience the joy of steam without the worry.
The Information Office on the platform at Alresford station will be happy to help with any enquiries during your visit. This is also where all lost property is taken.
The West Country Buffet can be found on the platform at Alresford serving delicious hot and cold food, snacks and drinks.
Our main gift shop can also be found at Alresford station in the Old Goods Shed.
Refreshments and gifts can also be obtained at Ropley and Alton on most operating days. Medstead offers a range of refreshments during selected special event days.
We have a beautiful south facing picnic area at Alresford and Ropley, both offering excellent views of the trains.
Dogs on leads are welcome on our train services and at our stations, with the exception of Steam Illuminations trains and dining trains (Real Ale Train, Watercress Belle, Countryman Dining and the Royal Wessex).
Dogs travel FREE.
There is no charge to take bikes on our trains and they can be stored in the guard’s compartment, but please be aware that during special events space may be limited and we may not be able to accommodate cycles on some services. We also have bike racks available at Alresford, Medstead and Alton stations. Folded buggies can also be taken on our trains but must also be stored in the guard’s compartment.
Please contact a member of staff. There are first aid boxes on every train and in every Station Masters Office.
*One FREE carer per registered disabled full fare paying visitor. We regret that we cannot issue free carer tickets for events with reserved seating e.g. Steam Illuminations, Watercress Belle Dining. We are also unable to offer a free carer ticket against any vouchers or offers that are currently available. Carers for children under 16 must be adults.
